Use these links to rapidly review the document
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents

Filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)
Registration Statement No. 333-224684

The information in this preliminary prospectus supplement is not complete and may be changed. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell nor does it seek an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. or sale is not permitted.

Subject to Completion. Dated September 24, 2018.

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(To Prospectus dated May 4, 2018)

3,916,449 Shares

Clearway Energy, Inc.

Class C Common Stock

---

        Clearway Energy, Inc. (formerly known as NRG Yield, Inc.) is offering 3,916,449 shares of our Class C common stock to be sold in this offering.

        The Class C common stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol "CWEN." The last reported sale price on the NYSE of the Class C common stock on September 21, 2018 was $20.00 per share.

        Investing in shares of the Class C common stock involves risks. See "Risk Factors" beginning on page S-17 to read about factors you should consider before buying shares of the Class C common stock.

---

        Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission or other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus supplement. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

---

        The underwriter has agreed to purchase the shares of our Class C common stock at a price of $            per share, which will result in $            of proceeds to us before expenses. The underwriter proposes to offer the shares of common stock from time to time for sale in one or more transactions on the NYSE, in the over-the-counter market, through negotiated transactions or otherwise at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices. See "Underwriting" for additional information regarding underwriting compensation.

---

        The underwriter expects to deliver the shares against payment on September     , 2018.

Sole Book-Running Manager

UBS Investment Bank

   

Prospectus supplement dated                , 2018

---

Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

PROSPECTUS

S-i

---

Table of Contents

Notice to Investors

        A number of our subsidiaries are "public utilities" (as defined in the Federal Power Act ("FPA")) subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") because they own or operate FERC jurisdictional facilities, including certain generation interconnection facilities and various "paper" facilities, such as wholesale power sales contracts and market based rate tariffs. The FPA requires us either to obtain prior authorization from FERC prior to the transfer of an amount of our Class A common stock or Class C common stock sufficient to convey direct or indirect "control" over any of our public utility subsidiaries or to qualify for a blanket authorization granted under FERC's regulations for certain types of transfers generally deemed by FERC not to convey direct or indirect "control." We intend to conduct this offering in a manner consistent with FERC's guidance on "control" and the requirements for blanket authorizations granted under FERC's regulations. Our Restated Certificate of Incorporation (our "Charter") prohibits any person and any of its associate or affiliate companies in the aggregate, any "public utility" (as defined in the FPA), or any "holding company" (as defined in the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2005 ("PUHCA")) from acquiring, through this offering or in subsequent purchases other than secondary market transactions (as discussed under "Business—Regulatory Matters—FERC" and "Business—Regulatory Matters" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 filed on March 1, 2018 (our "2017 Annual Report")), an amount of our Class A common stock or Class C common stock sufficient to convey direct or indirect "control" over any of our public utility subsidiaries without the prior written consent of our board of directors (our "Board"). For the purposes of this offering, "control" is defined to be a direct and/or indirect voting interest of 10% or more in any of the public utility subsidiaries of our direct subsidiary, Clearway Energy LLC (formerly NRG Yield LLC) ("Clearway LLC"). Because Clearway LLC indirectly owns as much as 100% of the voting interests in certain of these public utility subsidiaries, "control" of such public utility subsidiaries would be deemed to be present if the sum of (i) the percentage ownership of an individual investor and any of its associate or affiliate companies in the aggregate of Clearway Energy Group LLC's (formerly known as Zephyr Renewables LLC) ("Clearway Energy Group") voting securities multiplied by the aggregate voting power of each class of our common stock held, directly or indirectly, by Clearway Energy Group, plus (ii) such investor's percentage ownership of each class of our common stock multiplied by the aggregate voting power of each such class not held, directly or indirectly, by GIP (as defined below), exceeds 10%. "Control" could also be present, and pursuant to our Charter, prior written consent of our Board would be required, if the aggregate direct and/or indirect voting interest in us held by an individual investor and any of its associate or affiliate companies together with a separate investment in another public utility subsidiary of ours not wholly owned by Clearway LLC exceeded the 10% threshold. This prospectus supplement does not constitute an offer to sell any shares of our Class C common stock to any person in violation of these or any other provisions of our Charter.

Certain Terms Used in this Prospectus Supplement

        Unless the context otherwise indicates, references within this prospectus supplement to:

•

"CAFD" or "cash available for distribution" for any particular period refers to Adjusted EBITDA (as defined in footnote (2) to the table set forth in the "Summary—Summary Historical Financial Data" section of this prospectus supplement) generated during the period plus cash distributions/return of investment from unconsolidated affiliates, cash receipts from notes receivable, cash distributions from noncontrolling interests, less cash distributions to noncontrolling interests, maintenance capital expenditures, pro-rata Adjusted EBITDA from unconsolidated affiliates, cash interest paid, income taxes paid, principal amortization of indebtedness, Walnut Creek investment payments, and changes in prepaid and accrued capacity payments;



•

"COD" refers to the commercial operation date of the applicable facility;

S-ii

---

Table of Contents

•

"Code" refers to the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended;



•

"Clearway Energy Group" refers to Clearway Energy Group LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (formerly known as Zephyr Renewables LLC);



•

"Clearway Inc." refers to Clearway Energy, Inc., a Delaware corporation (formerly known as NRG Yield, Inc.), and the issuer of the shares of Class C common stock being offered hereby;



•

"Clearway LLC" refers to Clearway Energy LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (formerly known as NRG Yield LLC); and



•

"Clearway Operating LLC" refers to Clearway Energy Operating LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (formerly known as NRG Yield Operating LLC).



•

"DGCL" refers to Delaware General Corporation Law;



•

"GIP" refers to Global Infrastructure Partners;



•

"IRS" refers to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service;



•

"membership interest" refers to the ownership interest in the applicable entity, including such economic interest and right, if any, to participate in the management of the business and affairs of the entity, including the right, if any, to vote on, consent to or otherwise participate in any decision or action of or by the members of the entity and the right to receive information concerning the business and affairs of the entity, in each case to the extent expressly provided in the relevant operating agreement;



•

"MW" refers to Megawatts;



•

"MWt" refers to Megawatt Thermal Equivalents;



•

"Net capacity" or "net MW" refers to the maximum, or rated, power generating capacity, in MW or MWt, of a facility or group of facilities multiplied by our percentage ownership interest in such facility as of the date of this prospectus supplement;



•

"NOLs" refers to Net Operating Losses;



•

"NRG" refers to NRG Energy, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its subsidiaries;



•

"renewable" refers to wind or solar; and



•

"sole managing member" means Clearway Inc., the sole managing member of Clearway LLC having the sole power to manage the business of Clearway LLC and all powers and rights necessary, appropriate or advisable to effectuate and carry out the purposes and business of Clearway LLC.

S-iii

---

Table of Contents

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

        This document is in two parts. The first part consists of this prospectus supplement, which describes the specific terms of this offering. The second part consists of the accompanying prospectus, which gives more general information, some of which may not be applicable to this offering.

        If the description of the offering varies between this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, you should rely on the information in this prospectus supplement. You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

        We have not, and the underwriter has not, authorized any other person to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not, and the underwriter is not, making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference is accurate only as of their respective dates. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.

        Unless the context otherwise requires or as otherwise expressly stated, references in this prospectus to "Clearway Energy," "the Company," "we," "us" and "our" and similar terms refer to Clearway Energy, Inc. and its direct and indirect subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. References in this prospectus to Clearway Inc. refer to Clearway Energy, Inc. and not any of its subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires. References to our "common stock" or our "preferred stock" refer to the common stock or preferred stock of Clearway Energy, Inc. and not any of its subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        This prospectus supplement and the documents incorporated by reference herein, include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (the "Securities Act") and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the "Exchange Act"). All statements, other than statements of historical facts, that are included in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement, or made in presentations, in response to questions or otherwise, that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate to occur in the future, including such matters as projections, capital allocation, future capital expenditures, business strategy, competitive strengths, goals, future acquisitions or dispositions, development or operation of power generation assets, market and industry developments and the growth of our business and operations (often, but not always, through the use of words or phrases such as "believes," "plans," "intends," "will likely result," "are expected to," "will continue," "is anticipated," "estimated," "projection," "target," "goal," "objective," "outlook" and similar expressions), are forward-looking statements. These factors, risks and uncertainties include the factors described elsewhere in this prospectus supplement, under Item 1A—Risk Factors in Part I, of the 2017 Form 10-K, as well as the following:

•

Our ability to maintain and grow our quarterly dividend;



•

Potential risks to us as a result of the consummation of the GIP Transaction (as defined under "Summary");



•

Our ability to successfully identify, evaluate and consummate acquisitions from third parties;



•

Our ability to acquire assets from NRG Energy, Inc. ("NRG") under the NRG ROFO Agreement (as defined under "Summary") and from GIP and Clearway Energy Group under the Clearway ROFO Agreement (as defined under "Summary");

S-iv

---

Table of Contents

•

Our ability to raise additional capital due to our indebtedness, corporate structure, market conditions or otherwise;



•

Changes in law, including judicial decisions;



•

Hazards customary to the power production industry and power generation operations such as fuel and electricity price volatility, unusual weather conditions (including wind and solar conditions), catastrophic weather-related or other damage to facilities, unscheduled generation outages, maintenance or repairs, unanticipated changes to fuel supply costs or availability due to higher demand, shortages, transportation problems or other developments, environmental incidents, or electric transmission or gas pipeline system constraints and the possibility that we may not have adequate insurance to cover losses as a result of such hazards;



•

Our ability to operate our businesses efficiently, manage maintenance capital expenditures and costs effectively, and generate earnings and cash flows from our asset-based businesses in relation to our debt and other obligations;



•

The willingness and ability of counterparties to our offtake agreements to fulfill their obligations under such agreements;



•

Our ability to enter into contracts to sell power and procure fuel on acceptable terms and prices as current offtake agreements expire;



•

Government regulation, including compliance with regulatory requirements and changes in market rules, rates, tariffs and environmental laws;



•

Operating and financial restrictions placed on us that are contained in the project-level debt facilities and other agreements of certain subsidiaries and project-level subsidiaries generally, in the Revolving Credit Facility of Clearway Operating LLC (as defined under "Summary"), in the indentures governing our 3.500% convertible senior notes due 2019 (the "2019 Convertible Notes"), our 3.250% convertible senior notes due 2020 (the "2020 Convertible Notes" and, together with the 2019 Convertible Notes, the "Convertible Notes"), Clearway Operating's 5.375% unsecured senior notes due 2024 (the "2024 Senior Notes") and 5.000% unsecured senior notes due 2026 (the "2026 Senior Notes");



•

Cyber terrorism and inadequate cybersecurity, or the occurrence of a catastrophic loss and the possibility that we may not have adequate insurance to cover losses resulting from such hazards or the inability of our insurers to provide coverage;



•

Our ability to engage in successful mergers and acquisitions activity; and



•

Our ability to borrow additional funds and access capital markets, as well as our substantial indebtedness and the possibility that we may incur additional debt going forward.

        Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and except as may be required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Any forward-looking statements included in this prospectus supplement should not be construed as exhaustive.

S-v

---

Table of Contents

S-1

---

Table of Contents

S-2

---

Table of Contents

S-3

---

Table of Contents

S-4

---

Table of Contents

S-5

---

Table of Contents

S-6

---

Table of Contents

S-7

---

Table of Contents

S-8

---

Table of Contents

S-9

---

Table of Contents

 

S-10

---

Table of Contents

S-11

---

Table of Contents

S-12

---

Table of Contents

S-13

---

Table of Contents

S-14

---

Table of Contents

S-15

---

Table of Contents

S-16

---

Table of Contents

RISK FACTORS

        An investment in our Class C common stock involves significant risks. Before making an investment decision, and in consultation with your own financial and legal advisors, you should carefully read and consider the risk factors described below as well as the other information included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and under "Risk Factors" in our 2017 Annual Report, which are incorporated in this prospectus supplement by reference.

Risks Related to this Offering and an Investment in Us

We may not be able to continue paying comparable or growing cash dividends to holders of our Class A common stock or our Class C common stock in the future.

        The amount of our CAFD principally depends upon the amount of cash we generate from our operations, which will fluctuate from quarter to quarter based on, among other things:

•

the level and timing of capital expenditures we make;



•

the level of our operating and general and administrative expenses;



•

variations in revenues generated by the business due to seasonality, weather or otherwise;



•

our debt service requirements and other liabilities;



•

fluctuations in our working capital needs;



•

our ability to borrow funds and access capital markets;



•

restrictions contained in our debt agreements (including our project-level financing and, if applicable, our corporate debt); and



•

other business risks affecting our cash levels.

        As a result of all these factors, we cannot guarantee that we will have sufficient cash generated from operations to pay a specific level of cash dividends to holders of our Class A common stock or our Class C common stock. Furthermore, holders of our Class A common stock or our Class C common stock should be aware that the amount of CAFD depends primarily on our operating cash flow, and is not solely a function of profitability, which is affected by non-cash items.

        We may incur other expenses or liabilities during a period that could significantly reduce or eliminate our CAFD and, in turn, impair our ability to pay dividends to holders of our Class A common stock or our Class C common stock during the period. Because we are a holding company, our ability to pay dividends on our Class A common stock or our Class C common stock is limited by the ability of our subsidiaries to make distributions to us, including restrictions under the terms of the agreements governing our corporate debt and project-level financing. Our project-level financing agreements generally prohibit distributions from the project entities prior to COD and thereafter prohibit distributions to us unless certain specific conditions are met, including the satisfaction of financial ratios. Our Revolving Credit Facility also restricts our ability to declare and pay dividends if an event of default has occurred and is continuing or if the payment of the dividend would result in an event of default.

        Clearway LLC's CAFD will likely fluctuate from quarter to quarter, in some cases significantly, due to seasonality. As result, we may cause Clearway LLC to reduce the amount of cash it distributes to its members in a particular quarter to establish reserves to fund distributions to its members in future periods for which the cash distributions we would otherwise receive from Clearway LLC would be insufficient to fund our quarterly dividend. If we fail to cause Clearway LLC to establish sufficient reserves, we may not be able to maintain our quarterly dividend with a respect to a quarter adversely affected by seasonality.

S-17

---

Table of Contents

        Finally, dividends to holders of our Class A common stock and our Class C common stock are paid at the discretion of our Board. Our Board may decrease the level of or entirely discontinue payment of dividends. For a description of additional restrictions and factors that may affect our ability to pay cash dividends, please read "Cash Dividend Policy."

