5 Surprising Facts About New River Light And Power: The University-Owned Utility With Shockingly Low Rates

As of late 2024 and early 2025, New River Light and Power (NRLP) is making headlines not for power outages, but for exceptional service and national recognition in electric reliability. This utility is far from typical; it is a nonprofit entity operated entirely by Appalachian State University (App State), serving both the university and the surrounding community of Boone, North Carolina.

This unique ownership structure is the key to understanding NRLP's operations, its remarkably low residential electricity rates, and its deep commitment to the High Country region of Western North Carolina. From its historic roots in the early 20th century to its modern focus on smart energy and storm response, NRLP continues to be an essential, and often surprising, part of the Watauga County infrastructure.

The Unique Profile: A University-Operated Public Power Utility

New River Light and Power (NRLP) stands out in the utility landscape because it is not a private, investor-owned company. Instead, it is a nonprofit electric utility that has been operated by Appalachian State University for over a century.

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This arrangement means the utility's profile is intrinsically linked to the university's mission and the local community's well-being.

• Official Name: New River Light and Power (NRLP)
• Owner/Operator: Appalachian State University (App State)
• Type: Nonprofit Electric Utility / Public Power Utility
• Founding Year: 1915
• Service Area: Customers in and near the town of Boone, Western North Carolina, including the Appalachian State University campus.
• Regulatory Oversight: Service territory is assigned by statute and enforced by the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC).
• Key Infrastructure: Manages over 1,700 distribution poles and other physical assets.
• Customer Base: Serves nearly 9,000 residential and commercial customers.
• Historical Note: The original NRLP plant burned down in 1923, causing a 17-month blackout in Boone and on campus.

The utility's long history dates back to 1915, providing electric power to App State and the burgeoning Boone community. This deep-rooted connection is why NRLP’s primary goal remains service and reliability, rather than maximizing shareholder profit.

Fact 1: NRLP’s Electricity Rates Are Significantly Below the National Average

One of the most compelling reasons for the curiosity surrounding NRLP is its electricity pricing. Customers of New River Light and Power enjoy some of the lowest residential electricity rates in the country.

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The average residential electricity rate for NRLP customers hovers around 9.47 to 10.63 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh). This rate is approximately 34% lower than the national average residential rate in the United States.

This cost advantage is a direct result of two primary factors:

The Nonprofit Model and Wholesale Power Strategy

As a nonprofit entity owned by Appalachian State University, NRLP is not driven by the profit motive of investor-owned utilities. Any revenue generated is reinvested back into the utility's infrastructure, operations, and services, directly benefiting the customers and the university.

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Furthermore, NRLP made a strategic shift in its wholesale power purchasing. In January 2022, the utility began a new contract to buy its wholesale energy from NTE Carolinas LLC. This move was specifically designed to provide NRLP customers with a lower monthly electricity bill, solidifying its position as an affordable power provider in the region.

Fact 2: National Recognition for Reliability and Storm Response in 2024/2025

In the most recent period, New River Light and Power has earned significant accolades, demonstrating that low rates do not come at the expense of service quality. The utility has been actively recognized for its operational excellence and rapid response to severe weather events.

In 2024, NRLP achieved national recognition for its exceptional electric reliability. This award highlights the utility's successful efforts in minimizing power outages and quickly restoring service when issues do occur, a critical factor for customers in the mountainous terrain of Western North Carolina.

The utility's commitment to the community was further highlighted by its response to Tropical Storm Helene in late 2024. The Town of Boone publicly recognized NRLP’s efforts for restoring power to over 99% of its service area quickly following the storm. Additionally, NRLP was acknowledged by the Town of Boone in early 2025 in recognition of Lineworker Appreciation Day, underscoring the dedication of its field staff.

Fact 3: NRLP is a Recognized Smart Energy Provider

Moving beyond basic power provision, New River Light and Power has been named a "Smart Energy Provider." This designation indicates a commitment to modernizing the electric grid and incorporating advanced technologies to improve efficiency, reliability, and customer service.

The Smart Energy Provider designation covers several key areas, including:

• Grid Modernization: Implementing smart grid technologies to better manage the flow of electricity.
• Energy Efficiency: Promoting programs to help customers reduce energy consumption and costs.
• Renewable Integration: Efforts to integrate cleaner energy sources into the power supply.
• Customer Service: Utilizing technology for better communication and service delivery.

This focus on "smart" infrastructure ensures that the utility remains competitive and sustainable, preparing for the future energy needs of Appalachian State University and the Boone area.

Fact 4: The Utility Has a History of Dam Ownership and Removal

Part of NRLP's deep history involves the New River itself. The utility once operated a dam, known as the New River Light and Power Dam, from 1924 to 1972. This dam was a source of hydroelectric power for the region in its early years.

In a significant environmental move, NRLP later worked to remove the dam. This action was part of a broader conservation effort to restore the natural flow of the New River, one of the oldest rivers in North America, highlighting the utility's role in the region's environmental history.

Fact 5: It Powers a Major Public University’s Sustainability Goals

Because NRLP is part of Appalachian State University, it plays a vital role in the university’s aggressive sustainability and climate action goals. App State is a leader in environmental stewardship, and the utility is a key mechanism for achieving those goals.

The university's ownership ensures that energy decisions—from wholesale power purchasing to grid investments—are aligned with the institution's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting energy efficiency across its campus. This unique synergy between a public university and its own electric utility creates a powerful model for sustainable public power in the United States.