Author: Gregory Creason

Wednesday, December 6, 2023 

Contact: Hannah Duell, Communications Specialist, (231)-932-4544, hduell@tclp.org 

Traverse City, MI – Traverse City Light & Power (TCLP), a forward-thinking municipal utility, today announced its strategic alignment with the recently passed Clean & Renewable Energy and Energy Waste Reduction Act in Michigan. This alignment underscores TCLP’s pioneering efforts in adopting sustainable energy practices and contributing to a healthier planet. 

“Our Climate Action Plan (CAP) set the stage for a transformative journey towards 100% renewable energy,” said Brandie Ekren, Executive Director of TCLP. “Michigan’s latest legislative move in clean energy reinforces our vision and commitment to not just meet, but exceed, state-level sustainability goals.” 

The new legislation aligns with TCLP’s existing efforts to reduce carbon emissions and enhance grid resiliency. TCLP has been a leader in sustainable utility solutions, and its ambitious CAP has been at the forefront of driving change within the community and beyond. 

As a response to both global and local environmental concerns, TCLP’s initiatives extend beyond compliance, setting a benchmark in the industry. The company’s proactive approach in adopting renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and promoting sustainable practices exemplifies its role as a leader in environmental stewardship. 

“Our commitment goes beyond powering homes and businesses; it’s about empowering a sustainable future for our community,” Ekren added. “We are proud to be aligned with Michigan’s vision, and this new legislation only strengthens our resolve to innovate and lead in clean energy solutions.” 

Traverse City Light & Power continues to work closely with local and state partners to implement its climate goals, contributing to a greener, more sustainable Michigan. 

About Traverse City Light & Power 

Traverse City Light & Power (www.tclp.org) is a community-owned, community-focused municipal utility providing electric and telecom services to Traverse City and the surrounding areas. With a commitment to sustainability and innovation, TCLP is dedicated to delivering reliable, cost-effective energy solutions while prioritizing environmental stewardship. 

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Friday, November 3, 2023

Contact: Hannah Duell, Communications Specialist, (231)- 932-4544, hduell@tclp.org

Traverse City, MI – Traverse City Light and Power (TCLP) is now accepting the second round of Community Investment Fund Grant Applications for the 2023-2024 Fiscal Year.  Applications will be accepted until January 31, 2024.  

As a public power utility, TCLP is committed to investing in the community we serve. The vision of the Community Investment Fund is to enhance the quality of life in Traverse City, and more specifically for customers in TCLP’s service territory, with charitable contributions focused on projects and programs in three key areas: Community Development, Energy-Related Education, and Natural Resources/Environmental.  

The requesting organization must reside in the Traverse City area, be non-profit, and operate for public purposes. For more information on the Community Investment Fund along with the application and submission requirements visit “Our Community” under “Community Outreach Programs” at www.tclp.org. 

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Traverse City Light & Power (www.tclp.org) is a community-owned, community-focused municipal utility that offers reliable energy at low rates in the region to over 12,700 customers in Traverse City, and parts of East Bay, Elmwood, Garfield and Peninsula townships. Now offering TCLPfiber, an all-fiber, gigabit internet service.  

Monday, October 16, 2023

Contact: Hannah Duell, Communications Specialist, (231)- 932-4544, hduell@tclp.org

TRAVERSE CITY, MI – Traverse City Light & Power (TCLP) earned a runner-up Impact Award with the Municipal Employees’ Retirement System (MERS) in the “Other” category for steps it has taken to design and implement retirement and post-employment benefit offerings that not only align with employee needs, but also ensure that the funding of these benefits is sustainable. TCLP was one of eleven organizations recognized this year out of 1,030 municipalities in Michigan that participate with MERS.

TCLP has taken a multi-faceted approach to ensuring benefit sustainability and has seen success in its ability to recruit and retain employees with its benefit offerings that show a commitment to employee financial security in retirement.

The MERS Impact Awards were created to recognize municipalities that have displayed commitment to employee financial security as well as proven best practices in designing and implementing retirement and post-employment benefit programs.

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Traverse City Light & Power (www.tclp.org) is a community-owned, community-focused municipal utility that offers reliable energy at low rates in the region to over 12,700 customers in Traverse City, and parts of East Bay, Elmwood, Garfield, and Peninsula townships. Now offering TCLPfiber, an all-fiber, gigabit internet service.

National event urging everyone to “Save Money. Cut Pollution. Create Jobs.”