We are a holding company and our only material asset is our interest in Clearway LLC, and we are accordingly dependent upon distributions from Clearway LLC and its subsidiaries to pay dividends and taxes and other expenses.

        We are a holding company and have no material assets other than our ownership of membership interests in Clearway LLC, a holding company that has no material assets other than its interest in Clearway Operating LLC, whose sole material assets are the project companies. None of Clearway Inc., Clearway LLC, nor Clearway Operating LLC has any independent means of generating revenue. We intend to continue to cause Clearway Operating LLC's subsidiaries to make distributions to Clearway Operating LLC and, in turn, make distributions to Clearway LLC, and, in turn, to make distributions to us in an amount sufficient to cover all applicable taxes payable and dividends, if any, declared by us. To the extent that we need funds for a quarterly cash dividend to holders of our Class A common stock or our Class C common stock or otherwise, and Clearway Operating LLC or Clearway LLC is restricted from making such distributions under applicable law or regulation or is otherwise unable to provide such funds (including as a result of Clearway Operating LLC's operating subsidiaries being unable to make distributions), it could materially adversely affect our liquidity and financial condition and limit our ability to pay dividends to holders of our Class A common stock or our Class C common stock.

Market interest rates may have an effect on the value of our Class C common stock.

        One of the factors that influences the price of shares of our Class C common stock is the effective dividend yield of such shares (i.e., the yield as a percentage of the then market price of our shares) relative to market interest rates. An increase in market interest rates, which are currently at low levels relative to historical rates but are steadily rising, may lead investors of shares of our Class C common stock to expect a higher dividend yield and, our inability to increase our dividend as a result of an increase in borrowing costs, insufficient CAFD or otherwise, could result in selling pressure on, and a decrease in the market price of our Class C common stock as investors seek alternative investments with higher yield.

If we are deemed to be an investment company, we may be required to institute burdensome compliance requirements and our activities may be restricted, which may make it difficult for us to complete strategic acquisitions or effect combinations.

        If we are deemed to be an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "Investment Company Act"), our business would be subject to applicable restrictions under the Investment Company Act, which could make it impracticable for us to continue our business as contemplated.

        We believe our company is not an investment company under Section 3(b)(1) of the Investment Company Act because we are primarily engaged in a non-investment company business. We intend to conduct our operations so that we will not be deemed an investment company. However, if we were to be deemed an investment company, restrictions imposed by the Investment Company Act, including limitations on our capital structure and our ability to transact with affiliates, could make it impractical for us to continue our business as contemplated.

S-18

---

Table of Contents

Market volatility may affect the price of our Class C common stock and the value of your investment.

        The market price of our Class C common stock may fluctuate significantly in response to a number of factors, most of which we cannot predict or control, including general market and economic conditions, disruptions, downgrades, credit events and perceived problems in the credit markets; actual or anticipated variations in our quarterly operating results or dividends; changes in our investments or asset composition; write-downs or perceived credit or liquidity issues affecting our assets; market perception of GIP or the GIP Transaction, our business and our assets; our level of indebtedness and/or adverse market reaction to any indebtedness that we may incur in the future; our ability to raise capital on favorable terms or at all; loss of any major funding source; additions or departures of our executive officers or key personnel; changes in market valuations of similar power generation companies; and speculation in the press or investment community regarding us, GIP or the GIP Transaction.

        Securities markets in general have experienced extreme volatility that has often been unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. Any broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the trading price of the Company's Class A and Class C common stock.

Volatility of market conditions may increase certain of the risks we face.

        The capital markets in general are often subject to volatility that is unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. Market volatility can affect the plans and perspectives of various market participants, including operating entities, consumers and financing providers, and may increase uncertainty and heighten some of the risks we face as a company. We and other companies may have to adjust our plans and priorities in light of such volatility.

        Risks that may increase as a result of market volatility include, but are not limited to, risks related to access to capital and liquidity and risks related to the performance of third parties, including GIP. We have significant relationships with, and in certain areas depend significantly on, NRG, GIP and Clearway Energy Group. Following the GIP Transaction, our growth strategy depends on our ability to identify and acquire additional facilities from GIP (through Clearway Energy Group) and unaffiliated third parties. We interact with or depend on GIP (through Clearway Energy Group) for many third-party acquisition opportunities and on NRG for operations and maintenance support on various pending and completed transactions. As a result, our financial and operating performance and prospects, including our ability to grow our dividend per share, may be affected by the performance, prospects, and priorities of NRG, GIP and Clearway Energy Group, and material adverse developments at NRG, GIP or Clearway Energy Group, or changes in their strategic priorities may materially affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

        Furthermore, any significant disruption to our ability to access the capital markets, or a significant increase in interest rates, could make it difficult for us to successfully acquire attractive projects from third parties and may also limit our ability to obtain debt or equity financing to complete such acquisitions. If we are unable to raise adequate proceeds when needed to fund such acquisitions, our ability to grow our project portfolio may be limited, which could have a material adverse effect on our ability to implement our growth strategy and, ultimately, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

We are a "controlled company," controlled by GIP, whose interest in our business may be different the holders of our Class C common stock.

        GIP controls approximately 55.0% (after the consummation of this offering) of our combined voting power and is able to elect all of our board of directors. As a result, we are considered a "controlled company" for the purposes of the NYSE listing requirements. As a "controlled company," we are permitted to, and we may opt out of the NYSE listing requirements that would require (i) a

S-19

---

Table of Contents

majority of the members of our Board to be independent, (ii) that we establish a compensation committee and a nominating and governance committee, each comprised entirely of independent directors, or (iii) an annual performance evaluation of the nominating and governance and compensation committees. The NYSE listing requirements are intended to ensure that directors who meet the independence standard are free of any conflicting interest that could influence their actions as directors. While we have elected to have a Compensation Committee and a Corporate Governance, Conflicts and Nominating Committee consisting entirely of independent directors and to conduct an annual performance evaluation of these committees, the majority of the members of our Board are not considered independent. Therefore, our stockholders may not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to all of the applicable NYSE listing requirements. It is also possible that the interests of GIP may in some circumstances conflict with our interests and the interests of holders of our Class C common stock.

Provisions of our charter documents or Delaware law could delay or prevent an acquisition of us, even if the acquisition would be beneficial to holders of our Class C common stock, and could make it more difficult for you to change management.

        Provisions of our Charter and bylaws may discourage, delay or prevent a merger, acquisition or other change in control that holders of our Class C common stock may consider favorable, including transactions in which such stockholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares. This is because these provisions may prevent or frustrate attempts by stockholders to replace or remove members of our management. These provisions include:

•

a prohibition on stockholder action through written consent;



•

a requirement that special meetings of stockholders be called upon a resolution approved by a majority of our directors then in office;



•

advance notice requirements for stockholder proposals and nominations; and



•

the authority of our Board to issue preferred stock with such terms as our Board may determine.

        Section 203 of the DGCL prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a business combination with an interested stockholder, generally a person that together with its affiliates owns or within the last three years has owned 15% of voting stock, for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder, unless the business combination is approved in a prescribed manner. As a result of these provisions in our charter documents, the price investors may be willing to pay in the future for shares of our Class C common stock may be limited. See "Description of Capital Stock—Antitakeover Effects of Delaware Law and Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws" in the accompanying prospectus.

        Additionally, our Charter prohibits any person and any of its associate or affiliate companies in the aggregate, public utility or holding company from acquiring, through this offering or in subsequent purchases other than secondary market transactions, an amount of our Class A common stock or our Class C common stock sufficient to result in a transfer of control without the prior written consent of our board of directors. See "Notice to Investors." While we do not anticipate that this offering will result in a transfer of control over any public utility owned by us, any such change of control, in addition to prior approval from our board of directors, would require prior authorization from FERC. Similar restrictions may apply to certain purchasers of our securities which are holding companies regardless of whether our securities are purchased in this offering or subsequent offerings by us, in open market transactions or otherwise. A purchaser of our securities which is a holding company will need to determine whether a given purchase of our securities may require prior FERC approval.

S-20

---

Table of Contents

You may experience dilution of your ownership interest due to the future issuance of additional shares of our Class C common stock.

        We are in a capital intensive business, and may not have sufficient funds to finance the growth of our business, future acquisitions or to support our projected capital expenditures. As a result, we may require additional funds from further equity or debt financings, including tax equity financing transactions or sales of preferred shares or convertible debt to complete future acquisitions, expansions and capital expenditures and pay the general and administrative costs of our business. In the future, we may issue shares under our ATM Program and our previously authorized and unissued securities, resulting in the dilution of the ownership interests of purchasers of our Class C common stock offered hereby. Under our Charter, we are authorized to issue 500,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, 500,000,000 shares of Class B common stock, 1,000,000,000 shares of Class C common stock, 1,000,000,000 shares of Class D common stock and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock with preferences and rights as determined by the Board. The potential issuance of additional shares of common stock or preferred stock or convertible debt may create downward pressure on the trading price of our Class C common stock. We may also issue additional shares of our Class C common stock or other securities that are convertible into or exercisable for our Class C common stock in future public offerings or private placements for capital raising purposes or for other business purposes, potentially at an offering price, conversion price or exercise price that is below the offering price for our Class C common stock in this offering.

If securities or industry analysts do not publish or cease publishing research or reports about us, our business or our market, or if they change their recommendations regarding our Class C common stock adversely, the stock price and trading volume of our Class C common stock could decline.

        The trading market for our Class C common stock will be influenced by the research and reports that industry or securities analysts may publish about us, our business, our market or our competitors. If any of the analysts who may cover us change their recommendation regarding our Class C common stock adversely, or provide more favorable relative recommendations about our competitors, the price of our Class C common stock would likely decline. If any analyst who may cover us were to cease coverage of our company or fail to regularly publish reports on us, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which in turn could cause the stock price or trading volume of our Class C common stock to decline.

Future sales of our common stock by GIP may cause the price of our Class C common stock to fall.

        The market price of our Class C common stock could decline as a result of sales by GIP of such shares (issuable GIP upon the exchange of some or all of its Clearway LLC Class D units) or shares of our Class A common stock (issuable to GIP upon the exchange of some or all of its Clearway LLC Class B units) in the market, or the perception that these sales could occur. The market price of our Class C common stock may also decline as a result of GIP disposing or transferring some or all of our outstanding Class B or Class D common stock, which disposals or transfers would reduce GIP's ownership interest in, and voting control over, us, as contemplated by the GIP Transaction. These sales might also make it more difficult for us to sell equity securities at a time and price that we deem appropriate. GIP and certain of its affiliates have certain demand and piggyback registration rights with respect to shares of our Class A common stock issuable upon the exchange of Clearway LLC's Class B units and/or Class C common stock issuable upon the exchange of Clearway LLC's Class D units. The presence of additional shares of our Class A and/or Class C common stock trading in the public market, as a result of the exercise of such registration rights, may have a material adverse effect on the market price of the Company's securities.

S-21

---

Table of Contents

Risks Related to Taxation

        In addition to reading the following risk factors, if you are a non-U.S. investor, please read "Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences to Non-U.S. Holders" for a more complete discussion of the expected material federal income tax consequences of owning and disposing of shares of our Class C common stock.

Our future tax liability may be greater than expected if we do not generate NOLs sufficient to offset taxable income, if federal, state and local tax authorities challenge certain of our tax positions and exemptions or if changes in federal, state and local tax laws occur.

        We expect to generate NOLs and NOL carryforwards that we can utilize to offset future taxable income. Based on our current portfolio of assets, which include renewable assets that benefit from accelerated tax depreciation deductions, we do not expect to pay significant federal income tax for a period of approximately ten years. While we expect these losses will be available to us as a future benefit, in the event that they are not generated as expected, successfully challenged by the IRS or state and local jurisdictions (in a tax audit or otherwise) or subject to future limitations from a potential change in ownership as discussed below, our ability to realize these benefits may be limited. In addition, our ability to realize state and local tax exemptions, including property or sales and use tax exemptions, is subject to various tax laws. If these exemptions are successfully challenged by state and local jurisdictions or if a change in tax law occurs, our ability to realize these exemptions could be affected. A reduction in our expected NOLs, a limitation on our ability to use such losses or our tax credits, and challenges by tax authorities to the Company's tax positions, may result in a material increase in our estimated future income, sales/use and property tax liability and may negatively impact our liquidity and financial condition.

Our ability to use NOLs to offset future income may be limited.

        Our ability to use NOLs could be substantially limited if we were to experience an "ownership change" as defined under Section 382 of the Code. In general, an "ownership change" would occur if our "5-percent shareholders," as defined under Section 382 of the Code, collectively increased their ownership in us by more than 50 percentage points over a rolling three-year period. A corporation that experiences an ownership change will generally be subject to an annual limitation on the use of its pre-ownership change deferred tax assets equal to the equity value of the corporation immediately before the ownership change, multiplied by the long-term tax-exempt rate for the month in which the ownership change occurs. Future sales of any class of our common stock by GIP, as well as future issuances by us, could contribute to a potential ownership change.

A valuation allowance may be required for our deferred tax assets.

        Our expected NOLs and tax credits will be reflected as a deferred tax asset as they are generated until utilized to offset income. Valuation allowances may need to be maintained for deferred tax assets that our estimates are more likely than not to be unrealizable, based on available evidence at the time the estimate is made. Valuation allowances related to deferred tax assets can be affected by changes to tax laws, statutory tax rates and future taxable income levels. In the event that the we were to determine that we would not be able to realize all or a portion of the net deferred tax assets in the future, we would reduce such amounts through a charge to income tax expense in the period in which that determination was made, which could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

S-22

---

Table of Contents

Distributions to holders of our Class C common stock may be taxable as dividends.

        The amount of distributions that will be treated as taxable for U.S. federal income tax purposes will depend on the amount of our current and accumulated earnings and profits. It is difficult to predict whether we will generate earnings or profits as computed for federal income tax purposes in any given tax year. Generally, a corporation's earnings and profits are computed based upon taxable income, with certain specified adjustments. Distributions will constitute ordinary dividend income to the extent paid from our current or accumulated earnings and profits, and a nontaxable return of capital to the extent of a stockholder's basis in his or her Class A or Class C common stock. Distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits and in excess of a stockholder's basis will be treated as gain from the sale of the common stock. See "Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences to Non-U.S. Holders" below.

S-23

---

Table of Contents

USE OF PROCEEDS

        We expect to receive approximately $75.0 million of net proceeds from the sale of the Class C common stock offered hereby based upon the assumed offering price of $20.00 per share, the last reported sale price of our Class C common stock on September 21, 2018, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses.

        We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering to acquire newly issued Clearway LLC Class C units from Clearway LLC. We intend to cause Clearway LLC to use such proceeds to partially fund the Carlsbad Purchase Price and to pay transaction fees and expenses.

