Dear Valued Customers,
Recently, our utility reviewed and updated the Purchased Power Adjustment (PPA), a line item on your bill called the Wholesale Power Supply Charge. We are sending you full details, including a customer letter and official notice from the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) regarding the annual PPA true-up by email, if provided to us, or by mail.
This winter, we’ve heard from some of our customers about your electric bills — not just because of the upcoming annual PPA, but because the prolonged extreme cold temperatures these last few months have driven up energy usage.
Recent bill impacts are tied to changes in our power supply costs through our wholesale power agreement and a series of unusual winter storms. These costs are largely outside of our control, but we understand that doesn’t lessen the impact on you — and we don’t take that lightly. Our responsibility is to be reliable and transparent, to explain what’s happening clearly and to manage our town’s electric needs responsibly.
New River Light and Power (NRLP) operates on a not-for-profit model. That means your rates are designed to cover the costs of providing reliable electricity. The PPA update is intended only to pay for the cost of wholesale energy. We do not profit from this adjustment. Some years, the adjustment results in a Wholesale Power Supply Charge decrease, and some years, like 2026, it increases. Visit our new “Understanding Your Electric Rates” webpage for a detailed explanation of how rates are determined and why they change.
We work continuously to keep operating costs reasonable, invest wisely in infrastructure, programs and people, and advocate for our customers in wholesale power discussions. Reliability remains our top priority. Through winter storms and peak demand events, our team works around the clock to keep power flowing to our community. Public power is built on local people caring for local people. We don’t take your trust in us for granted. We are grateful for our community’s support and the opportunity to serve you.
When bills increase unexpectedly, it can feel overwhelming. For customers managing tight budgets, small businesses watching expenses, or neighbors already navigating rising costs in their lives, changes to essentials like electricity costs can be difficult.
If you’re struggling with your bill, please reach out. Our team can talk through payment options, community resources, energy usage questions and conservation strategies that may help. We are committed to working with you as your energy partner.
Sincerely,
Matt Makdad
General Manager
New River Light and Power
Matthew Makdad, NRLP General Manager
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