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TCLP Invites Community to Open House on Upcoming Time-of-Use Rates

Written by hannah on . Posted in Events.

November 6, 2025

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

Traverse City, MI — Traverse City Light & Power (TCLP) invites customers and community members to attend its upcoming Open House on Thursday, November 13, 2025, to learn more about the utility’s upcoming Time-of-Use (TOU) rates, which will take effect in December 2025 and begin appearing on customers’ January 2026 bills.

The open house will be held at the Traverse City Light & Power Service Center, 1131 Hastings Street, Traverse City, MI 49686, with two opportunities to attend:

  • 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
  • 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

During each session, TCLP staff will explain how Time-of-Use rates work and how they can take advantage of lower-cost energy periods. Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions and learn about TCLP’s broader efforts to support energy efficiency, sustainability, and reliable service for the Traverse City community.

“TCLP’s move to Time-of-Use rates is part of our ongoing commitment to provide reliable, affordable, and sustainable power,” said Chief Financial Officer Karla Myers-Beman. “We encourage all customers to attend, learn about these changes, and find ways to save energy and money.”

Light refreshments will be provided. Attendees are welcome to drop in at either session—no RSVP is required.

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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

Community Investment Fund Accepting Grant Applications through January 31, 2026

Written by hannah on . Posted in News.

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.

TCLPfiber Named to 2025 Broadband Communities Top 100

Written by hannah on . Posted in News, TCLPfiber.

October 8, 2025

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

Traverse City, MI — Traverse City Light & Power (TCLP) is proud to announce that its community broadband division, TCLPfiber, has been named to the 2025 Broadband Communities Top 100 list. This recognition highlights TCLPfiber among a select group of companies, entities, and organizations making the most significant impact on broadband advancement nationwide.

“We’re thrilled to see TCLPfiber recognized on this year’s Top 100 list,” said Scott Menhart, Chief Technology Information Officer of TCLP. “This achievement reflects the dedication of our team and the vision of our community to expand access to reliable, high-speed internet. It’s a testament to what local utilities can achieve when we prioritize connectivity as an essential service.”

The annual Broadband Communities Top 100 honors leaders across the broadband industry, including national providers such as AT&T, Verizon, Charter, Cox, T-Mobile, and Lumen. Being named alongside these industry giants underscores the scale of what TCLPfiber has accomplished and its important role in shaping the future of broadband access.

“TCLP Fiber embodies the spirit of public power, which is locally owned, forward-thinking, and built for the community we serve. This recognition underscores the value of investing in technology that empowers our customers and advances Traverse City’s sustainable future, as we continue expanding access to world-class connectivity,” said Brandie Ekren, Executive Director of TCLP.

TCLP is continuing the rollout of TCLPfiber to the City of Traverse City proper, building on the utility’s long-term vision of providing affordable, reliable, and future-ready internet service. By investing in next-generation fiber infrastructure, TCLPfiber is enhancing connectivity for residents, businesses, schools, and community organizations across the region.

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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 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

TCLP Celebrates Public Power Week Oct 5-11

Written by hannah on . Posted in News.

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

Traverse City Light & Power Announce Fall Community Investment Fund Awardees

Written by hannah on . Posted in News.

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

Supporting Michigan Families: TCLP to Collect State-Mandated Energy Assistance Funds Starting in September

Written by hannah on . Posted in News.

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 1st 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

TCLP Provides Update on Cedar Run Property Sale

Written by hannah on . Posted in News.

Thursday, August 28, 2025

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

Traverse City, MI — Traverse City Light & Power (TCLP) announced today that Livwell, the prospective purchaser of the Cedar Run property, has exercised its contractual right to conclude the purchase agreement. TCLP appreciates Livwell’s vision and collaborative engagement during the discussions.

With the agreement concluded, TCLP is taking the opportunity to pause and thoughtfully evaluate its next steps and potential opportunities for the property moving forward. Any decisions will be guided by the utility’s mission, operational needs, and commitment to delivering long-term value to its customers and the community.

Should TCLP decide to dispose of the property or any portion of it in the future, the process will be conducted through the public solicitation of proposals and offers, consistent with the utility’s established approach to property transactions.

“Our responsibility is to ensure that every step we take is in the best interest of our customers/ratepayers and the community we serve,” said Brandie Ekren, Executive Director of TCLP. “We are committed to making decisions that are thoughtful, transparent, and aligned with our strategic priorities.”

Background

The Cedar Run property is situated in Garfield Township and encompasses approximately 49.5 acres, including 16 acres subject to an environmentally restrictive covenant. TCLP began evaluating potential uses for the property in 2019.

In 2023, the TCLP Board decided to offer the property for sale, beginning with outreach to nonprofit organizations in early 2024. The Board’s objectives were to be mindful of its fiduciary responsibility to ratepayers, respect the community and natural environment, and encourage development consistent with TCLP’s environmental sustainability goals, including the preference for all-electric structures.

In late summer 2024, the sale opportunity was opened to private entities. In December 2024, TCLP entered into a purchase agreement with Livwell Homes for the property, sold as-is for $850,000, with a concept that included preserving public trails, natural spaces, and housing.

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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 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

TCLP Invites Students to Join Public Power Coloring Contest

Written by hannah on . Posted in News.

Tuesday, August 26, 2025

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 5-11, 2025, 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 1st– 3rd as of the Fall of 2025. The Submission must be received by Friday, September 26, 2025. Attached is the submission form and coloring page. For more information and details on Public Power Week, visit TCLP’s website, click here.

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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 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

State-Mandated Fee to Fund Energy Assistance Starts in September

Written by hannah on . Posted in News.

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. The monthly surcharge will be $1.25 per meter for the 2025-26 heating season, effective on your September billing statement. Funds collected will be distributed to local assistance agencies to provide income eligible members support with 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 to help pay their electric bill. Assistance program information and low-income guidelines will be announced and posted on TCLP’s website at https://www.tclp.org/residential-assistance/ in September.

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 in to 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.