S-24

---

Table of Contents

CAPITALIZATION

        The following table sets forth the cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and consolidated capitalization as of June 30, 2018 on (i) a historical basis and (ii) an as adjusted basis to give effect to this offering and the Senior Notes Offering, which is expected to close on October 1, 2018, as if each had occurred on June 30, 2018.

        You should read the following table in conjunction with the sections entitled "Use of Proceeds," "Summary—Summary Historical Financial Data," and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" which is incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement from our 2017 Annual Report, Second Quarter 10-Q, and our unaudited financial statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement.

S-25

---

Table of Contents

S-26

---

Table of Contents

PRICE RANGE OF OUR COMMON STOCK

        Following the GIP Transaction, our Class A common stock is now listed on the NYSE under the symbol "CWEN.A" and our Class C common stock is listed as "CWEN". The following table sets forth, for the indicated periods, the high and low sales prices per share for our Class A common stock and Class C common stock on the NYSE.

        Our Class B common stock and our Class D common stock is neither listed nor traded.

        As of September 21, 2018, the last reported sale price of our Class A common stock on the NYSE was $20.04 per share and the last reported sale price of our Class C common stock on the NYSE was $20.00 per share. As of September 21, 2018, there were two holders of record of our Class A common stock and two holders of record of our Class C common stock. The number of record holders does not include persons who held our Class A common stock or our Class C common stock in nominee or "street name" accounts through brokers.

S-27

---

Table of Contents

CASH DIVIDEND POLICY

        We intend to pay a regular quarterly dividend to holders of our Class A common stock and Class C common stock. We expect to pay a quarterly dividend on or about the 75th day following the expiration of each fiscal quarter to holders of our Class A common stock and Class C common stock of record on or about the 60th day following the last day of such fiscal quarter.

        The following table sets forth the per share dividends we have declared on our Class A Common stock and our Class C common stock for the periods indicated.

Rationale for Our Dividend

        In accordance with its operating agreement and in our capacity as the sole managing member, we intend to cause Clearway LLC to make regular quarterly cash distributions to its members in an amount equal to the CAFD generated during a given quarter less reserves for the prudent conduct of our business (including for, among other things, unplanned capital expenditures and dividend shortfalls as a result of seasonality in our cash flows), and to use the amount distributed to Clearway Inc. to pay regular quarterly dividends to holders of our Class A common stock and our Class C common stock.

        Our dividend policy reflects a basic judgment that holders of our Class A common stock and our Class C common stock will be better served by distributing all of the cash distributions we receive from Clearway LLC each quarter in the form of a quarterly dividend rather than retaining it. In addition, by providing for the provision of reserves each quarter after calculating CAFD and thereby enabling Clearway LLC to retain a portion of its cash generated from operations, we believe we will also provide better value to holders of our Class A common stock and our Class C common stock by maintaining the operating capacity of our assets and, in turn, dividend paying capacity.

        Our CAFD is likely to fluctuate from quarter to quarter, in some cases significantly, as a result of the seasonality of our assets, maintenance and outage schedules among other factors. Accordingly, during quarters in which Clearway LLC generates CAFD in excess of the amount necessary to distribute to us to pay our stated quarterly dividend, we may cause it to reserve a portion of the excess to fund its cash distribution in future quarters. In quarters in which we do not generate sufficient CAFD to fund our stated quarterly cash dividend, if our board of directors so determines, we may use sources of cash not included in our calculation of CAFD, such as net cash provided by financing activities, network upgrade reimbursements, all or any portion of the cash on hand or, if applicable, borrowings under our amended and restated credit agreement, to pay dividends to holders of our Class A common stock and our Class C common stock. Although these other sources of cash may be

S-28

---

Table of Contents

substantial and available to fund a dividend payment in a particular period, we exclude these items from our calculation of CAFD because we consider them non-recurring or otherwise not representative of the operating cash flows we typically expect to generate.

        In general, we expect that CAFD each quarter will equal Adjusted EBITDA generated during the period plus cash distributions received from unconsolidated affiliates, less:

•

pro-rata Adjusted EBITDA from unconsolidated affiliates;



•

cash interest paid;



•

income tax paid;



•

maintenance capital expenditures;



•

change in other assets; and



•

principal payments on indebtedness in accordance with the related loan amortization schedules.

Limitations on Cash Dividends and Our Ability to Change Our Dividend Policy

        There is no guarantee that we will pay quarterly cash dividends to holders of our Class A common stock and our Class C common stock. We do not have a legal obligation to pay dividends. Our dividend policy may be changed at any time and is subject to certain restrictions and uncertainties, including the following:

•

The amount of our quarterly CAFD could be impacted by restrictions on cash distributions contained in our project-level financing arrangements, which require that our project-level subsidiaries comply with certain financial tests and covenants in order to make such cash distributions. Similar restrictions are contained in our amended and restated credit agreement. Should we or any of our project-level subsidiaries be unable to satisfy these covenants or if any of us are otherwise in default under such facilities, we may be unable to receive sufficient cash distributions to pay our stated quarterly cash dividends notwithstanding our stated dividend policy.



•

As the sole managing member of Clearway LLC, we and, accordingly, our board of directors, has the authority to establish, or cause Clearway LLC to establish, cash reserves for the prudent conduct of our business and for future cash dividends to holders of our Class A common stock and our Class C common stock, and the establishment of or increase in those reserves could result in a reduction in cash dividends from levels we currently anticipate pursuant to our stated dividend policy. These reserves may account for the fact that our project-level cash flows may vary from year to year based on, among other things, changes in prices under offtake agreements, fuel supply and transportation agreements and other project contracts, changes in regulated transmission rates, compliance with the terms of non-recourse project-level financing including debt repayment schedules, the transition to market or recontracted pricing following the expiration of offtake agreements, working capital requirements and the operating performance of the assets. Furthermore, our board of directors may increase, or cause Clearway LLC to increase reserves to account for the seasonality that has historically existed in our assets cash flows and the variances in the pattern and frequency of distributions to us from our assets during the year.



•

Section 170 of the DGCL allows our board of directors to declare and pay dividends on the shares of our Class A common stock and our Class C common stock either:



•

out of its surplus, as defined in and computed in accordance with the DGCL; or

S-29

---

Table of Contents

•

in case there shall be no such surplus, out of its net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and/or the preceding fiscal year.



•

We may lack sufficient cash to pay dividends to holders of our Class A common stock and our Class C common stock due to cash flow shortfalls attributable to a number of operational, commercial or other factors, including low availability, as well as increases in our operating and/or general and administrative expenses, principal and interest payments on our outstanding debt, income tax expenses, working capital requirements or anticipated cash needs at our project-level subsidiaries.



•

Clearway LLC's cash distributions to us and, as a result, our ability to pay or grow our dividends is dependent upon the performance of our subsidiaries and their ability to distribute cash to us. The ability of our project-level subsidiaries to make cash distributions to Clearway LLC may be restricted by, among other things, the provisions of existing and future indebtedness, applicable state corporation laws and other laws and regulations.

Our Ability to Grow our Business and Dividend

        We intend to grow our business primarily through the acquisition of contracted power assets, which, we believe, will facilitate the growth of our CAFD and enable us to increase our dividend per share over time. However, the determination of the amount of cash dividends to be paid to holders of our Class A common stock and our Class C common stock will be made by our board of directors and will depend upon our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow, long-term prospects and any other matters that our board of directors deem relevant.

        We expect that we will rely primarily upon external financing sources, including commercial bank borrowings and issuances of debt and equity securities, to fund any future growth capital expenditures. To the extent we are unable to finance growth externally, our dividend policy could significantly impair our ability to grow because we do not currently intend to reserve a substantial amount of cash generated from operations to fund growth opportunities. If external financing is not available to us on acceptable terms, our board of directors may decide to finance acquisitions with cash from operations, which would reduce or even eliminate our CAFD and, in turn, impair our ability to pay dividends to holders of our Class A common stock and our Class C common stock. To the extent we issue additional shares of capital stock to fund growth capital expenditures, the payment of dividends on those additional shares may increase the risk that we will be unable to maintain or increase our per share dividend level. There are no limitations in our bylaws, and there will not be any limitations under our amended and restated credit agreement, on our ability to issue additional shares of capital stock, including preferred stock that would have priority over our Class A common stock and our Class C common stock with respect to the payment of dividends. Additionally, the incurrence of additional commercial bank borrowings or other debt to finance our growth would result in increased interest expense, which in turn may impact our CAFD and, in turn, our ability to pay dividends to holders of our Class A common stock and our Class C common stock.

S-30

---

Table of Contents

MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES TO NON-U.S. HOLDERS

        The following is a summary of the material U.S. federal income and tax consequences (and to a limited extent U.S. federal estate tax consequences) to non-U.S. holders, defined below, of the purchase, ownership and disposition of shares of our Class C common stock as of the date of this prospectus. Except where noted, this summary deals only with shares of our Class C common stock purchased in this offering that are held as capital assets by a non-U.S. holder.

        A "non-U.S. holder" means a beneficial owner of shares of our Class C common stock that is not for U.S. federal income tax purposes any of the following:

•

an individual who is a citizen or resident of the U.S.;



•

a corporation (or any other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the U.S., any state thereof or the District of Columbia;



•

any entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes;



•

an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or



•

a trust if it (1) is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (2) has a valid election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.

        If any entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds shares of our Class C common stock, the tax treatment of a partner will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. If you are a partner of a partnership holding shares of our Class C common stock, you should consult your tax advisors.

        This summary is based upon provisions of the Code, applicable U.S. Treasury regulations, rulings and judicial decisions, all as of the date of the prospectus. Those authorities are subject to different interpretations and may be changed, perhaps retroactively, so as to result in U.S. federal income tax consequences different from those summarized below. This summary does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxes and does not deal with foreign, state, local, alternative minimum or other tax considerations that may be relevant to non-U.S. holders in light of their particular circumstances. In addition, this summary does not represent a detailed description of the U.S. federal income tax consequences applicable to you if you are subject to special treatment under the U.S. federal income tax laws (including, without limitation, if you are a U.S. expatriate, financial institution, insurance company, tax-exempt organization, dealer in securities, broker, "controlled foreign corporation," "passive foreign investment company," a partnership or other pass-through entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes (or an investor in such a pass-through entity), a person who acquired shares of our Class C common stock as compensation or otherwise in connection with the performance of services, or a person who has acquired shares of our Class C common stock as part of a straddle, hedge, conversion transaction or other integrated investment). We cannot assure you that a change in law will not alter significantly the tax considerations that we describe in this summary.

        We have not and will not seek any rulings from the IRS regarding the matters discussed below. There can be no assurance that the IRS will not take positions concerning the tax consequences of the purchase, ownership or disposition of shares of our Class C common stock that are different from those discussed below.

        If you are considering the purchase of shares of our Class C common stock, you should consult your own tax advisors concerning the particular U.S. federal income, estate and gift tax consequences

S-31

---

Table of Contents

to you of the ownership and disposition of the shares of our Class C common stock, as well as the consequences to you arising under the laws of any other applicable taxing jurisdiction in light of your particular circumstances.

Dividends

        We intend to pay regular cash distributions on shares of our Class C common stock for the foreseeable future. See "Cash Dividend Policy." Distributions on our Class C common stock will constitute dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent paid from our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. To the extent those distributions exceed both our current and our accumulated earnings and profits, the excess will constitute a return of capital and will first reduce your basis in our Class C common stock (determined on a share by share basis), but not below zero, and then to the extent of any excess over basis, will be treated as gain from the sale of stock.

        The gross amount of dividends paid to a non-U.S. holder generally will be subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a 30% rate, or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty. However, dividends that are effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business by the non-U.S. holder within the United States (and, if required by an applicable tax treaty, the income is attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the non-U.S. holder in the United States) generally are not subject to the withholding tax, provided certain certification and disclosure requirements are satisfied. Instead, such dividends are generally subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis in the same manner as if the non-U.S. holder were a U.S. person as defined under the Code (unless an applicable income tax treaty provides otherwise). To obtain the exemption from withholding on effectively connected income, a non-U.S. holder must provide us, our paying agent or other applicable withholding agent with a properly executed IRS Form W-8ECI (or successor form) prior to the payment of the dividend. A corporate non-U.S. holder may be subject to an additional "branch profits tax" at a 30% rate (or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty) on its effectively connected earnings and profits attributable to such dividends.

        A non-U.S. holder of shares of our Class C common stock who wishes to claim the benefit of an applicable treaty rate and avoid backup withholding, as discussed below, for dividends will be required (a) to complete IRS Form W-8BEN or Form W-8BEN-E (or other applicable or successor form) and to certify under penalty of perjury that such holder is not a U.S. person as defined under the Code and is eligible for treaty benefits or (b) if shares of our Class C common stock are held through certain foreign intermediaries, satisfy the relevant certification requirements of applicable U.S. Treasury regulations. A non-U.S. holder who provides us, our paying agent or other applicable withholding agent with an IRS Form W-8BEN, Form W-8BEN-E, Form W-8ECI or other form must update the form or submit a new form, as applicable, if there is a change in circumstances that makes any information on such form incorrect. Special certification and other requirements apply to certain non-U.S. holders that are pass-through entities rather than corporations or individuals.

        It is possible that a distribution made to a non-U.S. holder may be subject to over-withholding because, for example, at the time of the distribution we or the relevant withholding agent may not be able to determine how much of the distribution constitutes dividends or the proper documentation establishing the benefits of any applicable treaty has not been properly supplied. If there is any over-withholding on distributions made to a non-U.S. holder, such non-U.S. holder may obtain a refund of the over-withheld amount by timely filing an appropriate claim for refund with the IRS. Non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the applicable withholding tax rules and the possibility of obtaining a refund of any over-withheld amounts.

S-32

---

Table of Contents

Gain on Disposition of Shares of Our Class C Common Stock

        Any gain realized by a non-U.S. holder on the disposition of shares of our Class C common stock generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax unless:

•

the gain is effectively connected with a trade or business of the non-U.S. holder in the United States (and, if required by an applicable tax treaty, the income is attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the non-U.S. holder in the United States);



•

the non-U.S. holder is an individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of that disposition and certain other conditions are met; or



•

our Class C common stock constitutes a U.S. real property interest by reason of our status as a "United States real property holding corporation" (a "USRPHC") for U.S. federal income tax purposes at any time during the shorter of the five-year period ending on the date of the disposition or the period that the non-U.S. holder held shares of our Class C common stock.

