Texas retail energy provider gives to charity

Reliant Energy, an independent electric supplier under the umbrella of New Jersey’s NRG Energy, recently announced plans to donate to an environmental charity in order to boost the amount of research being conducted on electric vehicles.

According to the Houston Business Journal, Reliant will donate $25 to the Texas Trees Foundation or Trees for Houston every time one of its customers takes either a Mitsubishi “i” or Nissan Leaf for a test spin. If both vehicles are taken out for a test drive, Reliant will donate $75 to either charity.

“Last year, Texas was hit with two of the most extreme weather occurrences in the history of the state, the effects of which can still be seen in our local parks,” said Manny Rodriguez, vice president of sponsorships and charitable giving for Reliant. “Participating in the EV for Trees program allows us to help our community while encouraging customers to learn more about electric vehicles and their benefits…”

Reliant is teaming up with electric vehicle charging company eVgo to host the charity, which Arun Banskota, President of eVgo, says will give Reliant customers the opportunity to give back to their state.