Author: hannah

March 23, 2026

Contact: Stephanie Tvardek, Scheduling & Operations Coordinator, (231) 932-4565, stvardek@tclp.org

TRAVERSE CITY, MI — Residents, businesses, motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians should be aware that Traverse City Light & Power (TCLP) will perform underground fiber installation work on S Union Street at the intersection of W State Street on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.  Work will take place in the manhole at that intersection and will require a temporary closure of the center lane on S Union Street south of W State Street from 7:00 a.m. to approximately 3:30 p.m., weather permitting, to perform the work safely.  Two-way traffic will be maintained using the northbound and southbound lanes of S Union Street.

During construction, the pedestrian crosswalk at S Union Street on the south side of W State Street will be closed.  Appropriate signage will be in place indicating the work area and detours, and access to all businesses will be maintained at all times.  If possible, please use alternative routes to avoid this area to reduce congestion, delay, and promote worker safety.

We would like to thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation.  Please contact the TCLP Scheduling & Operations Coordinator at (231) 932-4565 if you have any questions or concerns regarding this work. 

###

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

March 19, 2026

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

Traverse City, MI – Traverse City Light & Power (TCLP) received Board approval to move forward with Solar covered parking with battery storage at Hall Street, the utility’s Customer Service Center located at 130 Hall Street.

In partnership with KEEN Technical Solutions, the project will install a 46.4 kW solar canopy, a 15-kWh battery storage system, and an interactive public display showcasing real-time energy production and system performance.

The installation transforms an existing paved parking area into a dual-purpose asset—generating clean energy while continuing to serve its primary function. The canopy will feature 78 bifacial solar modules and a cantilever design that maintains full access for vehicles, emergency equipment, and snow removal.

Inside the Customer Service Center, visitors will be able to observe the renewable generation and battery storage in action with the kiosk display showcasing live system data.

“This project is a small but meaningful example of how utilities are evolving,” said Brandie Ekren, TCLP’s Executive Director. “We have an opportunity to rethink how everyday infrastructure serves our community—making it more productive, more resilient, and more connected to the future of energy.” The project supports multiple key strategic priorities, including:

• Community Enrichment & Customer Experience: The prominently positioned installation will provide customers with the opportunity to observe solar and battery storage systems firsthand. Informational displays will detail both solar production and battery storage operations.
• Employee Excellence Technology Transition: TCLP personnel will acquire hands-on expertise in the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of solar and battery systems. The data collected will enhance the utility’s intelligence platform.
• Environmental Sustainability: Although the system is relatively small, it will help lower emissions and act as a catalyst for making better use of parking areas and other impervious surfaces.

“TCLP is committed to helping our community understand how renewable energy technologies work—and how they can deliver real value for homes and businesses,” said Jake Hardy, TCLP’s Sustainability & Key Accounts Manager.

“Keen is proud to partner with TCLP to bring sustainable energy solutions into the public eye. The canopy transforms an underutilized parking area into a clean-energy source while providing shade and protection. Paired with battery storage, it enhances reliability during outages and helps reduce energy costs through peak demand management,” said Jamie Vaughn, Keen’s Senior Project Manager & Solar Systems Specialist.

Once complete, the Hall Street installation will serve as a visible demonstration site supporting community awareness, employee development, and TCLP’s sustainability goals. The project will help explain how solar and battery systems integrate with the local grid and the role they can play in building a more resilient energy future.

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

March 6, 2026

Contact: Stephanie Tvardek, Scheduling & Operations Coordinator, (231) 932-4565, stvardek@tclp.org

TRAVERSE CITY, MI — Residents, businesses, motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians should be aware that Traverse City Light & Power (TCLP) will perform underground fiber installation work on Hall Street between West Front Street and Garland Street on Thursday, March 12, 2026.  Work will take place in manholes near 130 Hall Street and will require a temporary closure of the northbound lane between the north and south entrances to the 130 Hall Street parking lot from 7:00 a.m. to approximately 3:00 p.m., weather permitting, to perform the work safely.  Two-way traffic will be maintained using the southbound lane.

During construction, Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA) bus stop #9175, located on the east side of Hall Street, will be temporarily shifted to the south, and the west-side Bayline bus stop located on the west side of Hall Street will be temporarily shifted to the south side of the BATA transit center building.  Appropriate signage will be in place indicating the work area and detours, and access to all businesses will be maintained at all times.  If possible, please use alternative routes to avoid this area to reduce congestion, delay, and promote worker safety.

We would like to thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation.  Please contact the TCLP Scheduling & Operations Coordinator at (231) 932-4565 if you have any questions or concerns regarding this work. 

###

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

March 4, 2026

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

Traverse City, MI – Traverse City Light & Power (TCLP) has been honored with the 2025 Diamond Safety Award of Excellence from the American Public Power Association (APPA), the highest safety designation awarded within the public power community. This marks the first time in TCLP’s history that the utility has achieved Diamond-level recognition.