        In the case of a non-U.S. holder described in the first bullet point above, any gain will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis generally in the same manner as if the non-U.S. holder were a U.S. person as defined under the Code (unless an applicable income tax treaty provides otherwise), and a non-U.S. holder that is a foreign corporation may be subject to the branch profits tax equal to 30% of its effectively connected earnings and profits attributable to such gain (or at such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty). In the case of a non-U.S. holder described in the second bullet point above, except as otherwise provided by an applicable income tax treaty, any gain, which may be offset by certain U.S. source capital losses, will be subject to a 30% tax even though the individual is not considered a resident of the U.S. under the Code.

        We believe that we are not currently and will not become a USRPHC. However, because the determination of whether we are a USRPHC depends on the fair market value of our U.S. real property relative to the fair market value of our other business assets and because the definition of U.S. real property is not entirely clear, there can be no assurance that we are not a USRPHC now or will not become one in the future. Even if we become a USRPHC, however, as long as our Class C common stock is regularly traded on an established securities market, as to which there can be no assurance, such Class C common stock will be treated as a U.S. real property interest only if you actually or constructively hold more than five percent of such regularly traded Class C common stock at any time during the applicable period described above.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

        We must report annually to the IRS and to you the amount of dividends paid to you and the amount of tax, if any, withheld with respect to such dividends. The IRS may make this information available to the tax authorities in the country in which you are resident.

        In addition, you may be subject to information reporting requirements and backup withholding tax with respect to dividends paid on, and the proceeds of disposition of, shares of our Class C common stock, unless, generally, you certify under penalties of perjury (usually on IRS Form W-8BEN) that you are not a U.S. person or you otherwise establish an exemption. Additional rules relating to information reporting requirements and backup withholding tax with respect to payments of the proceeds from the disposition of shares of our Class C common stock are as follows:

•

If the proceeds are paid to or through the U.S. office of a broker, the proceeds generally will be subject to backup withholding tax and information reporting, unless you certify under penalties of perjury (usually on IRS Form W-8BEN) that you are not a U.S. person or you otherwise establish an exemption.

S-33

---

Table of Contents

•

If the proceeds are paid to or through a non-U.S. office of a broker that is not a U.S. person and is not a foreign person with certain specified U.S. connections (a "U.S.-related person"), information reporting and backup withholding tax generally will not apply.



•

If the proceeds are paid to or through a non-U.S. office of a broker that is a U.S. person or a U.S.-related person, the proceeds generally will be subject to information reporting (but not to backup withholding tax), unless you certify under penalties of perjury (usually on IRS Form W-8BEN) that you are not a U.S. person or you otherwise establish an exemption.

        Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding tax rules may be allowed as a refund or a credit against your U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the required information is timely furnished by you to the IRS.

Foreign Accounts

        The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (the "FATCA"), generally imposes a U.S. federal withholding tax of 30% on dividends on and the gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of our Class C common stock, paid to a "foreign financial institution" (as specifically defined under these rules), unless such institution enters into an agreement with the U.S. government to, among other things, withhold on certain payments and to collect and provide to the U.S. tax authorities substantial information regarding the U.S. account holders of such institution (which includes certain equity and debt holders of such institution, as well as certain account holders that are foreign entities with U.S. owners) or otherwise establishes an exemption. FATCA also generally imposes a U.S. federal withholding tax of 30% on dividends on and the gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of our Class C common stock paid to a "non-financial foreign entity" (as specifically defined for purposes of these rules) unless such entity provides the withholding agent with a certification identifying certain substantial direct and indirect U.S. owners of the entity, certifies that there are none or otherwise establishes an exemption. The withholding provisions under FATCA generally apply to dividends on our Class C common stock and will apply with respect to the gross proceeds from a sale or other disposition of our Class C common stock on or after January 1, 2019. Under certain circumstances, a non-U.S. holder might be eligible for refunds or credits of such taxes. An intergovernmental agreement between the U.S. and an applicable foreign country may modify the requirements described in this paragraph. Prospective investors are encouraged to consult with their own tax advisors regarding the possible implications of this legislation on their investment in our Class C common stock.

Federal Estate Tax

        Shares of our Class C common stock that are owned (or treated as owned) by an individual who is not a citizen or resident of the U.S. (as specially defined for U.S. federal estate tax purposes) at the time of death will be included in such individual's gross estate for U.S. federal estate tax purposes, unless an applicable estate or other tax treaty provides otherwise, and, therefore, may be subject to U.S. federal estate tax.

S-34

---

Table of Contents

UNDERWRITING

        UBS Securities LLC is acting as underwriter of the offering. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in an underwriting agreement between us and the underwriter, we have agreed to sell to the underwriter, and the underwriter has agreed to purchase from us 3,916,449 shares of our common stock.

        Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the underwriting agreement, the underwriter has agreed to purchase all of the shares sold under the underwriting agreement if any of these shares are purchased.

        We have agreed to indemnify the underwriter against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments the underwriter may be required to make in respect of those liabilities.

        The underwriter is offering the shares, subject to prior sale, when, as and if issued to and accepted by them, subject to approval of legal matters by their counsel, including the validity of the shares, and other conditions contained in the underwriting agreement, such as the receipt by the underwriter of officer's certificates and legal opinions. The underwriter reserves the right to withdraw, cancel or modify offers to the public and to reject orders in whole or in part.

Commissions and Discounts

        The underwriter is purchasing the shares of common stock from the Company at $            per share (representing approximately $            aggregate proceeds to the Company, before expenses). The underwriter may offer the shares of common stock from time to time for sale in one or more transactions on the NYSE, in the over-the-counter market, through negotiated transactions or otherwise at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices. In connection with the sale of the shares of common stock offered hereby, the underwriter may be deemed to have received compensation in the form of underwriting discounts. The underwriter may effect such transactions by selling shares of common stock to or through dealers, and such dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriter and / or purchasers of shares of Class C common stock for whom they may act as agents or to whom they may sell as principal.

        The expenses of the offering, not including the underwriting discounts, are estimated at $300,000 and are payable by us. We have agreed to reimburse the underwriter for certain expenses incurred in connection with this offering in an amount up to $30,000.

        The shares are listed on the NYSE under the symbol "CWEN."

No Sales of Similar Securities

        We, our executive officers and directors and GIP (through Clearway Energy Group) have agreed not to sell or transfer any common stock or securities convertible into, exchangeable for, exercisable for, or repayable with common stock, for 30 days after the date of this prospectus supplement, with certain limited exceptions, without first obtaining the written consent of the underwriter. This lock-up provision applies to common stock and to securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for or repayable with common stock. It also applies to common stock owned now or acquired later by the person executing the agreement or for which the person executing the agreement later acquires the power of disposition.

S-35

---

Table of Contents

Short Positions

        In connection with the offering, the underwriter may purchase and sell our common stock in the open market. These transactions may include short sales and purchases on the open market to cover positions created by short sales. Short sales involve the sale by the underwriter of a greater number of shares than they are required to purchase in the offering. "Covered" short sales are sales made in an amount not greater than the underwriter's option to purchase additional shares described above. The underwriter may close out any covered short position by either exercising their option to purchase additional shares or purchasing shares in the open market. In determining the source of shares to close out the covered short position, the underwriter will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase shares through the option granted to them. "Naked" short sales are sales in excess of such option. The underwriter must close out any naked short position by purchasing shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriter is concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of our common stock in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering.

        Similar to other purchase transactions, the underwriter's purchases to cover the syndicate short sales may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of our Class C common stock or preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of our Class C common stock. As a result, the price of our Class C common stock may be higher than the price that might otherwise exist in the open market. The underwriter may conduct these transactions on the NYSE, in the over-the-counter market or otherwise.

        None of us or the underwriter make any representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of our Class C common stock. In addition, neither we nor the underwriter make any representation that the underwriter will engage in these transactions or that these transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.

Passive Market Making

        In connection with this offering, the underwriter may engage in passive market making transactions in the Class C common stock on the NYSE in accordance with Rule 103 of Regulation M under the Exchange Act during a period before the commencement of offers or sales of Class C common stock and extending through the completion of distribution. A passive market maker must display its bid at a price not in excess of the highest independent bid of that security. However, if all independent bids are lowered below the passive market maker's bid, that bid must then be lowered when specified purchase limits are exceeded. Passive market making may cause the price of our Class C common stock to be higher than the price that otherwise would exist in the open market in the absence of those transactions. The underwriter is not required to engage in passive market making and may end passive market making activities at any time.

Electronic Distribution

        In connection with the offering, the underwriter may distribute prospectuses by electronic means, such as e-mail.

Other Relationships

        The underwriter and its affiliates have engaged in, and may in the future engage in, investment banking and other commercial dealings in the ordinary course of business with us or our affiliates. The underwriter has received, or may in the future receive, customary fees and commissions for these transactions.

S-36

---

Table of Contents

        In addition, in the ordinary course of its business activities, the underwriter and its affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers. Such investments and securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of ours or our affiliates. The underwriter and its affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or financial instruments and may hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments.

European Economic Area

        In relation to each member state of the European Economic Area, no offer of ordinary shares which are the subject of the offering has been, or will be made to the public in that Member State, other than under the following exemptions under the Prospectus Directive:

(a)

to any legal entity which is a qualified investor as defined in the Prospectus Directive;



(b)

to fewer than 150 natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined in the Prospectus Directive), subject to obtaining the prior consent of the Representatives for any such offer; or



(c)

in any other circumstances falling within Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive,

provided that no such offer of ordinary shares referred to in (a) to (c) above shall result in a requirement for the Company or any Representative to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive, or supplement a prospectus pursuant to Article 16 of the Prospectus Directive.

        Each person located in a Member State to whom any offer of ordinary shares is made or who receives any communication in respect of an offer of ordinary shares, or who initially acquires any ordinary shares will be deemed to have represented, warranted, acknowledged and agreed to and with each Representative and the Company that (1) it is a "qualified investor" within the meaning of the law in that Member State implementing Article 2(1)(e) of the Prospectus Directive; and (2) in the case of any ordinary shares acquired by it as a financial intermediary as that term is used in Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive, the ordinary shares acquired by it in the offer have not been acquired on behalf of, nor have they been acquired with a view to their offer or resale to, persons in any Member State other than qualified investors, as that term is defined in the Prospectus Directive, or in circumstances in which the prior consent of the Representatives has been given to the offer or resale; or where ordinary shares have been acquired by it on behalf of persons in any Member State other than qualified investors, the offer of those ordinary shares to it is not treated under the Prospectus Directive as having been made to such persons.

        The Company, our representatives and their respective affiliates will rely upon the truth and accuracy of the foregoing representations, acknowledgments and agreements.

        This prospectus supplement has been prepared on the basis that any offer of shares in any Member State will be made pursuant to an exemption under the Prospectus Directive from the requirement to publish a prospectus for offers of shares. Accordingly, any person making or intending to make an offer in that Member State of shares which are the subject of the offering contemplated in this prospectus may only do so in circumstances in which no obligation arises for the Company or any of the Representatives to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive in relation to such offer. Neither the Company nor the Representatives have authorized, nor do they authorize, the making of any offer of shares in circumstances in which an obligation arises for the Company or the Representatives to publish a prospectus for such offer.

S-37

---

Table of Contents

        For the purposes of this provision, the expression an "offer of ordinary shares to the public" in relation to any ordinary shares in any Member State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the ordinary shares to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe the ordinary shares, as the same may be varied in that Member State by any measure implementing the Prospectus Directive in that Member State, the expression "Prospectus Directive" means Directive 2003/71/EC (as amended) and includes any relevant implementing measure in each Member State.

Notice to Prospective Investors in the United Kingdom

        In addition, in the United Kingdom, this document is being distributed only to, and is directed only at, and any offer subsequently made may only be directed at persons who are "qualified investors" (as defined in the Prospectus Directive) (i) who have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19 (5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "Order") and/or (ii) who are high net worth companies (or persons to whom it may otherwise be lawfully communicated) falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as "relevant persons"). This document must not be acted on or relied on in the United Kingdom by persons who are not relevant persons. In the United Kingdom, any investment or investment activity to which this document relates is only available to, and will be engaged in with, relevant persons.

Notice to Prospective Investors in Switzerland

        The shares may not be publicly offered in Switzerland and will not be listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange ("SIX") or on any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. This document has been prepared without regard to the disclosure standards for issuance prospectuses under art. 652a or art. 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations or the disclosure standards for listing prospectuses under art. 27 ff. of the SIX Listing Rules or the listing rules of any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the shares or the offering may be publicly distributed or otherwise made publicly available in Switzerland.

        Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the offering, the Company, the shares have been or will be filed with or approved by any Swiss regulatory authority. In particular, this document will not be filed with, and the offer of shares will not be supervised by, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA (FINMA), and the offer of shares has not been and will not be authorized under the Swiss Federal Act on Collective Investment Schemes ("CISA"). The investor protection afforded to acquirers of interests in collective investment schemes under the CISA does not extend to acquirers of shares.

Notice to Prospective Investors in the Dubai International Financial Centre

        This prospectus supplement relates to an Exempt Offer in accordance with the Offered Securities Rules of the Dubai Financial Services Authority ("DFSA"). This prospectus supplement is intended for distribution only to persons of a type specified in the Offered Securities Rules of the DFSA. It must not be delivered to, or relied on by, any other person. The DFSA has no responsibility for reviewing or verifying any documents in connection with Exempt Offers. The DFSA has not approved this prospectus supplement nor taken steps to verify the information set forth herein and has no responsibility for the prospectus supplement. The shares to which this prospectus supplement relates may be illiquid and/or subject to restrictions on their resale. Prospective purchasers of the shares offered should conduct their own due diligence on the shares. If you do not understand the contents of this prospectus supplement you should consult an authorized financial advisor.

S-38

---

Table of Contents

Notice to Prospective Investors in Australia

        No placement document, prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document has been lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission ("ASIC"), in relation to the offering. This prospectus supplement does not constitute a prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document under the Corporations Act 2001 (the "Corporations Act"), and does not purport to include the information required for a prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document under the Corporations Act.

        Any offer in Australia of the shares may only be made to persons (the "Exempt Investors") who are "sophisticated investors" (within the meaning of section 708(8) of the Corporations Act), "professional investors" (within the meaning of section 708(11) of the Corporations Act) or otherwise pursuant to one or more exemptions contained in section 708 of the Corporations Act so that it is lawful to offer the shares without disclosure to investors under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act.

