Initiatives and Programs
Green Power Program
You can help App State’s New River Light and Power bring clean, climate-friendly energy to the High Country. Sign up now for the Green Power Program.
NRLP customers can choose to purchase blocks of hydroelectric power to offset their monthly carbon-based electric use.
Each block costs $5 and represents 250 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean energy.
The Green Power Program is made possible through NRLP’s wholesale power agreement with Carolina Power Partners, effective January 2022.
Renewable energy purchased through the program replaces carbon-based sources of energy, lowering the carbon footprint of NRLP, our customers and the North Carolina region where we work and play.
Click here to learn more and sign up.
Prepaid Service
Prepaid service can be an excellent tool for energy conservation! This program is a flexible, pay-as-you-go plan that puts you in control of your energy usage.
Here are some details:
- No deposit required, just a $50 initial balance to start
- If you have an existing deposit, it can be refunded back to you
- No monthly bills
- No end-of-month surprises
- Pay what you want, when you want
- Multiple notification options let you know when your account is low
Studies have shown that prepaid service can lead to overall energy usage reductions. In some cases, energy usage fell by as much as 15%!
Click here to learn more about our prepaid service!
Renewable Energy Projects On Campus
NRLP partnered with Appalachian State University's Renewable Energy Initiative (REI) to help fund the Broyhill Wind Turbine on App State's campus. NRLP provided over $200,000 in support of the project which is located on Bodenheimer Drive near App State's baseball field.
The wind turbine is situated at the highest point on campus and has become the iconic symbol of Appalachian's commitment to sustainability. The turbine can be spotted from many locations around downtown Boone and is one of the largest wind turbines in the state. You can read more about the Broyhill Turbine here.
NRLP has also assisted in the installment of solar panels on the Appalachian State campus.
LED Cart Program
The LED Cart Program is a partnership between New River Light & Power, Appalachian State University's Office of Sustainability, and Facilities Operations.
The LED Cart is operated out of the Office of Sustainability and funded by NRLP and Facilities Operations for the purpose of increasing and promoting energy efficiency and cost savings in offices and buildings on the App State campus.
App State faculty and staff who are interested in having the LED Cart stop by their department to replace incandescent and CFL bulbs from office lamps can contact NRLP or the Office of Sustainability for more information.
Payne Branch environmental restoration project on the Middle Fork of the New River
From AppalachianToday:
After nearly three months of demolition, construction and restoration efforts, NRLP has completed its grant-funded project to remove the historic Payne Branch dam, which was located off Highway 321, just south of Boone, on the Middle Fork of the New River. The project has helped rehabilitate an approximately 1,200-linear-foot section of the river corridor.
Project impact on the High Country community includes:
- Enhanced water quality for the New River’s Middle Fork.
- Improved habitat and connectivity for the river’s aquatic populations.
- Research opportunities for App State faculty, staff and students.
- A safer, more scenic environment along the Middle Fork Greenway — an in-development project expected to contribute millions to the local economy through tourism.
For the project, which was completed over 83 days from July–December 2020, NRLP partnered with the North Carolina Clean Water Management Trust Fund (CWMTF) and Resource Institute. CWMTF awarded NRLP more than $1.1 million in grant funding to support the project, and NRLP committed $200,000 in matching funds. Construction for the project was completed by Brushy Fork Environmental Consulting (BEFC) and North State Environmental.
Click here to read more about this project.
Energy Efficiency Kits
Our energy efficiency kits are a great way to help you get started conserving energy and saving money!
Each kit contains 4 LED light bulbs, an LED night light, and weatherstripping.
These energy efficiency kits are FREE for our customers! (1 kit per account). Stop by our office today to pick one up!
NRLP Electric Vehicle Charging Station
Come recharge your electric vehicle at our charging station located in our front office parking lot. You may even spot our all-electric Nissan LEAF when you stop by!
Other
NRLP is regularly involved in community and University events and initiatives promoting sustainability, including participation in App State's Earth Day Celebration, providing funds for the annual Tree Campus USA tree planting, and attending the REI's Fall and Spring Forums.
To celebrate our 100-year anniversary, NRLP planted 100 trees along the Greenway Trail Connector beside Clawson-Burnley Park, and in other locations across town, to celebrate 100 years of service in the High Country.
Additionally, NRLP assisted the Town of Boone in the installment of the solar station at Depot Street by setting the footings for that project.
