Author: hannah

December 10, 2025

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

Traverse City, MI – At its December Board meeting, Traverse City Light & Power (TCLP) approved a new state-mandated Energy Optimization (EO) surcharge that will begin appearing on customer bills in January

The surcharge stems from Michigan’s Public Act 299, which establishes updated Energy Waste Reduction targets for electric providers, including requirements for energy savings plans and efficient electrification initiatives. The EO surcharge will help TCLP meet these obligations by funding programs that reduce energy consumption and support the adoption of high-efficiency electric technologies.

Revenue from the surcharge will support a wide range of energy-efficiency and electrification programs. These include incentives for residential and commercial customers to upgrade heating, cooling, lighting, and other equipment. The funds will also support programs that help income-qualified households access energy-saving improvements, as well as educational resources to assist all customers in lowering energy use and reducing their utility costs.

Customers should be aware that the EO surcharge is provided under state law and will be implemented beginning with the January billing cycle. All collected funds are dedicated to energy optimization efforts, including energy waste reduction and efficient electrification, which benefit the community. Participation in these programs can help customers save energy and money over time while contributing to a cleaner future.

Why This Matters

Energy optimization programs reduce overall energy demand and help build a more efficient, sustainable energy system for the community. By complying with state requirements, TCLP ensures customers have access to programs that reduce waste, lower costs, and advance local sustainability goals.

“We are complying with the state law to provide energy optimization programs that help our customers save energy and support a sustainable future,” said Karla Myers-Beman, Chief Financial Officer of TCLP. “This surcharge allows us to expand programs and reach more homes and businesses across Traverse City.”

More information

Customers can learn more about the surcharge and available energy optimization programs by visiting TCLP’s EO surcharge page or contacting Customer Service at 231‑922‑4940 or customerservice@tclp.org.

About Traverse City Light & Power

Serving the community for over a century, Traverse City Light & Power (TCLP) is a municipally owned utility providing electric and telecommunication services to Traverse City and the surrounding areas. Guided by its mission to deliver affordable, reliable, and sustainable services, TCLP’s vision is to be a trusted partner in powering a sustainable and connected community. The utility’s Strategic Plan focuses on six priorities: Community Enrichment, Employee Excellence, Customer Experience, Operational & Financial Excellence, Technology Transition, and Environmental Sustainability.

For more information on TCLP and its commitment to reliability, visit www.tclp.org

December 5, 2025

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

Traverse City, MI – The Traverse City Commission selected two new City Commissioners to serve on the Traverse City Light & Power (TCLP) Board at its November 10, 2025, meeting: Laura Ness and Lance Boehmer.

City Commissioner Laura Ness has recently been appointed to the Traverse City Light & Power Board. Ness has been an active leader and an engaged volunteer across many local organizations, including the City of Traverse City and Garfield Township Recreational Authority, Hickory Hills Advisory Committee, Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park, Traverse City Area Public Schools, the Great Lakes Sports Commission, and 100 Women Who Care.

Laura holds an undergraduate degree in English from Ripon College and a master’s degree in hospital administration from the University of Minnesota, and she previously served in senior executive roles in the healthcare industry.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Traverse City Light & Power Board. I look forward to collaborating with TCLP staff and my fellow board members to support affordable, reliable, clean energy and telecommunications services for Traverse City,” said new board member and City Commissioner Laura Ness.

City Commissioner Lance Boehmer has recently been appointed to the Traverse City Light & Power Board. Professionally, he is the Director of Enterprise Sales at Motive, a national automotive technology company, and brings over 15 years of experience in digital marketing, business development, public-private partnership development, and team leadership. In addition to his role on the Commission, Lance serves on the Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA) Board and has been actively involved in local community and infrastructure initiatives focused on sustainable growth, mobility, and infrastructure innovation.

