[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 161 (Monday, November 15, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2387]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING RELIANT ENERGY HL&P/ENTEX

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN BENTSEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 15, 1999

  Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Reliant Energy HL&P/
Entex and its employees for selection by the Deer Park Chamber of 
Commerce as the 1999 Industry of the Year.
  Reliant Energy and its employees have been responsible members of the 
Deer Park community for nearly 70 years, providing residents, 
businesses, and industries with safe and reliable energy services. The 
Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission awarded the 1999 Texas 
Environmental Excellence Award in the large business category to 
Reliant Energy in recognition of the company's efforts to restore 
damaged wetlands along Clear Creek. More than 200 entrants competed for 
the state's most prestigious environmental award, which honors Texas' 
best waste reduction and pollution prevention projects.
  Reliant Energy was first organized in 1882 as Houston Electric 
Lighting & Power. It was reorganized and renamed Houston Lighting and 
Power Company in 1905. In 1999, Reliant Energy HL&P/Entex, a division 
of Reliant Energy, was formed, and is the electricity and natural gas 
provider for the Houston metropolitan area. As Reliant Energy HL&P/
Entex, it is the 10th largest electric utility in the U.S. in terms of 
kilowatt-hour sales. It serves more than 1.6 million electricity 
customers over a 5,000 square mile area in and around Houston and more 
than 730,000 natural gas customers in the Houston area.
  A true connection exists between Reliant Energy and the Deer Park 
community. More than 100 Reliant Energy HL&P/Entex employees make their 
homes in Deer Park neighborhoods. Demonstrating their generosity and 
connection to the community, the company's employees have logged more 
than 5,000 volunteer hours on projects in the Deer Park/Southeast 
Houston area.
  Reliant Energy HL&P/Entex's active involvement in the Deer Park 
community can be traced through its participation in a wide variety of 
civic organizations, including the Deer Park Chamber of Commerce, 
Communities in School and several community-based nonprofit 
organizations.
  Reliant Energy HL&P/Entex has contributed to efforts to provide a 
first-rate education for the young people of Deer Park. Last year, the 
company was a major supporter of the Deer Park Independent School 
District, donating generously for educational materials, school 
presentations and teacher training.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the employees of Reliant Energy HL&P/
Entex on being named the Deer Park Chamber of Commerce 1999 Industry of 
the Year. This honor is well-deserved for their work in expanding 
business and job opportunities, establishing safer conditions for 
workers, and initiatives to protect the environment. This award 
indicates that Reliant Energy HL&P/Entex has demonstrated a commitment 
to strengthening community relations by supporting employees' volunteer 
activities and making contributions to deserving sectors of the 
community.

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