Last Updated on July 17, 2025 2:48 pm
Boone, N.C. — Appalachian State University’s New River Light and Power (NRLP) has joined
public power utilities across the country this June to celebrate the Public Power Month of
Giving, an initiative led by the American Public Power Association (APPA) to highlight the
community-focused mission of public power providers. While the national Public Power Day of
Giving was observed on June 6, NRLP expanded the event into a month-long celebration of
service to benefit the High Country community.
Throughout June, NRLP employees have participated in a series of service projects and outreach
efforts that support local nonprofits and strengthen ties with the Boone community.
“As a locally operated utility, NRLP is deeply committed to serving not only our customers, but
our community at large,” said Matt Makdad, NRLP General Manager. “Public power means
more than providing electricity — it means being part of the fabric of our town and contributing
to its well-being.”
NRLP staff volunteered their time at Hospitality House of Northwest North Carolina, a crisis
shelter and transitional housing provider that serves individuals and families experiencing
homelessness. Employees worked hard to beautify the Hospitality House administrative campus,
bringing some cheer to their staff and visitors.
The NRLP team also partnered with Watauga County Habitat for Humanity through App Builds
a Home, assisting in home-building projects aimed at providing safe and affordable housing to
local families. V olunteers spent the day on site, working side-by-side with Habitat staff.
In support of the community’s furry friends, NRLP hosted a month-long donation and supply
drive for the Watauga Humane Society. The utility collected pet food, toys and other necessities
to support the care of animals in need. At the end of the month, staff members dropped off all
donated supplies to the humane society, where they spent an afternoon volunteering.
“Service is a core value at NRLP, and we’re proud to partner with these incredible organizations
that make such a difference in our region,” said Mariana Greene, NRLP Public Communications
Specialist. “Our team looks forward to the Month of Giving each year as an opportunity to step
outside our daily roles and make a positive impact in our community.”
The Month of Giving is part of a larger national effort organized by the American Public Power
Association, which represents more than 2,000 not-for-profit, community-owned electric utilities
across the country. The initiative encourages utilities to engage in volunteerism, charitable giving
and community partnerships.
For more information about NRLP’s community outreach and public power mission, visit
nrlp.appstate.edu.
About App State’s New River Light and Power
For 110 years, New River Light and Power (NRLP) — 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 approximately $650,000 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 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 2,000 towns and cities nationwide. We represent public power before the
federal government to protect the interests of the more than 49 million people that public power
utilities serve, and the 96,000 people they employ. Our association advocates and advises on
electricity policy, technology, trends, training, and operations. Our members strengthen their
communities by providing superior service, engaging citizens, and instilling pride in
community-owned power.
NRLP staff and line crews pose for a group photo at the start of the utility’s Month of Giving. Photo by Mariana Greene
Left to right: NRLP staff members Angel Steele, Mariana Greene and Tanya Jester load
up donated supplies to deliver to the Watauga Humane Society. Photo by Mariana Greene
NRLP team volunteering for Watauga County Habitat for Humanity through App
Builds a Home. Left to right: Mariana Greene, Tim Councill, Cory Fetters, Sue T., Danny B.,
John P. Photo by Mariana Greene
NRLP Senior Business Officer Josie Below and Customer Service Representative
Danny Bock load up mulch to beautify the Hospitality House administrative offices. Photo by
Mariana Greene
Left to right: Customer Service Representatives Tanya Jester and Angel Steele spend
quality time with very good boy Flip Flop at Watauga Humane Society. Photo by Mariana
Greene
