Last Updated on July 17, 2025 2:48 pm
Boone, N.C. — Appalachian State University’s New River Light and Power (NRLP) has joinedpublic power utilities across the country this June to celebrate the Public Power Month ofGiving, an initiative led by the American Public Power Association (APPA) to highlight thecommunity-focused mission of public power providers. While the national Public Power Day ofGiving was observed on June 6, NRLP expanded the event into a month-long celebration ofservice to benefit the High Country community.
Throughout June, NRLP employees have participated in a series of service projects and outreachefforts that support local nonprofits and strengthen ties with the Boone community.
“As a locally operated utility, NRLP is deeply committed to serving not only our customers, butour community at large,” said Matt Makdad, NRLP General Manager. “Public power meansmore than providing electricity — it means being part of the fabric of our town and contributingto its well-being.”
NRLP staff volunteered their time at Hospitality House of Northwest North Carolina, a crisisshelter and transitional housing provider that serves individuals and families experiencinghomelessness. Employees worked hard to beautify the Hospitality House administrative campus,bringing some cheer to their staff and visitors.
The NRLP team also partnered with Watauga County Habitat for Humanity through App Buildsa Home, assisting in home-building projects aimed at providing safe and affordable housing tolocal families. V olunteers spent the day on site, working side-by-side with Habitat staff.
In support of the community’s furry friends, NRLP hosted a month-long donation and supplydrive for the Watauga Humane Society. The utility collected pet food, toys and other necessitiesto support the care of animals in need. At the end of the month, staff members dropped off alldonated supplies to the humane society, where they spent an afternoon volunteering.
“Service is a core value at NRLP, and we’re proud to partner with these incredible organizationsthat make such a difference in our region,” said Mariana Greene, NRLP Public CommunicationsSpecialist. “Our team looks forward to the Month of Giving each year as an opportunity to stepoutside our daily roles and make a positive impact in our community.”
The Month of Giving is part of a larger national effort organized by the American Public PowerAssociation, which represents more than 2,000 not-for-profit, community-owned electric utilitiesacross the country. The initiative encourages utilities to engage in volunteerism, charitable givingand community partnerships.
For more information about NRLP’s community outreach and public power mission, visitnrlp.appstate.edu.
About App State’s New River Light and Power
For 110 years, New River Light and Power (NRLP) — a nonprofit electric utility operated byAppalachian State University — has provided reliable power to residents of Western NorthCarolina. The utility currently serves approximately 9,000 residential and commercial customersin and around Boone, including the university. NRLP is dedicated to expanding access to highereducation, contributing approximately $650,000 annually to the university’s general scholarshipfund. Additionally, the utility awards NRLP scholarships to support graduating Watauga Countyhigh school seniors pursuing an App State education, as well as those interested in pursuing acareer in linework. NRLP holds the American Public Power Association’s Reliable Public PowerProvider and Smart Energy Provider designations, recognizing its commitment to safety,efficiency, renewable energy and environmental stewardship. Learn more about App State’s NewRiver Light and Power at https://nrlp.appstate.edu.
About the American Public Power Association
The American Public Power Association is the voice of not-for-profit, community-ownedutilities that power 2,000 towns and cities nationwide. We represent public power before thefederal government to protect the interests of the more than 49 million people that public powerutilities serve, and the 96,000 people they employ. Our association advocates and advises onelectricity policy, technology, trends, training, and operations. Our members strengthen theircommunities by providing superior service, engaging citizens, and instilling pride incommunity-owned power.
NRLP staff and line crews pose for a group photo at the start of the utility’s Month of Giving. Photo by Mariana Greene
Left to right: NRLP staff members Angel Steele, Mariana Greene and Tanya Jester loadup donated supplies to deliver to the Watauga Humane Society. Photo by Mariana Greene
NRLP team volunteering for Watauga County Habitat for Humanity through AppBuilds a Home. Left to right: Mariana Greene, Tim Councill, Cory Fetters, Sue T., Danny B.,John P. Photo by Mariana Greene
NRLP Senior Business Officer Josie Below and Customer Service RepresentativeDanny Bock load up mulch to beautify the Hospitality House administrative offices. Photo byMariana Greene
Left to right: Customer Service Representatives Tanya Jester and Angel Steele spendquality time with very good boy Flip Flop at Watauga Humane Society. Photo by MarianaGreene