        The shares applied for by Exempt Investors in Australia must not be offered for sale in Australia in the period of 12 months after the date of allotment under the offering, except in circumstances where disclosure to investors under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act would not be required pursuant to an exemption under section 708 of the Corporations Act or otherwise or where the offer is pursuant to a disclosure document which complies with Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act. Any person acquiring shares must observe such Australian on-sale restrictions.

        This prospectus supplement contains general information only and does not take account of the investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any particular person. It does not contain any securities recommendations or financial product advice. Before making an investment decision, investors need to consider whether the information in this prospectus supplement is appropriate to their needs, objectives and circumstances, and, if necessary, seek expert advice on those matters.

Notice to Prospective Investors in Hong Kong

        The shares of common stock have not been offered or sold and will not be offered or sold in Hong Kong, by means of any document, other than (a) to "professional investors" as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) of Hong Kong and any rules made under that Ordinance; or (b) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a "prospectus" as defined in the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 32) of Hong Kong or which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of that Ordinance. No advertisement, invitation or document relating to the shares of common stock have been or may be issued or has been or may be in the possession of any person for the purposes of issue, whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere, which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public of Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the securities laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to shares of common stock which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to "professional investors" as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance and any rules made under that Ordinance.

Notice to Prospective Investors in Japan

        The shares have not been and will not be registered under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan (Law No. 25 of 1948, as amended) and, accordingly, will not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in Japan, or for the benefit of any Japanese Person or to others for re-offering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to any Japanese Person, except in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and ministerial guidelines promulgated by relevant Japanese governmental or regulatory authorities in effect at the relevant time. For the purposes of this paragraph, "Japanese Person" shall mean any person resident in Japan, including any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan.

S-39

---

Table of Contents

Notice to Prospective Investors in Singapore

        This prospectus supplement has not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, this prospectus supplement and any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of shares may not be circulated or distributed, nor may the shares be offered or sold, or be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, whether directly or indirectly, to persons in Singapore other than (i) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore (the "SFA"), (ii) to a relevant person pursuant to Section 275(1), or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A), and in accordance with the conditions specified in Section 275, of the SFA, or (iii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA.

        Where the shares are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 of the SFA by a relevant person which is:

(a)

a corporation (which is not an accredited investor (as defined in Section 4A of the SFA)) the sole business of which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of which is owned by one or more individuals, each of whom is an accredited investor; or



(b)

a trust (where the trustee is not an accredited investor) whose sole purpose is to hold investments and each beneficiary of the trust is an individual who is an accredited investor,

securities (as defined in Section 239(1) of the SFA) of that corporation or the beneficiaries' rights and interest (howsoever described) in that trust shall not be transferred within six months after that corporation or that trust has acquired the shares pursuant to an offer made under Section 275 of the SFA except:

(a)

to an institutional investor or to a relevant person defined in Section 275(2) of the SFA, or to any person arising from an offer referred to in Section 275(1A) or Section 276(4)(i)(B) of the SFA;



(b)

where no consideration is or will be given for the transfer;



(c)

where the transfer is by operation of law;



(d)

as specified in Section 276(7) of the SFA; or



(e)

as specified in Regulation 32 of the Securities and Futures (Offers of Investments) (Shares and Debentures) Regulations 2005 of Singapore.

Notice to Prospective Investors in Canada

        The shares of common stock may be sold only to purchasers purchasing, or deemed to be purchasing, as principal that are accredited investors, as defined in National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions or subsection 73.3(1) of the Securities Act (Ontario), and are permitted clients, as defined in National Instrument 31-103 Registration Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations. Any resale of the shares of common stock must be made in accordance with an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the prospectus requirements of applicable securities laws.

        Securities legislation in certain provinces or territories of Canada may provide a purchaser with remedies for rescission or damages if this prospectus supplement (including any amendment thereto) contains a misrepresentation, provided that the remedies for rescission or damages are exercised by the purchaser within the time limit prescribed by the securities legislation of the purchaser's province or territory. The purchaser should refer to any applicable provisions of the securities legislation of the purchaser's province or territory for particulars of these rights or consult with a legal advisor.

        Pursuant to section 3A.3 (or, in the case of securities issued or guaranteed by the government of a non-Canadian jurisdiction, section 3A.4) of National Instrument 33-105 Underwriting Conflicts (NI 33-105), the underwriter is not required to comply with the disclosure requirements of NI 33-105 regarding underwriter conflicts of interest in connection with this offering.

S-40

---

Table of Contents

LEGAL MATTERS

        The validity of the Class C common stock offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Baker Botts, L.L.P., Dallas, Texas. The underwriter has been represented by Latham & Watkins, LLP, New York, New York.

EXPERTS

        The consolidated financial statements and schedule of Clearway Energy, Inc. as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, and management's assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 have been incorporated by reference herein and in the prospectus, in reliance upon the reports of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF CERTAIN INFORMATION

        The SEC allows the "incorporation by reference" of the information filed by us with the SEC into this prospectus, which means that important information can be disclosed to you by referring you to those documents and those documents will be considered part of this prospectus. Information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede the previously filed information. The documents listed below and any future filings we make with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (other than portions of these documents that are either (1) described in paragraph (e) of Item 201 of Registration S-K or paragraphs (d)(1)-(3) and (e)(5) of Item 407 of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC or (2) furnished under Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of a Current Report on Form 8-K) are incorporated by reference herein:

•

Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, filed on March 1, 2018.



•

Our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2018, filed on May 3, 2018.



•

Our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2018, filed on August 2, 2018.



•

Our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on February 7, 2018, February 12, 2018, March 22, 2018, April 2, 2018, April 5, 2018, April 27, 2018, May 4, 2018, June 12, 2018, September 5, 2018, September 6, 2018 and September 17, 2018; and



•

"Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions," "Governance of the Company" and "Executive Compensation" in our Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders on Schedule 14A filed on March 15, 2018.

        Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus will be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus or any other subsequently filed document that is deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus modifies or supersedes the statement. Any statement so modified or superseded will not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

        We are subject to the reporting, proxy and information requirements of the Exchange Act, and as a result are required to file periodic reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC.

S-41

---

Table of Contents

These periodic reports, proxy statements and other information are available for inspection and copying at the SEC's public reference room and the website of the SEC referred to above.

        You may read and copy the reports and other information we file with the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. You may also obtain copies of this information by mail from the public reference section of the SEC, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. You may obtain information regarding the operation of the public reference room by calling 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains a website that contains reports, proxy statements and other information about issuers, like us, who file electronically with the SEC. The address of that website is http://www.sec.gov. This reference to the SEC's website is an inactive textual reference only and is not a hyperlink.

        Additionally, our filings with the SEC, including our 2017 Annual Report, First Quarter 10-Q, Second Quarter 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, 2018 Proxy Statement and amendments to those reports and schedules, are available free of charge on our website (http://www.clearwayenergy.com) as soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. Our website and the information contained on that site, or connected to that site, are not incorporated into and are not a part of this prospectus except for the documents specifically incorporated by reference as noted above. This reference to our website is an inactive textual reference only and is not a hyperlink. The contents of our website are not part of this prospectus supplement, and you should not consider the contents of our website in making an investment decision with respect to our Class C common stock. You may also obtain a copy of these filings at no cost by writing or telephoning us at the following address:

Clearway Energy, Inc.
300 Carnegie Center, Suite 300
Princeton, NJ 08540
(609) 608 1525
Attention: Corporate Secretary

S-42

---

PROSPECTUS

NRG Yield, Inc.

Class A Common Stock
Class C Common Stock
Debt Securities
Preferred Stock

        NRG Yield, Inc., from time to time, may offer to sell Class A common stock, Class C common stock, senior or subordinated debt securities, and preferred stock. The debt securities and preferred stock may be convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for our Class A common stock, our Class C common stock, our preferred stock, our other securities or the debt or equity securities of one or more other entities. This prospectus describes some of the general terms that may apply to these securities. The specific terms of any securities to be offered will be described in a supplement to this prospectus. The prospectus supplements may also add, update, or change information contained in this prospectus.

        We may offer and sell these securities to or through one or more underwriters, dealers and agents, or directly to purchasers, or through a combination of these methods, on a continuous or delayed basis.

        Our Class A common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "NYLD.A." Our Class C common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "NYLD."

        Investing in our securities involves risks. You should carefully consider the risks described under "Risk Factors" on page 2 of this prospectus, as well as the other information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and the related prospectus supplement, before making a decision to invest in our securities.

---

        Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

---

   

The date of this prospectus is May 4, 2018.

---

TABLE OF CONTENTS

i

---

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

        This prospectus is a part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") utilizing a "shelf" registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings from time to time. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we sell securities under this shelf registration, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. Therefore, if there is any inconsistency between the information in this prospectus and the prospectus supplement, you should rely on the information in the prospectus supplement. You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, together with additional information described under the heading "Where You Can Find More Information."

        We have not authorized any dealer, salesman or other person to give any information or to make any representation other than those contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any related prospectus supplement. You must not rely upon any information or representation not contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or the related prospectus supplement. This prospectus and any related prospectus supplement do not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities other than the registered securities to which they relate, nor do this prospectus and any related prospectus supplement constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement, or any document incorporated by reference is accurate as of any date other than the date of the document in which such information is contained, or such other date referred to in such document, regardless of the time of any sale or issuance of a security.

        Unless the context otherwise requires or as otherwise expressly stated, references in this prospectus to "Yield," "the Company," "we," "us" and "our" and similar terms refer to NRG Yield, Inc. and its direct and indirect subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. References in this prospectus to Yield Inc. refer to NRG Yield, Inc. and not any of its subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires. References to our "common stock" or our "preferred stock" refer to the common stock or preferred stock of NRG Yield, Inc. and not any of its subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires.

ii

---

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        This prospectus, any related prospectus supplement, and the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein, include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (the "Securities Act") and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the "Exchange Act"). The words "believes," "projects," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "intends," "estimates" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance and achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. We believe these factors include but are not limited to those described under "Risk Factors" in this prospectus, any related prospectus supplement, and the documents incorporated by reference herein or therein. These factors, risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following:

•

our ability to maintain and grow our quarterly dividend;



•

potential risks to the Company as a result of the NRG Transaction (as defined below);



•

our ability to successfully identify, evaluate and consummate acquisitions from third parties;



•

our ability to acquire assets from NRG Energy, Inc.;



•

our ability to raise additional capital due to our indebtedness, corporate structure, market conditions or otherwise;



•

changes in law, including judicial decisions;



•

hazards customary to the power production industry and power generation operations such as fuel and electricity price volatility, unusual weather conditions (including wind and solar conditions), catastrophic weather-related or other damage to facilities, unscheduled generation outages, maintenance or repairs, unanticipated changes to fuel supply costs or availability due to higher demand, shortages, transportation problems or other developments, environmental incidents, or electric transmission or gas pipeline system constraints and the possibility that we may not have adequate insurance to cover losses as a result of such hazards;



•

our ability to operate our businesses efficiently, manage maintenance capital expenditures and costs effectively, and generate earnings and cash flows from our asset-based businesses in relation to our debt and other obligations;



•

our willingness and ability of counterparties to our offtake agreements to fulfill their obligations under such agreements;



•

our ability to enter into contracts to sell power and procure fuel on acceptable terms and prices as current offtake agreements expire;



•

our government regulation, including compliance with regulatory requirements and changes in market rules, rates, tariffs and environmental laws;



•

operating and financial restrictions placed on us and our subsidiaries that are contained in the project-level debt facilities and other agreements of certain subsidiaries and project-level subsidiaries generally, in the NRG Yield Operating LLC amended and restated revolving credit facility, in the indentures governing the $500 million aggregate principal amount of 5.375% unsecured senior notes due 2024, issued by NRG Yield Operating LLC and the $350 million aggregate principal amount of 5.00% unsecured senior notes due 2026, issued by NRG Yield Operating LLC and in the indentures governing the Company's $345 million aggregate principal amount of 3.50% convertible notes due 2019 (the "3.50% Convertible Notes") and

iii

---

$287.5 million aggregate principal amount of 3.25% Convertible Notes due 2020 (the "3.25% Convertible Notes");

•

Cyber terrorism and inadequate cybersecurity, or the occurrence of a catastrophic loss and the possibility that the Company may not have adequate insurance to cover losses resulting from such hazards or the inability of the Company's insurers to provide coverage;



•

The Company's ability to engage in successful mergers and acquisitions activity; and



•

The Company's ability to borrow additional funds and access capital markets, as well as the Company's substantial indebtedness and the possibility that the Company may incur additional indebtedness going forward.

        Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they were made, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The foregoing review of factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in any forward looking statements included in this prospectus should not be construed as exhaustive.

iv

---

SUMMARY

        The following summary highlights selected information contained elsewhere in this prospectus. Because it is a summary, it does not contain all of the information that you should consider before investing in our securities. You should read the entire prospectus carefully, including the "Risk Factors" section and the other documents we refer to and incorporate by reference, in order to understand this offering fully. In particular, we incorporate important business and financial information into this prospectus by reference.

Our Company

        We are a dividend growth-oriented company that has historically served as the primary vehicle through which NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NRG) ("NRG") owns, operates and acquires contracted renewable and conventional generation and thermal infrastructure assets. NRG, through its holdings of NRG Yield, Inc.'s Class B and Class D common stock, has a 55.1% voting interest in NRG Yield, Inc. as of March 31, 2018. On February 6, 2018, Global Infrastructure Partners ("GIP") entered into a purchase and sale agreement with NRG (the "NRG Transaction") for the acquisition of NRG's full ownership interest in NRG Yield, Inc. and NRG's renewable energy development and operations platform. The aggregate purchase price to be paid by GIP to NRG under the purchase and sale agreement is approximately $1.375 billion, subject to certain adjustments. The NRG Transaction is subject to certain closing conditions, including customary legal and regulatory approvals. The Company expects the NRG Transaction to close in the second half of 2018.

        In connection with the NRG Transaction, we entered into a consent and indemnity agreement (the "Consent and Indemnity Agreement") with NRG and GIP setting forth key terms and conditions of our consent to the NRG Transaction. Key provisions of the Consent and Indemnity Agreement include:

        Minimized impact to cash available for distribution ("CAFD") from potential change in control costs —No more than $10 million in reduced annual CAFD on a recurring basis that would result from changes in our cost structure or any impact from various consents.

        Enhanced Right of First Offer ("ROFO") pipeline—Upon closing of the NRG Transaction, we will enter into a new right of first offer agreement with GIP that adds 550 MW to the current pipeline through the operational 150 MW Langford Wind project and the 400 MW Mesquite Star Wind project which is under development. The ROFO Agreement with NRG will be amended to remove the Ivanpah solar facility.

