BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University’s New River Light and Power (NRLP) has earned a Smart Energy Provider designation from the American Public Power Association for demonstrating a commitment to and proficiency in energy efficiency, distributed generation and environmental initiatives that support the goal of providing safe, reliable, low-cost and sustainable electric service.
The Smart Energy Provider designation, which lasts for three years — from Dec. 1, 2024, to Nov. 30, 2027 — recognizes public power utilities for demonstrating leading practices in four key disciplines:
smart energy program structure,
energy efficiency and distributed energy resources programs,
environmental and sustainability initiatives, and
customer experience.
NRLP joins more than 100 public power utilities nationwide with the Smart Energy Provider designation.
“We are honored to be recognized as a utility that focuses on smart energy best practices,” said NRLP General Manager Matthew Makdad. “This designation represents our dedication to offering programs that keep our power affordable, supporting energy efficiency in our community and reducing our environmental impact.”
Erin Miller — vice president of programs and sustainability at American Municipal Power, Inc., and chair of the Smart Energy Provider Review Panel — presented the designations on Oct. 28 in Louisville, Kentucky, during the association’s annual Customer Connections Conference.
“Smart Energy Provider-designated utilities have demonstrated their leadership in smart energy programs and services,” said Miller. “This designation celebrates utilities committed to serving their customers while taking the extra step to plan for the future. Communities served by utilities that have earned the Smart Energy Provider designation should be proud of their utility’s accomplishments.”
About Appalachian State University's New River Light and Power
For more than 100 years, Appalachian State University’s New River Light and Power (NRLP) — a nonprofit electric utility operated by the Division of Finance and Operations — has provided power to Western North Carolina residents. Today, NRLP serves nearly 9,000 residential and commercial customers who reside in and near the town of Boone. In January 2022, the utility began purchasing its electricity from Carolina Power Partners — a partnership that opens greater renewable energy opportunities. In partnership with App State’s Office of Sustainability, Facilities Operations and Renewable Energy Initiative, NRLP has assisted with various energy efficiency projects across campus, including installing solar panels and providing funding for the Broyhill Wind Turbine located on Bodenheimer Drive. The utility holds the American Public Power Association’s Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3) designation for providing reliable and safe electric service, and approximately $650,000 of its budget is reserved annually for contributions to App State’s general scholarship fund. Learn more at https://nrlp.appstate.edu.
About the American Public Power Association
The American Public Power Association is the voice of not-for-profit, community-owned utilities that power 54 million people in 49 states and five territories. APPA advocates and advises on electricity policy, technology, trends, training, and operations.
NRLP General Manager, Matt Makdad, center, pictured with APPA's Paul Zummo and Erin Miller
