App State’s New River Light and Power earns Public Power Awards of Excellence

NRLP staff and lineworkers pose with a linetruck in June 2025. Thanks to App State Communications for the photo

BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University’s New River Light and Power (NRLP) has earned Public Power Awards of Excellence in all five categories for 2026, recognizing the utility’s commitment to reliable service, customer-focused innovation and continued advancement of public power. 

NRLP is one of 19 public power providers recognized this year by ElectriCities of North Carolina for demonstrating excellence and a commitment to delivering exceptional electric service. 

NRLP staff celebrate Earth Day during App State’s Earth Day Expo by sharing energy efficiency and saving tips, supporting the utility’s customer-centered focus strategy. Thank you to App State’s University Communications for the photo

The Public Power Awards of Excellence reflect five strategic priorities of public power. NRLP received recognition in each category:

• Future-Focused Award, recognizing utilities with a future-focused mindset.
• Strengthen Public Power Award, celebrating utilities that build support for public power. 
• Provide Superior Power Award, highlighting utilities that deliver reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity. 
• Customer-Centered Innovation Award, recognizing public power providers that innovate and invest to better serve their customers and communities. 
• People Award, distinguishing utilities that leverage their people as their greatest asset. 

Among the initiatives recognized in NRLP’s 2026 award submissions were efforts to make complex utility information easier for customers to understand and access. New How to Read Your Bill and Understanding Your Electric Rates webpages provide customers with straightforward, accessible information about their electric bills and the factors that affect rates. These resources were highlighted as part of NRLP’s customer-centered innovation efforts. 

Lineman Apprentice Finley Hodges competes in the 2026 NCAMES Lineman’s Rodeo in May. NRLP is committed to supporting its team in fulfilling professional and educational goals.

NRLP’s work to maintain reliable electric service and reduce energy use was also featured under the Provide Superior Power Award, reflecting ongoing efforts to strengthen system performance while promoting efficient use of energy. 

“Receiving recognition again in all five categories reflects the broad range of work our employees do every day to serve our customers,” said Matthew Makdad, NRLP general manager. “From maintaining a safe and reliable electric system to finding better ways to connect with and serve our customers, these awards represent the dedication of our entire team and our continued commitment to providing exceptional public power service.”

NRLP has been a recipient of the Public Power Awards of Excellence since the program’s inception in 2018. 

“We’re proud to honor this year’s recipients and the positive impact their work has on public power customers,” said Roy Jones, CEP at ElectriCities. “Behind every one of these awards is a team of skilled professionals committed to serving their community at the highest level, and we are thrilled to celebrate them.” 

In addition to the ElectriCities Public Power Awards of Excellence, NRLP holds the American Public Power Association’s Reliable Public Power Provider and Smart Energy Provider designations, as well as Certificates of Excellence in Reliability and Safety. 

Nearly 1.6 million people in more than 70 cities and towns across North Carolina receive their electricity from public power providers. NRLP has proudly served as the High Country’s public power provider since 1915. 

To learn more about NRLP, visit nrlp.appstate.edu. 

About App State’s New River Light and Power

For over 110 years, New River Light and Power — a nonprofit electric utility operated by Appalachian State University — has provided reliable power to residents of Western North Carolina. The utility currently serves approximately 9,000 residential and commercial customers in and around Boone, including the university. NRLP is dedicated to expanding access to higher education, contributing annually to the university’s general scholarship fund. Additionally, the utility awards NRLP scholarships to support graduating Watauga County high school seniors pursuing an App State education, as well as those interested in pursuing a career in linework. NRLP holds the American Public Power Association’s Reliable Public Power Provider and Smart Energy Provider designations, recognizing its commitment to safety, efficiency, renewable energy and environmental stewardship. Learn more about App State’s New River Light and Power at nrlp.appstate.edu.

About ElectriCities of North Carolina

ElectriCities of North Carolina, Inc., is the membership organization that provides power supply and related critical services to over 90 community-owned electric systems in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia—collectively known as public power. ElectriCities manages the power supply for two power agencies in North Carolina and provides technical services to assist members in operating their electric distribution systems. ElectriCities also helps these locally owned and operated public power providers thrive today and in the future by delivering innovative services, including legislative, technical, communications and economic development expertise. 

Visit www.electricities.com to learn more about the benefits of public power and how ElectriCities helps communities keep the lights on through access to safe, reliable, and affordable energy.