NRG Energy Inc. (NRG) said Thursday its acquisition of Reliant Energy Inc.'s (RRI) retail business will provide new renewable-generation opportunities for the power company.

NRG Chief Executive David Crane said the company will consider a variety of technologies such as rooftop solar panels and other opportunities at the customer level.

"We expect to be very active," Crane said during a conference call with analysts.

The company said Thursday that its acquisition of Reliant's retail business will close Friday, earlier then expected. NRG Energy is buying the Houston company's Texas retail business - including the Reliant name - for $287.5 million in cash plus working capital.

Crane said he expects the acquisition to add to cash flow and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization right away.

-By Mark Peters, Dow Jones Newswires; 201-938-4604; mark.peters@dowjones.com