HOUSTON, TX -- The Board of Directors of Reliant Energy, Incorporated (NYSE: REI) today declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $.375 per share on its common stock. The dividend is payable March 8, 2002, to holders of record at the close of business February 19, 2002.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Sandy Fruhman, Media, 713-207-3123
Marianne Paulsen, Investors, 713- 207-6500