        Financial cooperation and support—GIP has arranged a $1.5 billion backstop credit facility to manage any change of control costs associated with our corporate debt. GIP has also committed to provide up to $400 million in financial support, if necessary, for our purchase of the Carlsbad Energy Center.

        Voting and Governance Agreement—As part of the NRG Transaction, the parties have agreed to enter into a voting and governance agreement, which would provide that:

•

our Chief Executive Officer will at all times be a full-time Company employee appointed by the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board");



•

the parties thereto will use their commercially reasonable efforts to submit to our stockholders at our 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders a charter amendment to classify the Board into two classes (with the independent directors and directors designated by an affiliate of GIP allocated across the two classes); and



•

the Board will be expanded to nine members at the closing of the NRG Transaction, comprised at that date of five directors designated by GIP, three independent directors and our Chief Executive Officer.

        We believe we are well positioned to be a premier company for investors seeking stable and growing dividend income from a diversified portfolio of lower-risk assets. We own a diversified portfolio of contracted renewable and conventional generation and thermal infrastructure assets in the

---

U.S. Our contracted generation portfolio collectively represents 5,118 net Megawatts ("MWs") as of March 31, 2018. Nearly all of these assets sell substantially all of their output pursuant to long-term offtake agreements with creditworthy counterparties. The weighted average remaining contract duration of these offtake agreements was approximately 15 years as of March 31, 2018 based on CAFD. We also own thermal infrastructure assets with an aggregate steam and chilled water capacity of 1,319 net Megawatts Thermal ("MWt") and electric generation capacity of 123 net MWs. These thermal infrastructure assets provide steam, hot and/or chilled water, and, in some instances, electricity to commercial businesses, universities, hospitals and governmental units in multiple locations, principally through long-term contracts or pursuant to rates regulated by state utility commissions.

        We were incorporated as a Delaware corporation on December 20, 2012. Our Class A common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "NYLD.A," and our Class C common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "NYLD." Our headquarters and principal executive offices are located at 804 Carnegie Center, Princeton, New Jersey 08540. Our telephone number is (609) 524-4500. Our website is www.nrgyield.com. Information on our website is not part of this prospectus and is not incorporated into this prospectus by reference.

        You can get more information regarding our business by reading our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2018, and the other reports we file with the SEC. See "Where You Can Find More Information."

RISK FACTORS

        Our business is subject to uncertainties and risks. You should carefully consider and evaluate all of the information included and incorporated by reference in this prospectus, including the risk factors incorporated by reference from our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, as updated by our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings we make with the SEC, and in any prospectus supplement. It is possible that our business, financial condition, liquidity or results of operations could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks.

USE OF PROCEEDS

        We intend to use the net proceeds from the sales of the securities as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

        The ratios of earnings to fixed charges and earnings to combined fixed charges and preference dividends for the periods indicated are stated below. For this purpose, "earnings" include pre-tax income (loss) before adjustments for minority interest in our consolidated subsidiaries and income or loss from equity investees, plus fixed charges and distributed income of equity investees, reduced by interest capitalized. "Fixed charges" include interest, whether expensed or capitalized, amortization of debt expense and the portion of rental expense that is representative of the interest factor in these rentals.

        We do not have any shares of preferred stock outstanding as of March 31, 2018. Our ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preference dividends for any given period is equivalent to our ratio of earnings to fixed charges.

2

---

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

        The following is a description of the material terms of our restated certificate of incorporation and our third amended and restated bylaws. The following description may not contain all of the information that is important to you. To understand them fully, you should read our restated certificate of incorporation and our third amended and restated bylaws, both of which have been filed with the SEC as exhibits to our registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

Authorized Capitalization

        Our authorized capital stock consists, as of March 31, 2018, of:

(i)

500,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of which 34,586,250 shares are issued and outstanding;



(ii)

500,000,000 shares of Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of which 42,738,750 shares are issued and outstanding;



(iii)

1,000,000,000 shares of Class C common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of which 65,343,576 shares are issued and outstanding;



(iv)

1,000,000,000 shares of Class D common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of which 42,738,750 shares are issued and outstanding; and



(v)

10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, none of which are issued and outstanding.

        In addition, as of March 31, 2018, (i) an aggregate of 2,000,000 shares of our Class A common stock and Class C common stock are reserved for issuance under our equity-based compensation plans, (ii) an aggregate of 42,738,750 shares of our Class A common stock are reserved for issuance upon the exchange of Class B units, (iii) an aggregate of 65,343,576 shares of our Class C common stock are reserved for issuance upon the exchange of Class D units, (iv) 18,898,893 shares of our Class A common stock are reserved for issuance upon conversion of our outstanding 3.50% Convertible Notes and (v) 13,068,169 shares of our Class C common stock are reserved for issuance upon conversion of our outstanding 3.25% Convertible Notes. Unless our Board of Directors determines otherwise, we will issue all shares of our capital stock in uncertificated form.

Class A Common Stock

Voting Rights

        Each share of Class A common stock entitles the holder to one vote with respect to each matter presented to our stockholders on which the holders of Class A common stock are entitled to vote. Holders of shares of our Class A common stock, Class B common stock, Class C common stock and Class D common stock vote together as a single class on all matters presented to our stockholders for their vote or approval, except as otherwise required by applicable law or the listing requirements of any exchange on which shares of our common stock are listed. Holders of our Class A common stock will not have cumulative voting rights. Except in respect of matters relating to the election and removal of directors on our Board of Directors and as otherwise provided in our restated certificate of incorporation or required by law, all matters to be voted on by holders of our Class A common stock, Class B common stock, Class C common stock and Class D common stock must be approved by a majority, on a combined basis, of such shares present in person or by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the subject matter. In the case of election of directors, all matters to be voted on by our stockholders must be approved by a plurality of the votes entitled to be cast by all shares of our common stock on a combined basis.

3

---

Dividend Rights

        Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any then outstanding preferred stock, the holders of our outstanding shares of Class A common stock are entitled to receive dividends, if any, as may be declared from time to time by our Board of Directors out of legally available funds. Dividends upon our Class A common stock may be declared by our Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting, and may be paid in cash, in property or in shares of capital stock. The holders of Class A common stock and Class C common stock will share ratably in all dividends as may be declared by our Board of Directors in respect of our outstanding common stock. Before payment of any dividend, there may be set aside out of any of our funds available for dividends, such sums as the Board of Directors deems proper as reserves to meet contingencies, or for equalizing dividends, or for repairing or maintaining any of our property or for any proper purpose, and the Board of Directors may modify or abolish any such reserve. Furthermore, because we are a holding company, our ability to pay dividends on our Class A common stock is limited by restrictions on the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other distributions to us, including restrictions under the terms of the agreements governing our indebtedness.

Liquidation Rights

        In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, holders of our Class A common stock would be entitled to share ratably in our assets that are legally available for distribution to stockholders after payment of our debts and other liabilities and the liquidation preference of any of our outstanding shares of preferred stock, subject only to the right of the holders of shares of our Class B common stock and Class D common stock to receive payment for the par value of their shares in connection with our liquidation.

Other Rights

        Holders of our Class A common stock have no preemptive, conversion or other rights to subscribe for additional shares. All outstanding shares are, and all shares offered by this prospectus will be, when sold, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. The rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of our Class A common stock are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of shares of any series of our preferred stock that we may designate and issue in the future.

Listing

        Our Class A common stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol "NYLD.A."

Transfer Agent and Registrar

        The transfer agent and registrar for our Class A common stock is Computershare Shareowner Services, LLC.

Class B Common Stock

Voting Rights

        Each share of Class B common stock entitles the holder to one vote with respect to each matter presented to our stockholders on which the holders of Class B common stock are entitled to vote. Holders of shares of our Class A common stock, Class B common stock, Class C common stock and Class D common stock vote together as a single class on all matters presented to our stockholders for their vote or approval, except as otherwise required by applicable law or the listing requirements of any exchange on which shares of our common stock are listed. Holders of our Class B common stock do not have cumulative voting rights. Except in respect of matters relating to the election and removal of

4

---

directors on our Board of Directors and as otherwise provided in our restated certificate of incorporation or required by law, all matters to be voted on by holders of our Class A common stock, Class B common stock, Class C common stock and Class D common stock must be approved by a majority, on a combined basis, of such shares present in person or by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the subject matter. In the case of election of directors, all matters to be voted on by our stockholders must be approved by a plurality of the votes entitled to be cast by all shares of our common stock on a combined basis.

Dividend and Liquidation Rights

        Holders of our Class B common stock do not have any right to receive dividends, other than dividends payable solely in shares of Class B common stock in the event of payment of a dividend in shares of common stock payable to holders of our Class A common stock and Class C common stock, or to receive a distribution upon our liquidation or winding up except for their right to receive payment for the par value of their shares of Class B common stock in connection with our liquidation.

Mandatory Redemption

        Shares of Class B common stock are subject to redemption at a price per share equal to par value upon the conversion of Class B units of NRG Yield LLC ("Yield LLC") to Class A units. Shares of Class B common stock so redeemed are automatically cancelled and are not available to be reissued.

Class C Common Stock

Voting Rights

        Each share of Class C common stock entitles the holder to 1/100th of one vote with respect to each matter presented to our stockholders on which the holders of Class C common stock are entitled to vote. Holders of shares of our Class A common stock, Class B common stock, Class C common stock and Class D common stock vote together as a single class on all matters presented to our stockholders for their vote or approval, except as otherwise required by applicable law or the listing requirements of any exchange on which shares of our common stock are listed. Holders of shares of our Class C common stock do not have cumulative voting rights. Except in respect of matters relating to the election and removal of directors on our Board of Directors and as otherwise provided in our restated certificate of incorporation or required by law, all matters to be voted on by holders of shares of our Class A common stock, Class B common stock, Class C common stock and Class D common stock must be approved by a majority, on a combined basis, of such shares present in person or by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the subject matter. In the case of election of directors, all matters to be voted on by our stockholders must be approved by a plurality of the votes entitled to be cast by all shares of our common stock on a combined basis.

Dividend Rights

        Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any then outstanding preferred stock, the holders of our outstanding shares of Class C common stock will be entitled to receive dividends, if any, as may be declared from time to time by our Board of Directors out of legally available funds. Dividends upon shares of our Class C common stock may be declared by our Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting, and may be paid in cash, in property or in shares of capital stock. The holders of shares of Class C common stock and Class A common stock will share ratably in all dividends as may be declared by our Board of Directors in respect of our outstanding common stock. Before payment of any dividend, there may be set aside out of any of our funds available for dividends, such sums as the Board of Directors deems proper as reserves to meet contingencies, or for equalizing dividends, or for repairing or maintaining any of our property or for any proper purpose, and the Board of Directors

5

---

may modify or abolish any such reserve. Furthermore, because we are a holding company, our ability to pay dividends on shares of our Class C common stock will be limited by restrictions on the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other distributions to us, including restrictions under the terms of the agreements governing our indebtedness.

Liquidation Rights

        In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, holders of shares of our Class C common stock would be entitled to share ratably in our assets that are legally available for distribution to stockholders after payment of our debts and other liabilities and the liquidation preference of any of our outstanding shares of preferred stock, subject only to the right of the holders of shares of our Class B common stock and Class D common stock to receive payment for the par value of their shares in connection with our liquidation.

Other Rights

        Holders of shares of our Class C common stock have no preemptive, conversion or other rights to subscribe for additional shares. All outstanding shares are, and all shares offered by this prospectus will be, when issued, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. The rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of shares of our Class C common stock are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of shares of any series of our preferred stock that we may designate and issue in the future.

Equal Status

        Except as expressly provided in our restated certificate of incorporation, including with respect to voting rights, shares of Class C common stock have the same rights and privileges and rank equally, share ratably and are identical in all respects to the shares of Class A common stock as to all matters, including in the event of a liquidation or in connection with a change of control. In the event of any merger, consolidation, or other business combination requiring the approval of our stockholders entitled to vote thereon (whether or not we are the surviving entity), the holders of shares of Class C common stock shall receive the same amount and form of consideration on a per share basis as the consideration, if any, received by holders of shares of Class A common stock in connection with such merger, consolidation or combination (and if holders of shares of Class A common stock are entitled to make an election as to the amount or form of consideration that such holders shall receive in any such merger, consolidation or combination with respect to their shares of Class A common stock, then the holders of shares of Class C common stock shall be entitled to make the same election as to their shares of Class C common stock). In the event of any (i) tender or exchange offer to acquire any shares of Class A common stock or Class B common stock by any third party pursuant to an agreement to which we are a party; or (ii) any tender or exchange offer or any other redemption or repurchase by us to acquire any shares of Class A common stock or Class B common stock, the holders of shares of Class C common stock shall receive the same amount and form of consideration on a per share basis as the consideration received by holders of shares of Class A common stock (and if holders of shares of Class A common stock are entitled to make an election as to the amount or form of consideration that such holders shall receive in any such tender or exchange offer or other repurchase with respect to their shares of Class A common stock, then the holders of shares of Class C common stock shall be entitled to make the same election as to their shares of Class C common stock).

Listing

        Our Class C common stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol "NYLD."

6

---

Transfer Agent and Registrar

        The transfer agent and registrar for our Class C common stock is Computershare Shareowner Services, LLC.

Class D Common Stock

Voting Rights

        Each share of Class D common stock entitles the holder to 1/100th of one vote with respect to each matter presented to our stockholders on which the holders of Class D common stock are entitled to vote. Holders of shares of our Class A common stock, Class B common stock, Class C common stock and Class D common stock vote together as a single class on all matters presented to our stockholders for their vote or approval except as otherwise required by applicable law or the listing requirements of any exchange on which shares of our common stock are listed. Holders of shares of our Class D common stock do not have cumulative voting rights. Except in respect of matters relating to the election and removal of directors on our Board of Directors and as otherwise provided in our restated certificate of incorporation or required by law, all matters to be voted on by holders of shares of our Class A common stock, Class B common stock, Class C common stock, and Class D common stock must be approved by a majority, on a combined basis, of such shares present in person or by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the subject matter. In the case of election of directors, all matters to be voted on by our stockholders must be approved by a plurality of the votes entitled to be cast by all shares of our common stock on a combined basis.

Dividend and Liquidation Rights

        Holders of shares of our Class D common stock do not have any right to receive dividends, other than dividends payable solely in shares of Class D common stock in the event of payment of a dividend in shares of common stock payable to holders of our Class A common stock and Class C common stock, or to receive a distribution upon our liquidation or winding up except for their right to receive payment for the par value of their shares of Class D common stock in connection with our liquidation.