“I am excited to serve on the TCLP Board and help advance our community’s goals for clean, reliable, and locally driven energy. Traverse City has the opportunity to lead by example in sustainability, and I look forward to contributing to the vision of a resilient and forward-thinking utility,” said new board member and City Commissioner Lance Boehmer.

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.

October 31, 2025

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

Traverse City, MI – Traverse City Light & Power (TCLP) is accepting Community Investment Fund Grant Applications for the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year.  Applications are accepted until January 31, 2026.

As a public power utility, TCLP is committed to investing in the community we serve.  The values and vision of the Community Investment Fund focus on the following objectives: Clean Energy Related Programs and Projects, Innovative Technology that supports environmental sustainability, and Natural Resources/Environmental Programs.  

“TCLP is a community-owned utility that is committed to investing back into the community it serves,” said Board member Elysha Davila. “We are excited to support initiatives that are aligned with TCLP’s vision and values to embrace environmental stewardship and foster a sustainable environment.”

Are you a nonprofit organization located within Traverse City Light & Power’s (TCLP) service territory or a contiguous township? Do you have a program or project that supports clean energy, innovative technology, or environmental sustainability that benefits the Traverse City community?

If so, we invite you to review the provisions and guidelines on our website at tclp.org/community-investment-fund and apply for TCLP’s Community Investment Fund (CIF). The CIF provides grants to support projects that foster environmental stewardship, innovation, and community well-being. Grant applications are accepted two times per year, from May 1 – July 31 and from November 1 – January 31.

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About Traverse City Light & Power

Serving the community since 1912, Traverse City Light & Power (TCLP) is a municipally owned utility serving Traverse City and its surrounding areas. Dedicated to reliability, sustainability, and innovation, TCLP provides energy and telecommunication services designed to meet the changing needs of its community. For more information, visit www.tclp.org.

October 3, 2025

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

Traverse City, MI – Traverse City Light and Power is celebrating Public Power Week, Oct. 5-11, along with 2,000 other community-powered, not-for-profit electric utilities that collectively provide electricity to 49 million Americans.

“This year, we are focusing on how Traverse City Light and Power (TCLP) is building for the future to ensure reliable, affordable, sustainable, and customer-focused service to our community for many years to come,” said Executive Director Brandie Ekren. “That means we’re working hand-in-hand with customers and community leaders to make sure our utility reflects the long-term goals and needs of members of our community.”

“Since we operate right here in Traverse City and serve our friends and neighbors, we care a great deal about things like customer service, helping folks save energy and money, providing reliable service, and keeping the community safe,” said Jacob Hardy, Sustainability and Key Accounts Manager. “We are proud of the work we do in these areas.”

Follow us on social media as we celebrate the week and tell us what local ownership means to you. To learn more about Public Power, visit www.tclp.org.

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About Traverse City Light & Power

Serving the community for over a century, Traverse City Light & Power (TCLP) is a municipally owned utility providing electric and telecommunication services to Traverse City and the surrounding areas. Guided by its mission to deliver affordable, reliable, and sustainable services, TCLP’s vision is to be a trusted partner in powering a sustainable and connected community. The utility’s Strategic Plan focuses on six priorities: Community Enrichment, Employee Excellence, Customer Experience, Operational & Financial Excellence, Technology Transition, and Environmental Sustainability.

For more information on TCLP and its commitment to reliability, visit www.tclp.org

October 1, 2025

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

Traverse City, MI. – Traverse City Light and Power (TCLP) awards two local agencies funds from the TCLP Community Investment Fund Program. This year’s awardees are Northwest Michigan College Foundation and the Women’s Resource Center. The following submissions were approved at the Tuesday, September 23, 2025, TCLP Board meeting:

• Northwest Michigan College Foundation – received partial funding in the amount of $5,000 for the purchase of LED lighting to replace 30+ year old gallery lighting fixtures in the Dennos Museum. 
• Women’s Resource Center – request in the amount of $50,000 for the renovation of the WRC transitional home into nine separate energy-efficient apartments.

