As another round of winter weather moves into the High Country, New River Light and Power (NRLP) encourages customers to take steps now to prepare for winter energy conservation and possible outages.
The utility is actively monitoring weather forecasts and preparing for potential impacts from Winter Storm Gianna.
While this is a different storm setup than last weekend’s storm, when freezing rain was the main concern, heavy snowfall and high winds can still cause outages. In addition, extremely low temperatures expected early Monday may drive high energy demand across the region and state.
NRLP teams are ready to respond if outages occur. The utility is taking proactive measures to prepare and encourages customers to do the same.
Simple steps can help keep you safe and comfortable during cold-weather service disruptions. Recommended winter outage preparation tips include:
- Flashlights with extra batteries
- Extra drinking water for household members and pets
- Food items that do not require electricity to prepare
- A NOAA weather radio
- A basic first aid kit
- Plenty of blankets and warm layers of clothing
- Designating a “warm room” and sealing drafty areas to retain heat
- Charging phones, medical devices and backup batteries ahead of time
Households that rely on oxygen or other medical equipment requiring electricity should plan ahead. While NRLP prioritizes restoration for medically vulnerable customers whenever possible, restoration times cannot be guaranteed during outages.
NRLP also encourages customers to conserve energy during extreme winter temperatures, especially when temperatures fall across North Carolina. Energy tips include:
- Keep thermostats to 68 degrees or lower — but above 55 degrees to keep pipes from bursting
- Delay using major appliances like dishwashers, washers, dryers or using a lot of hot water during winter peak hours of 6 to 9 a.m.
- Unplug unused electronics, turn off lights and delay charging vehicles during peak hours
Safety remains a top priority. Customers should stay away from downed power lines and assume any fallen line is energized. Downed lines should be reported to NRLP at 828-264-3671, or to 911 if there is immediate danger.
Know how to report an outage and get updates.
NRLP uses Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) to monitor outages in real-time. While customer outage reports are not always required, they are especially important in urgent situations such as a vehicle striking a utility pole, a pole on fire or a downed line. To report an outage during business hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., customers should call 828-264-3671, option 2, or email NRLP-CSR@appstate.edu. After business hours, customers should report an outage by calling 828-264-3671 option 2, then option 9. Calling ensures the timely receipt of after-hours reports. After business hours, outage calls are forwarded to App State Police for dispatching.
Customers can check current outage status at nrlp.appstate.edu. NRLP will also share updates regarding major outages and restoration efforts on our social media channels on Facebook, Instagram and X.
NRLP is grateful for the community’s cooperation and encourages customers to stay informed and prepared as winter weather develops.
More outage preparedness tips can be found in the NRLP Resource Center, as well as Ready.gov.