Mandatory Redemption

        Shares of Class D common stock are subject to redemption at a price per share equal to par value upon the conversion of Class D units of Yield LLC. Shares of Class D common stock so redeemed are automatically cancelled and are not available to be reissued.

Authorized but Unissued Capital Stock

        Delaware law does not require stockholder approval for any issuance of authorized shares. However, the listing requirements of the NYSE, which would apply so long as the shares of Class A common stock and Class C common stock remain listed on the NYSE, require stockholder approval of certain issuances equal to or exceeding 20% of the then outstanding voting power or the then outstanding number of shares of Class A common stock and Class C common stock. These additional shares may be used for a variety of corporate purposes, including future public offerings, to raise additional capital or to facilitate acquisitions.

        One of the effects of the existence of unissued and unreserved common stock or preferred stock may be to enable our Board of Directors to issue shares to persons friendly to current management, which issuance could render more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of our company by means of a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise, and thereby protect the continuity of our management and possibly deprive the stockholders of opportunities to sell their shares at prices higher than prevailing market prices.

7

---

Preferred Stock

        Under our restated certificate of incorporation, we will continue to be authorized to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, none of which is issued and outstanding.

        Our Board of Directors is authorized to provide for the issuance of shares of preferred stock in one or more series and to fix the preferences, powers and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, including the dividend rate, conversion rights, voting rights, redemption rights and liquidation preference and to fix the number of shares to be included in any such series without any further vote or action by our stockholders. Any preferred stock so issued may rank senior to our common stock with respect to the payment of dividends or amounts upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, or both. The issuance of preferred stock may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of our company without further action by the stockholders and may adversely affect the voting and other rights of the holders of common stock. The issuance of preferred stock with voting and conversion rights may adversely affect the voting power of the holders of common stock, including the loss of voting control to others. At present, we have no plans to issue any preferred stock.

Corporate Opportunity

        As permitted under the Delaware General Corporation Law ("DGCL"), in our restated certificate of incorporation, we renounced any interest or expectancy in, or any offer of an opportunity to participate in, specified business opportunities that are presented to us or one or more of our officers, directors or stockholders. In recognition that directors, officers and/or employees of NRG may serve as our directors and/or officers, and NRG and its affiliates, not including us (the "NRG Entities") may engage in similar activities or lines of business that we do, our restated certificate of incorporation provides for the allocation of certain corporate opportunities between us and the NRG Entities. Specifically, none of the NRG Entities will have any duty to refrain from engaging directly or indirectly in the same or similar business activities or lines of business that we do. In the event that a director or officer of any NRG Entity who also is one of our directors or officers acquires knowledge of a potential transaction or matter which may be a corporate opportunity for any of the NRG Entities and us, we will not have any expectancy in such corporate opportunity, and the director or officer will not have any duty to present such corporate opportunity to us and may pursue or acquire such corporate opportunity for himself/herself or direct such opportunity to another person. A corporate opportunity that an officer or director of ours who is also a director or officer of any of the NRG Entities acquires knowledge of will not belong to us unless the corporate opportunity at issue is expressly offered in writing to such person solely in his or her capacity as a director or officer of ours. In addition, even if a business opportunity is presented to an officer or director of any of the NRG Entities, the following corporate opportunities will not belong to us: (1) those we are not financially able, contractually permitted or legally able to undertake; (2) those not in our line of business; (3) those of no practical advantage to us; and (4) those in which we have no interest or reasonable expectancy. Except with respect to our directors and/or officers who are also directors and/or officers of any of the NRG Entities, the corporate opportunity doctrine applies as construed pursuant to applicable Delaware laws, without limitation.

Antitakeover Effects of Delaware Law and Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws

        In addition to the disproportionate voting rights that NRG will have following this offering as a result of its ownership of our Class B common stock and Class D common stock, some provisions of Delaware law contain, and our restated certificate of incorporation and our third amended and restated bylaws described below contain, a number of provisions which may have the effect of encouraging persons considering unsolicited tender offers or other unilateral takeover proposals to negotiate with our Board of Directors rather than pursue non-negotiated takeover attempts, which we believe may result in an improvement of the terms of any such acquisition in favor of our stockholders. However, they also give our Board of Directors the power to discourage acquisitions that some stockholders may favor.

8

---

Undesignated Preferred Stock

        The ability to authorize undesignated preferred stock will make it possible for our Board of Directors to issue preferred stock with superior voting, special approval, dividend or other rights or preferences on a discriminatory basis that could impede the success of any attempt to acquire us. These and other provisions may have the effect of deferring, delaying or discouraging hostile takeovers, or changes in control or management of our company.

Meetings and Elections of Directors

        Special Meetings of Stockholders.    Our restated certificate of incorporation provides that a special meeting of stockholders may be called only by our Board of Directors by a resolution adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of the total number of directors then in office.

        Elimination of Stockholder Action by Written Consent.    Our restated certificate of incorporation and our third amended and restated bylaws provide that holders of our common stock cannot act by written consent in lieu of a meeting.

        Vacancies.    Any vacancy occurring on our Board of Directors and any newly created directorship may be filled only by a majority of the directors remaining in office (even if less than a quorum), subject to the rights of holders of any series of preferred stock.

Amendments

        Amendments of Certificate of Incorporation.    The provisions described above under "—Special Meetings of Stockholders," "—Elimination of Stockholder Action by Written Consent" and "—Vacancies" may be amended only by the affirmative vote of holders of at least two-thirds of the combined voting power of outstanding shares of our capital stock entitled to vote in the election of directors, voting together as a single class.

        Amendment of Bylaws.    Our Board of Directors has the power to make, alter, amend, change or repeal our bylaws or adopt new bylaws by the affirmative vote of a majority of the total number of directors then in office.

Notice Provisions Relating to Stockholder Proposals and Nominees

        Our third amended and restated bylaws also impose some procedural requirements on stockholders who wish to make nominations in the election of directors or propose any other business to be brought before an annual or special meeting of stockholders.

        Specifically, a stockholder may (i) bring a proposal before an annual meeting of stockholders, (ii) nominate a candidate for election to our Board of Directors at an annual meeting of stockholders, or (iii) nominate a candidate for election to our Board of Directors at a special meeting of stockholders that has been called for the purpose of electing directors, only if such stockholder delivers timely notice to our corporate secretary. The notice must be in writing and must include certain information and comply with the delivery requirements as set forth in the bylaws.

        To be timely, a stockholder's notice must be received at our principal executive offices:

•

in the case of a nomination or other business in connection with an annual meeting of stockholders, not later than the close of business on the 90th day nor earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to the first anniversary of the previous year's annual meeting of stockholders; provided, however, that if the date of the annual meeting is advanced more than 30 days before or delayed more than 70 days after the first anniversary of the preceding year's annual meeting, notice by the stockholder must be delivered not earlier than the close of

9

---

business on the 120th day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to such annual meeting or the 10th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made by us;

•

in the case of a nomination in connection with a special meeting of stockholders, not earlier than the 120th day prior to such special meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day before such special meeting or the 10th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made by us.

        With respect to special meetings of stockholders, our third amended and restated bylaws provide that only such business shall be conducted as shall have been stated in the notice of the meeting.

Delaware Antitakeover Law

        We have opted out of Section 203 of the DGCL. However, our restated certificate of incorporation provides that in the event NRG and its affiliates cease to beneficially own at least 5% of the total voting power of all the then outstanding shares of our capital stock, we will automatically become subject to Section 203 of the DGCL. Section 203 provides that, subject to certain exceptions specified in the law, a Delaware corporation shall not engage in certain "business combinations" with any "interested stockholder" for a three-year period following the time that the stockholder became an interested stockholder unless:

•

prior to such time, our Board of Directors approved either the business combination or the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder;



•

upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding certain shares; or



•

at or subsequent to that time, the business combination is approved by our Board of Directors and by the affirmative vote of holders of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding voting stock that is not owned by the interested stockholder.

        Generally, a "business combination" includes a merger, asset or stock sale or other transaction resulting in a financial benefit to the interested stockholder. Subject to certain exceptions, an "interested stockholder" is a person who, together with that person's affiliates and associates, owns, or within the previous three years did own, 15% or more of our voting stock.

        Under certain circumstances, Section 203 makes it more difficult for a person who would be an "interested stockholder" to effect various business combinations with a corporation for a three-year period. The provisions of Section 203 may encourage companies interested in acquiring us to negotiate in advance with our Board of Directors because the stockholder approval requirement would be avoided if our Board of Directors approves either the business combination or the transaction that results in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder. These provisions also may make it more difficult to accomplish transactions that stockholders may otherwise deem to be in their best interests.

Amendments

        Any amendments to our restated certificate of incorporation, subject to the rights of holders of our preferred stock, regarding the provisions thereof summarized under "—Corporate Opportunity" or "—Antitakeover Effects of Delaware Law and Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws" will require the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the voting power of all shares of our common stock then outstanding.

10

---

Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Yield LLC

        The following is a description of the material terms of Yield LLC's third amended and restated limited liability company agreement.

Governance

        Yield Inc. serves as the sole managing member of Yield LLC. As such, Yield Inc., and effectively our Board of Directors, controls the business and affairs of Yield LLC and is responsible for the management of its business. No other member of Yield LLC, in its capacity as such, has any authority or right to control the management of Yield LLC or to bind it in connection with any matter. Any amendment, supplement or waiver of the Yield LLC operating agreement must be approved by a majority of our independent directors.

Voting and Economic Rights of Members

        Yield LLC has issued four classes of units: Class A units and Class C units, which may only be issued to Yield Inc., as the sole managing member, and Class B units and Class D units, which may only be issued to NRG and held by NRG or its permitted transferees. Units of each of the four classes have equivalent economic and other rights, except that upon issuance, each holder of a Class B unit will also be issued a share of our Class B common stock and each holder of a Class D unit will also be issued a share of our Class D common stock. Each Class B unit is exchangeable for a share of our Class A common stock, subject to equitable adjustments for stock splits, dividends and reclassifications in accordance with the terms of the Amended and Restated Exchange Agreement (as described below), and each Class D unit is exchangeable for a share of our Class C common stock, subject to equitable adjustments for stock splits, dividends and reclassifications in accordance with the terms of the Amended and Restated Exchange Agreement. When NRG or its permitted transferee exchanges a Class B unit of Yield LLC for a share of our Class A common stock, we will automatically redeem and cancel a corresponding share of our Class B common stock, and the Class B unit will automatically convert into a Class A unit of Yield LLC issued to us. When NRG or its permitted transferee exchanges a Class D unit of Yield LLC for a share of our Class C common stock, we will automatically redeem and cancel a corresponding share of our Class D common stock, and the Class D unit will automatically convert into a Class C unit of Yield LLC issued to us. None of the units have any voting rights.

        Net profits and net losses and distributions by Yield LLC are allocated and made to holders of units in accordance with the respective number of membership units of Yield LLC held. Yield LLC will make distributions to us and NRG for the purpose of funding tax obligations in respect of income of Yield LLC that is allocated to the members of Yield LLC. However, Yield LLC may not make any distributions to its members if doing so would violate any agreement to which it is then a party or any law then applicable to it, have the effect of rendering it insolvent or result in it having net capital lower than that required by applicable law. Additionally, because all of our operations are conducted through NRG Yield Operating, LLC ("Yield Operating LLC"), and Yield Operating LLC's Amended and Restated Credit Agreement restricts the ability of Yield Operating LLC to make distributions to Yield LLC, Yield LLC may not have any funds available to make distributions to us and NRG (including with respect to tax obligations).

11

---

Coordination of Yield Inc. and Yield LLC

        At any time Yield Inc. issues a share of its Class A common stock or Class C common stock for cash, the net proceeds therefrom will promptly be transferred to Yield LLC and Yield LLC will either:

•

transfer a newly issued Class A unit of Yield LLC to Yield Inc. in the case of the issuance of a share of Class A common stock, or transfer a newly issued Class C unit of Yield LLC to Yield Inc. in the case of the issuance of a share of Class C common stock; or



•

use the net proceeds to purchase a Class B unit of Yield LLC from NRG in the case of the issuance of a share of Class A common stock, which Class B unit will automatically convert into a Class A unit of Yield LLC when transferred to Yield Inc. or use the net proceeds to purchase a Class D unit of Yield LLC from NRG in the case of the issuance of a share of Class C common stock, which Class D unit will automatically convert into a Class C unit of Yield LLC when transferred to Yield Inc.

        In the event Yield LLC purchases a Class B unit or a Class D unit of Yield LLC from NRG, Yield Inc. will concurrently redeem and cancel the corresponding share of its Class B common stock or Class D common stock, as applicable.

        If Yield Inc. issues other classes or series of equity securities, Yield LLC will issue, and Yield Inc. will use the net proceeds therefrom to purchase, an equal amount of units with designations, preferences and other rights and terms that are substantially the same as Yield Inc.'s newly-issued equity securities. Conversely, if Yield Inc. elects to redeem any shares of its Class A common stock or Class C common stock (or its equity securities of other classes or series) for cash, Yield LLC will, immediately prior to such redemption, redeem an equal number of Class A units or Class C units (or its units of the corresponding classes or series) held by Yield Inc. upon the same terms and for the same price, as the shares of Class A common stock or Class C common stock (or equity securities of such other classes or series) so redeemed.

Issuances and Transfer of Units

        Class A units and Class C units may only be issued to Yield Inc., as the sole managing member of Yield LLC, and are non-transferable except upon redemption by Yield LLC. Class B units and Class D units may only be issued to NRG. Class B units and Class D units may not be transferred without our consent, subject to such conditions as we may specify, except NRG may transfer Class B units or Class D units to a permitted transferee (including an affiliate) without our consent. NRG may not transfer any Class B units or Class D units to any person unless NRG transfers an equal number of shares of our Class B common stock or Class D common stock, as applicable, to the same transferee.

