RELIANT ENERGY, INC. 2002 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN AMENDMENT TO NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AWARD AGREEMENT

Exhibit 10.5

RELIANT ENERGY, INC.
2002 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN

AMENDMENT TO
NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AWARD AGREEMENT

THIS AMENDMENT TO NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AWARD AGREEMENT (the “Amendment”) is entered into and effective as of May 16, 2007, by and between Reliant Energy, Inc. (the “Company”) and Joel V. Staff (the “Optionee”).

WHEREAS , on May 8, 2003, the Company granted to the Optionee an Option to purchase shares of common stock of the Company under the Reliant Energy, Inc. 2002 Long-Term Incentive Plan, formerly known as the Reliant Resources, Inc. 2002 Long-Term Incentive Plan, pursuant to a Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement (“Agreement”), a copy of which is attached hereto; and

WHEREAS , the Company and the Optionee desire to amend the Agreement to limit the Option exercise period upon termination of employment;

NOW, THEREFORE , effective as of the day and year first above written, the pa