“We are thrilled to support these organizations and help bring their projects and programs to life,” said Elysha Davila, Chairperson of the Community Investment Fund (CIF) Ad Hoc Committee. “As a community-owned utility, Traverse City Light & Power (TCLP) is committed to reinvesting in the community we proudly serve, ensuring our resources make a lasting, positive impact.”

The Community Investment Fund assists non-profit organizations, focusing on three key areas: Clean Energy Related Programs and Projects, Innovative Clean Energy Technology, and Natural Resources/Environmental Programs. Grant applications are accepted two times per year, from the period of May 1 – July 31 and from November 1 – January 31.

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About Traverse City Light & Power

Serving the community for over a century, Traverse City Light & Power (TCLP) is a municipally owned utility providing electric and telecommunication services to Traverse City and the surrounding areas. Guided by its mission to deliver affordable, reliable, and sustainable services, TCLP’s vision is to be a trusted partner in powering a sustainable and connected community. The utility’s Strategic Plan focuses on six priorities: Community Enrichment, Employee Excellence, Customer Experience, Operational & Financial Excellence, Technology Transition, and Environmental Sustainability.

For more information on TCLP and its commitment to reliability, visit www.tclp.org

September 18, 2025

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

Traverse City, MI — Traverse City Light & Power (TCLP), along with other electric utilities in Michigan, will now fund the Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund (LIEAF), expanding eligibility and funding under the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP), for its customers as required by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC).

The MPSC sets the LIEAF rate for all utilities annually. A monthly surcharge of $1.25 per meter will be applied starting with your September bill. Funds collected will be distributed to local assistance agencies to provide income-eligible members with support for electric bills.

This monthly surcharge is assessed for each retail billing meter (but not charged on more than one residential meter per residential site). The monthly charge will be consistent across all member classes and appear as a separate line item on each electric bill. All LIEAF funds collected by Traverse City Light & Power are distributed to designated state agencies processing applications and distributing funds to qualified applicants.

The MPSC, along with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), will ensure that all money collected for LIEAF from a geographic area is returned to the respective areas to the extent possible. The goal of LIEAF is to promote:

• Statewide access to the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) for eligible low-income members.
• Collaboration between DHHS, MPSC, energy providers, and assistance program administrators to ensure that, to the extent possible, eligible low-income members in a geographic area receive funds proportional to what members in that geographic area are being assessed.
• Education and outreach on the availability of assistance programs and funding.

Traverse City Light & Power customers who meet the eligibility requirements set by the state of Michigan and its low-income programs and partner agencies may apply for financial assistance directly with those agencies starting October 1^st to help pay their electric bill. Assistance program information and low-income guidelines can be found on TCLP’s website at www.tclp.org/residential-assistance/.

LIEAF was originally launched in 2013 as an optional state program. A 2024 amendment (Public Act 169) now requires all electric utilities to assess a non-bypassable surcharge to customers to fund the low-income program. Utilities have two options:

1. Opt into the program
2. Opt out and instead establish and fund their own energy assistance program for residential customers that aligns with the MEAP requirements.

Historically, TCLP opted out of LIEAF due to concerns that the funds collected through the program might be directed to areas outside of our community.

For the 2025-2026 program year, however, the TCLP Board voted to opt in to the LIEAF for one year. The trial period will allow the utility to evaluate the program’s impact and determine the best path forward in future years.

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About Traverse City Light & Power

Serving the community for over a century, Traverse City Light & Power (TCLP) is a municipally owned utility providing electric and telecommunication services to Traverse City and the surrounding areas. Guided by its mission to deliver affordable, reliable, and sustainable services, TCLP’s vision is to be a trusted partner in powering a sustainable and connected community. The utility’s Strategic Plan focuses on six priorities: Community Enrichment, Employee Excellence, Customer Experience, Operational & Financial Excellence, Technology Transition, and Environmental Sustainability.

For more information on TCLP and its commitment to reliability, visit www.tclp.org