Amended and Restated Exchange Agreement

        We entered into an amended and restated exchange agreement pursuant to which NRG (and certain permitted assignees and permitted transferees who acquire Class B units or Class D units of Yield LLC) may from time to time cause Yield LLC to exchange its Class B units for shares of our Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis, subject to adjustments for stock splits, stock dividends and reclassifications, or to exchange its Class D units for shares of our Class C common stock on a one-for-one basis, subject to adjustments for stock splits, stock dividends, and reclassifications (the "Amended and Restated Exchange Agreement"). The Amended and Restated Exchange Agreement also provides that, subject to certain exceptions, holders do not have the right to cause Yield LLC to exchange Class B or Class D units if Yield LLC determines that such exchange would be prohibited by law or regulation or would violate other agreements to which Yield Inc. may be subject, and Yield Inc. may impose additional restrictions on exchange that it determines necessary or advisable so that Yield LLC is not treated as a "publicly traded partnership" for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

12

---

        When NRG or its permitted transferee exchanges a Class B unit of Yield LLC for a share of our Class A common stock, we will automatically redeem and cancel a corresponding share of our Class B common stock and the Class B unit will automatically convert into a Class A unit when issued to Yield Inc. Similarly, when NRG or its permitted transferee exchanges a Class D unit of Yield LLC for a share of our Class C common stock, we will automatically redeem and cancel a corresponding share of our Class D common stock and the Class D unit will automatically convert into a Class C unit when issued to Yield Inc. As a result, when a holder exchanges its Class B units for shares of our Class A common stock, or its Class D units for shares of our Class C common stock, our interest in Yield LLC will be correspondingly increased. We have reserved for issuance 42,738,750 shares of our Class A common stock, which is the aggregate number of shares of Class A common stock expected to be issued over time upon the exchange of all Class B units of Yield LLC currently outstanding, and 42,738,750 shares of our Class C common stock, which is the aggregate number of shares of Class C common stock expected to be issued over time upon the exchange of all Class D units of Yield LLC currently outstanding.

Indemnification and Exculpation

        To the extent permitted by applicable law, Yield LLC will indemnify its managing member, our authorized officers and our other employees and agents from and against any losses, liabilities, damages, costs, expenses, fees or penalties incurred in connection with serving in such capacities, provided that the acts or omissions of these indemnified persons are not the result of fraud, intentional misconduct or a violation of the implied contractual duty of good faith and fair dealing, or any lesser standard of conduct permitted under applicable law.

        Such authorized officers and other employees and agents will not be liable to Yield LLC, its members or their affiliates for damages incurred as a result of any acts or omissions of these persons, provided that the acts or omissions of these exculpated persons are not the result of fraud, intentional misconduct or a violation of the implied contractual duty of good faith and fair dealing, or any lesser standard of conduct permitted under applicable law.

Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement

        We entered into an amended and restated registration rights agreement with NRG pursuant to which NRG and its affiliates will be entitled to demand registration rights, including the right to demand that a shelf registration statement be filed, and "piggyback" registration rights, for shares of our Class A common stock that are issuable upon exchange of Class B units of Yield LLC that it owns, and for shares of our Class C common stock that are issuable upon exchange of Class D units of Yield LLC that it owns.

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

        We may offer secured or unsecured debt securities, which may be convertible or non-convertible. Our debt securities will be issued under an indenture to be entered into between us and Delaware Trust Company.

        We have summarized certain general features of the debt securities from the indenture. A form of indenture is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. The following description of the terms of the debt securities sets forth certain general terms and provisions. The particular terms of the debt securities offered by any prospectus supplement and the extent, if any, to which these general provisions may apply to the debt securities will be described in the related prospectus supplement.

13

---

General

        The aggregate principal amount of debt securities that may be issued under the indenture is unlimited. The debt securities may be issued in one or more series as may be authorized from time to time.

        Reference is made to the applicable prospectus supplement for the following terms of the debt securities (if applicable):

•

title and aggregate principal amount;



•

whether the securities will be senior or subordinated;



•

applicable subordination provisions, if any;



•

whether securities issued by us will be entitled to the benefits of any form of guarantee;



•

conversion or exchange into other securities;



•

whether securities issued by us will be secured or unsecured, and if secured, what the collateral will consist of;



•

percentage or percentages of principal amount at which such securities will be issued;



•

maturity date(s);



•

interest rate(s) or the method for determining the interest rate(s);



•

dates on which interest will accrue or the method for determining dates on which interest will accrue and dates on which interest will be payable;



•

redemption (including upon a "change of control") or early repayment provisions;



•

authorized denominations;



•

form;



•

amount of discount or premium, if any, with which such securities will be issued;



•

whether such securities will be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more global securities;



•

identity of the depositary for global securities;



•

whether a temporary security is to be issued with respect to such series and whether any interest payable prior to the issuance of definitive securities of the series will be credited to the account of the persons entitled thereto;



•

the terms upon which beneficial interests in a temporary global security may be exchanged in whole or in part for beneficial interests in a definitive global security or for individual definitive securities;



•

conversion or exchange features;



•

any covenants applicable to the particular debt securities being issued;



•

any defaults and events of default applicable to the particular debt securities being issued;



•

currency, currencies or currency units in which the purchase price for, the principal of and any premium and any interest on, such securities will be payable;



•

time period within which, the manner in which and the terms and conditions upon which the purchaser of the securities can select the payment currency;

14

---

•

securities exchange(s) on which the securities will be listed, if any;



•

whether any underwriter(s) will act as market maker(s) for the securities;



•

extent to which a secondary market for the securities is expected to develop;



•

additions to or changes in the events of default with respect to the securities and any change in the right of the trustee or the holders to declare the principal, premium and interest with respect to such securities to be due and payable;



•

provisions relating to covenant defeasance and legal defeasance;



•

provisions relating to satisfaction and discharge of the indenture;



•

provisions relating to the modification of the indenture both with and without the consent of holders of debt securities issued under the indenture; and



•

additional terms not inconsistent with the provisions of the indenture.

        One or more series of debt securities may be sold at a substantial discount below their stated principal amount, bearing no interest or interest at a rate which at the time of issuance is below market rates. One or more series of debt securities may be variable rate debt securities that may be exchanged for fixed rate debt securities.

        United States federal income tax consequences and special considerations, if any, applicable to any such series will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

        Debt securities may be issued where the amount of principal and/or interest payable is determined by reference to one or more currency exchange rates, commodity prices, equity indices or other factors. Holders of such securities may receive a principal amount or a payment of interest that is greater than or less than the amount of principal or interest otherwise payable on such dates, depending upon the value of the applicable currencies, commodities, equity indices or other factors. Information as to the methods for determining the amount of principal or interest, if any, payable on any date, the currencies, commodities, equity indices or other factors to which the amount payable on such date is linked and certain additional United States federal income tax considerations will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

        The term "debt securities" includes debt securities denominated in U.S. dollars or, if specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, in any other freely transferable currency or units based on or relating to foreign currencies.

        We expect most debt securities to be issued in fully registered form without coupons and in denominations of $2,000 and any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof. Subject to the limitations provided in the indenture and as otherwise described in the applicable prospectus supplement, debt securities that are issued in registered form may be transferred or exchanged at the corporate trust office of the trustee, without the payment of any service charge, other than any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.

Global Securities

        The debt securities of a series may be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more global securities that will be deposited with, or on behalf of, a depositary (the "depositary") identified in the applicable prospectus supplement. Global securities will be issued in registered form and in either temporary or definitive form. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for the individual debt securities, a global security may not be transferred except as a whole by the depositary for such global security to a nominee of such depositary or by a nominee of such depositary to such depositary or another nominee of such depositary or by such depositary or any such nominee to a successor of

15

---

such depositary or a nominee of such successor. The specific terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to any debt securities of a series and the rights of and limitations upon owners of beneficial interests in a global security will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Governing Law

        The indenture and the debt securities shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to the principles thereof relating to conflicts of law.

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

Initial Offering and Sale of Securities

        We may sell securities from time to time in one or more transactions separately or in combination. We may sell the securities of or within any series to or through agents, underwriters, dealers, remarketing firms or other third parties or directly to one or more purchasers or through a combination of any of these methods. We may issue securities as a dividend or distribution. In some cases, we or dealers acting with us or on behalf of us may also purchase securities and reoffer them to the public. We may also offer and sell, or agree to deliver, securities pursuant to, or in connection with, any option agreement or other contractual arrangement.

        Agents whom we designate may solicit offers to purchase the securities.

•

If required, we will name any agent involved in offering or selling securities, and disclose any commissions that we will pay to the agent, in the applicable prospectus supplement.



•

Unless we indicate otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, agents will act on a best efforts basis for the period of their appointment.



•

Agents may be deemed to be underwriters under the Securities Act of 1933, of any of the securities that they offer or sell.

        We may use an underwriter or underwriters in the offer or sale of the securities.

•

If we use an underwriter or underwriters, we will execute an underwriting agreement with the underwriter or underwriters at the time that we reach an agreement for the sale of the securities.



•

We will include the names of the specific managing underwriter or underwriters, as well as the names of any other underwriters, material relationships between the Company and underwriters, and the terms of the transactions, including the compensation the underwriters and dealers will receive, in the applicable prospectus supplement.



•

The underwriters will use the applicable prospectus supplement, together with this prospectus, to sell the securities.

        We may use a dealer to sell the securities.

•

If we use a dealer, we will sell the securities to the dealer, as principal.



•

The dealer will then sell the securities to the public at varying prices that the dealer will determine at the time it sells the securities.



•

We will include the name of the dealer and the terms of the transactions with the dealer in the applicable prospectus supplement.

16

---

        We may solicit directly offers to purchase the securities, and we may directly sell the securities to institutional or other investors. We will describe the terms of direct sales in the applicable prospectus supplement.

        We may engage in "at the market offerings" within the meaning of Rule 415(a)(4) of the Securities Act, to or through a market maker or into an existing trading market on an exchange or otherwise.

        We may also offer and sell securities, if so indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, in connection with a remarketing upon their purchase, in accordance with a redemption or repayment pursuant to their terms, or otherwise, by one or more firms referred to as remarketing firms, acting as principals for their own accounts or as our agents. Any remarketing firm will be identified and the terms of its agreement, if any, with us, and its compensation will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Remarketing firms may be deemed to be underwriters under the Securities Act in connection with the securities they remarket.

        We may indemnify agents, underwriters, dealers and remarketing firms against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. Agents, underwriters, dealers and remarketing firms, or their affiliates, may be customers of, engage in transactions with or perform services for us or our respective affiliates, in the ordinary course of business.

        We may authorize agents and underwriters to solicit offers by certain institutions to purchase the securities at the public offering price under delayed delivery contracts.

•

If we use delayed delivery contracts, we will disclose that we are using them in the prospectus supplement and will tell you when we will demand payment and delivery of the securities under the delayed delivery contracts.



•

These delayed delivery contracts will be subject only to the conditions that we describe in the prospectus supplement.



•

We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement the commission that underwriters and agents soliciting purchases of the securities under delayed contracts will be entitled to receive.

        Any underwriter, agent or dealer that is a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority member is not permitted to sell securities in an offering to accounts over which it exercises discretionary authority without the prior specific written approval of its customer.

        Unless otherwise specified in connection with a particular underwritten offering of securities, the underwriters will not be obligated to purchase offered securities unless specified conditions are satisfied, and if the underwriters do purchase any offered securities, they will purchase all offered securities.

        We may enter into derivative or other hedging transactions involving the securities with third parties, or sell securities not covered by the prospectus to third parties in privately-negotiated transactions. If we so indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement, in connection with those derivative transactions, the third parties may sell securities covered by this prospectus and the related prospectus supplement, including in short sale transactions, or may lend securities in order to facilitate short sale transactions by others. If so, the third party may use securities pledged by us or borrowed from us or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of securities, and may use securities received from us in settlement of those derivative or hedging transactions to close out any related open borrowings of securities. The third party in such sale transactions will be an underwriter and will be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement (or a post-effective amendment to the registration statement that includes this prospectus).

17

---

        We may effect sales of securities in connection with forward sale, option or other types of agreements with third parties. Any distribution of securities pursuant to any forward sale agreement may be effected from time to time in one or more transactions that may take place through a stock exchange, including block trades or ordinary broker's transactions, or through broker-dealers acting either as principal or agent, or through privately-negotiated transactions, or through an underwritten public offering, or through a combination of any such methods of sale, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices relating to such prevailing market prices or at negotiated or fixed prices.

        We may loan or pledge securities to third parties that in turn may sell the securities using this prospectus and the related prospectus supplement or, if we default in the case of a pledge, may offer and sell the securities from time to time using this prospectus and the related prospectus supplement. Such third parties may transfer their short positions to investors in the securities or in connection with a concurrent offering of other securities offered by this prospectus and the related prospectus supplement or otherwise.

        We may sell shares of our common stock under a direct stock purchase and dividend reinvestment plan to be established after the date of this prospectus. The terms of any such plan will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

LEGAL MATTERS

        Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the validity of the securities that may be offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Ballard Spahr LLP, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. If legal matters in connection with the offering made by this prospectus are passed on by counsel for the underwriters, dealers or agents, if any, that counsel will be named in the applicable prospectus supplement.

EXPERTS

        The consolidated financial statements and schedule of NRG Yield, Inc. as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, and management's assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 have been incorporated by reference herein and in the prospectus, in reliance upon the reports of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF CERTAIN INFORMATION

        The SEC allows the "incorporation by reference" of the information filed by us with the SEC into this prospectus, which means that important information can be disclosed to you by referring you to those documents and those documents will be considered part of this prospectus. Information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede the previously filed information. The documents listed below and any future filings we make with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (other than portions of these documents deemed to be "furnished" or not deemed to be "filed") are incorporated by reference herein:

•

Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, filed on March 1, 2018.



•

The information specifically incorporated by reference into our Annual Report on Form 10-K from our definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A, filed on March 15, 2018.



•

Our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2018, filed on May 3, 2018.

18

---

•

Our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on February 7, 2018, February 12, 2018, March 22, 2018, April 2, 2018, April 5, 2018 and April 27, 2018.



•

The description of our Class A common stock and our Class C common stock contained in the Registration Statement on Form 8-A/A filed with the SEC on May 8, 2015, to register such securities under the Exchange Act including any amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such description.

        If you make a request for such information in writing or by telephone, we will provide you, without charge, a copy of any or all of the information incorporated by reference into this prospectus. Any such request should be directed to:

NRG Yield, Inc.
804 Carnegie Center
Princeton, NJ 08540
(609) 524-4500
Attention: Corporate Secretary

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

        We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You can inspect and copy any materials we file at the Public Reference Room of the SEC, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the Public Reference Room. Our SEC filings will also be available to you on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov and through the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005, on which our Class A common stock and our Class C common stock are listed.

        We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-3 relating to the securities covered by this prospectus. This prospectus, which forms a part of the registration statement, does not contain all the information that is included in the registration statement. You will find additional information about us in the registration statement. Any statements made in this prospectus concerning the provisions of legal documents are not necessarily complete and you should read the documents that are filed as exhibits to the registration statement or otherwise filed with the SEC for a more complete understanding of the document or matter.

19

---

Table of Contents

 

3,916,449 Shares

Clearway Energy, Inc.

Class C Common Stock

---

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

---

UBS Investment Bank

---

---