Wednesday, October 4, 2023 

Contact: Hannah Duell, Communications Specialist, (231)- 932-4544, hduell@tclp.org  

Traverse City, MI — In recognition of National Energy Efficiency Day (#EEDay2023) on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, Traverse City Light and Power (TCLP) is joining regional and national organizations, businesses, utilities, universities, and individuals in promoting energy efficiency – the cheapest, quickest way to meet our energy needs, cut utility bills, and reduce pollution.  

Energy efficiency is also an economic engine, amassing a U.S. workforce of nearly 2.4 million by the beginning of this year. Ranging from professional services to manufacturing, installation, and construction, these good jobs are local and cannot be outsourced.  

“Being more energy efficient not only lowers utility bills, but it also reduces the need for more infrastructure and power plants. TCLP has many programs in place to help our businesses and homes achieve those savings,” said Jacob Hardy, Sustainability and Key Accounts Manager.   

TCLP offers its customers a variety of energy-efficient programs including:  

• Voluntary Green Pricing Program  
• On-Bill Financing  
• Time of Use Program  
• Energy Saver Program  
• Net Metering  

Reducing the energy used by manufacturers, homes, and businesses benefits everyone – especially energy bill-payers. The average household saves almost $500 yearly thanks to efficiency standards that apply to new appliances such as dishwashers, refrigerators, and water heaters, alone. 

To learn more about TCLP’s energy efficiency efforts, visit www.tclp.org/going-green/.  

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About #EEDay2023: On Wednesday, October 4, 2023, a growing network showcases the vital benefits of energy efficiency during the 5^th annual nationwide Energy Efficiency Day. Learn how we can all save money, cut pollution, create jobs, and more at www.energyefficiencyday.org 

Thursday, August 31, 2023

Contact: Hannah Duell, Communications Specialist, (231) 932-4544, hduell@tclp.org

TRAVERSE CITY, MI. – Traverse City Light and Power (TCLP) invites you to join us in celebrating Public Power Week, October 1-7, 2023, along with more than 2,000 other community-powered, not-for-profit electric utilities that collectively provide electricity to 49 million Americans.

Through the Public Power Coloring Contest, we wish to engage students and the community in a way that will enhance interest and understanding of the role that efficient, safe, reliable, and affordable electricity plays in powering our community. The contest winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card and may be featured in MMEA’s Currents magazine! Check it out at MIpublicpower.org.

The contest is open to participants in grades 1^st – 4^th as of the Fall of 2023. The Submission must be received by Friday, September 22, 2023. For more information and details on how to participate, visit TCLP’s events page at www.tclp.org/events/public-power-coloring-contest/.

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Traverse City Light & Power (www.tclp.org) is a community-owned, community-focused municipal utility that offers reliable energy at low rates in the region to over 12,700 customers in Traverse City, and parts of East Bay, Elmwood, Garfield, and Peninsula townships. Now offering TCLPfiber, an all-fiber, gigabit internet service.

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

Invenergy has announced the completion and commercial operation of the 200MW Calhoun Solar Energy Center in Calhoun County.

Traverse City Light and Power is excited to be a part of the Calhoun Solar Energy Center, which will generate enough energy to power the equivalent of 40,000 homes each year, according to the project’s developers in a recent press release. The project supported approximately 400 jobs during the construction period and will invest over $110 million in the local community through property taxes, landowner payments, and wages and benefits over the life of the project.

Traverse City Light and Power (TCLP) works collectively with other municipally owned utilities through the Michigan Public Power Agency (MPPA), a not-for-profit municipal power supply joint action agency, to share power supply and related services to lower costs, reduce risks, and leverage expertise. Through MPPA, TCLP joins 16 other Michigan communities in this exciting renewable energy project. On behalf of its Members, MPPA has entered into a long-term power purchase agreement for 50 megawatts from the solar project. “The Calhoun Solar Energy Center is part of MPPA’s growing renewable energy portfolio that provides clean, affordable, and Michigan-based energy supply to the residents and businesses that our Members serve throughout Michigan. We are excited to bring to commercial operation our third utility-scale solar energy project in the last four years,” said Patrick Bowland, chief executive officer of MPPA. MPPA, through the support and commitment of its member communities, has committed approximately $1 billion toward the purchase of renewable energy in the last decade to help its Members achieve their environmental goals.

“TCLP is pleased to partner with other Michigan municipal utilities through MPPA to provide our customers with reliable, cost-effective, and clean energy that supports planet health through a diversified portfolio of resources,” said Brandie Ekren, TCLP’s Executive Director.  

TCLP began providing electricity to local residents and businesses in 1912 and is community-owned and operated.