From celebrating our employees and recognizing outstanding achievements to connecting with students and community partners, Public Power Week 2026 was full of memorable moments!
Celebrated each October, Public Power Week is a nationwide recognition of the people, service and community connections that make public power special. As your local public power utility, New River Light and Power joined utilities across the country in celebrating October 4–10.
This year’s celebration included special activities with Hardin Park School, recognition of NRLP’s five Public Power Awards of Excellence, community outreach and opportunities to give back.
Hardin Park students enjoyed a special afternoon with NRLP lineworkers during Public Power Week.
Little Artists, Big Ideas
One of the brightest parts of Public Power Week came from our friends at Hardin Park School!
Hundreds of students participated in our Public Power Week Coloring & Activity Contest, filling our lobby with colorful artwork and creative ideas about public power.
Through our Who Would I Be in Public Power? drawing activity, students explored the many careers that help keep our community powered. From lineworkers and engineers to customer service and communications, there’s a place for all kinds of skills and talents in public power.
Mr. Terry Gunnell-Beck’s fifth-grade class even surprised our team with a special podcast exploring careers in public power!
The celebration continued with Lunch with NRLP Lineworkers, when nine contest winners joined our crew for lunch, conversations and hands-on equipment demonstrations. It was an afternoon full of smiles, curiosity and new connections.
Recognizing Excellence
Public Power Week was also an opportunity to celebrate some outstanding achievements!
NRLP received five Public Power Awards of Excellence from ElectriCities of North Carolina, recognizing the utility’s commitment to excellence in public power.
We were pleased to welcome Gregg Welch, Vice President of Member Outreach and Education for ElectriCities, to Boone to present the awards and celebrate with our team.
Joining the celebration were special guests Appalachian State University Chancellor Heather Norris and Executive Vice Chancellor J.J. Brown.
A Community Celebration
The Town of Boone joined in recognizing Public Power Week with an official proclamation, celebrating the role public power plays in serving our community. Our team is grateful to Mayor Dalton George, the Town Council and all the citizens of our hometown for recognizing the value public power brings to our community.
Our team also connected with Appalachian State students at the Off-Campus Housing Fair, sharing helpful information about electric service, energy efficiency and the resources available to NRLP customers.
NRLP customers and community members were invited to stop by the office throughout the week for free goodies, NRLP swag and a chance to view the amazing student artwork.
Thank you!
At the heart of Public Power Week are the people who make it all possible.
Every NRLP employee plays a part in providing reliable electric service, and our community partners help make opportunities like this year’s celebration possible.
To our employees, customers, Hardin Park students and teachers, ElectriCities of NC, the Town of Boone and everyone who celebrated with us — thank you for making Public Power Week 2026 one to remember!
Public Power Week may be over, but our commitment to serving our community continues every day.