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New Year energy tips for 2026

Dec 31, 2025

A family sits around a table with Thanksgiving foods, smiling.

Start the new year energy smart with NRLP.

A new year is a great time to build energy-smart habits that help keep your home comfortable, lower energy use and support a more sustainable High Country. New River Light and Power is here to help you start the year off right with practical tools, winter tips and clean energy options.

Weather-smart energy tips

Cold temperatures can drive energy use up quickly. Small changes can make a big difference:

  • Set thermostats to 68° when home and lower when away

  • Seal drafts around doors and windows to keep warm air inside

  • Use curtains or blinds to reduce heat loss at night

  • Change heating system filters and schedule regular maintenance

Be ready for winter outages

Winter weather can sometimes lead to power outages.

  • Keep flashlights, batteries and blankets easily accessible

  • Choose one room to stay warm if power is out

  • Never use grills or fuel heaters indoors

  • Report outages to NRLP as soon as possible to help crews respond quickly by calling 828-264-3671 — remember, during non-business hours, calls are forwarded to App State PD for dispatch

For a full list of tips and safety guidance, visit our Power Outage Preparedness page.

Use free tools to track energy and temperatures

NRLP offers free tools to help you better understand and manage your energy use:

  • NRLP Connect Mobile App can help you track energy and make payments with on-the-go convenience

  • IntelaHome® Energy Dashboard tracks energy in real-time, offers exportable reports and more

  • TempTracker365™ monitors weather impacts on energy use year-round — be sure to select New River Light & Power as your community

These tools put helpful insights right at your fingertips.

A resolution for a more sustainable High Country

This year, consider supporting clean energy close to home through NRLP’s Green Power Program. Your participation helps bring renewable energy to the High Country while supporting long-term sustainability for our community.

Start the year informed, prepared and energy smart. NRLP is proud to power your home and your goals in the year ahead.