BOONE, N.C. — Matthew Makdad, P.E., has been named general manager of Appalachian State University’s New River Light and Power (NRLP), effective Feb. 1. Makdad had previously served as the utility’s engineering supervisor since 2017.

In his new role, Makdad is responsible for overseeing the operations of NRLP, ensuring safe and reliable electricity is provided to the nearly 9,000 commercial and residential customers within the public power utility’s territory in and around Boone, including the App State Boone campus. The utility’s infrastructure includes 1,500 transformers and nearly 100 miles of overhead and underground power lines.

Makdad leads a motivated team of highly skilled lineworkers, technicians and support staff that includes business officers, customer service representatives, billing, mapping and communications.

“Matt has done an excellent job leading the engineering and technical side of NRLP for many years,” said Nick Katers, App State associate vice chancellor of facilities management. “We are excited to see him now become the general manager. Good things are in store for NRLP, App State and NRLP customers.”

Prior to joining App State in 2017, Makdad served in various engineering leadership roles as an Air Force Civilian at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base for 21 years.

Makdad holds a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Business Administration from App State and is a registered North Carolina Professional Engineer — the highest standard of engineering competence.

What do you think?

Share your feedback on this story.

App State’s New River Light and Power Scholarship awarded to 5 Watauga County students

June 29, 2023

Five Watauga County students were named recipients of Appalachian State University’s New River Light and Power Scholarship for the 2023–24 school year. Established in 1988, the scholarship provides funding to Watauga County students pursuing higher education at App State.

Read the story

Renewables to make up 18% of App State’s purchased electricity in 2022

Jan. 14, 2022

Under a new power provider, App State’s percentage of electricity supplied from renewables will increase from 2% to 18% in early 2022 due to purchases of hydroelectric and solar power.

Read the story

How New River got its flow back: App State’s NRLP completes Payne Branch environmental restoration project

Jan. 25, 2021

App State’s New River Light and Power has completed its grant-funded project to remove the historic Payne Branch dam from the New River’s Middle Fork, helping to restore this river corridor to a more natural state — which includes improved water quality and enhanced habitat for the area’s aquatic wildlife. Dive in to learn more.

Read the story

New partnership with NTE will accelerate efforts to reach climate neutrality

Feb. 27, 2020

Under the new agreement, NRLP customers will have more control and choice over their energy consumption and spending through new, innovative rates, such as time- of-use rates, according to NRLP General Manager Ed Miller.

Read the story

About App State'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 Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.