The Diamond Award recognizes utilities that demonstrate exceptional commitment to employee safety, risk management, and operational excellence.

“At TCLP, safety is foundational to how we serve our community,” said Brandie Ekren, TCLP Executive Director. “Protecting our employees, contractors, customers, and the public supports our broader mission of delivering reliable, high-quality electric service to Traverse City. Achieving Diamond status reflects the dedication of our entire team.”

Over the past year, TCLP strengthened its safety culture through improved job planning, expanded employee engagement, enhanced protective equipment standards, and increased oversight across departments. These efforts directly support TCLP’s commitment to operational excellence and responsible public service.

Diamond status represents the highest level of achievement among public power utilities nationwide. TCLP will be formally recognized at the 2026 APPA Safety Summit.

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

March 2, 2026

Contact: Kelli Schroeder, Customer & Employee Relations Manager, 231-932-4545, kschroeder@tclp.org

Traverse City, MI – Traverse City Light & Power (TCLP) is proud to announce that Hannah Duell, Communications Specialist, has successfully completed the Leadership Grand Traverse (LGT) program, a respected regional initiative focused on developing informed and engaged community leaders.

Leadership Grand Traverse prepares participants for decision-making leadership roles through hands-on exposure to key regional sectors. The program brings together professionals from diverse backgrounds for an immersive experience focused on learning, collaboration, and community engagement. Graduates leave the program with a shared foundation of knowledge, a broader perspective, and a readiness to contribute meaningfully within their organizations and the region.

“Hannah stepped forward to grow through Leadership Grand Traverse, and I’m proud of her for that. At TCLP, we believe leadership is about continuing to learn and showing up well for the community we serve,” said TCLP Executive Director Brandie Ekren.

Participation in Leadership Grand Traverse requires significant commitment throughout the program, ensuring graduates emerge with both insight and a deeper understanding of the region’s opportunities and challenges.

TCLP congratulates Hannah on this accomplishment and looks forward to the continued impact of her engagement and growth.

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

February 20, 2026

Contact: Stephanie Tvardek, Scheduling & Operations Coordinator, (231) 932-4565, stvardek@tclp.org

TRAVERSE CITY, MI — Residents, businesses, motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians should be aware that Traverse City Light & Power (TCLP) will perform underground fiber installation work on Hall Street between West Front Street and Garland Street on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.  Work will take place in manholes near 130 Hall Street and will require a temporary closure of the northbound lane between the north and south entrances to the 130 Hall Street parking lot from 8:00 a.m. to approximately 3:00 p.m., weather permitting, to perform the work safely.  Two-way traffic will be maintained using the southbound lane.

During construction, Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA) bus stop #9175, located on the east side of Hall Street, will be temporarily shifted to the south, and the west-side Bayline bus stop located on the west side of Hall Street will be temporarily shifted to the south side of the BATA transit center building.  Appropriate signage will be in place indicating the work area and detours, and access to all businesses will be maintained at all times.  If possible, please use alternative routes to avoid this area to reduce congestion and delays and promote worker safety.

We would like to thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation.  Please contact the TCLP Scheduling & Operations Coordinator at (231) 932-4565 if you have any questions or concerns regarding this work. 

###

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

February 17, 2026

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

Traverse City, MI – Traverse City Light & Power (TCLP) is now receiving energy from the White Tail Solar project in Washtenaw County, which entered commercial operation in late 2025. Through a power purchase agreement executed in partnership with the Michigan Public Power Agency (MPPA), TCLP secured 6.6 megawatts of solar energy—representing 26.4 % of the combined 25-megawatt public power agreement—making TCLP the largest participant in the project.

The White Tail array is rated at 140 megawatts total capacity, with all energy contracted to Michigan’s public power utilities. TCLP joined thirteen other municipal providers across the state in the shared 25MW agreement, demonstrating the continued strength of public power collaboration in delivering sustainable, cost-effective energy resources.

“As the largest investor in White Tail Solar, TCLP secured 6.6 megawatts of Michigan-based solar energy for our portfolio. This investment strengthens our progress toward cleaner energy while supporting reliability and long-term cost stability for our customers,” said Brandie Ekren, TCLP Executive Director.

“This project reflects TCLP’s disciplined financial planning and thoughtful portfolio strategy,” said Karla Myers-Beman, TCLP Chief Financial Officer. “By participating at this scale, we were able to secure long-term energy pricing while balancing risk and maintaining flexibility in our broader resource mix. Investments like this are evaluated not only for their environmental value, but for their long-term benefit to our ratepayers.”

The announcement comes as utilities across Michigan continue to advance renewable energy and carbon reduction goals. Through measured and strategic investments in projects such as White Tail Solar, TCLP continues to strengthen its long-term energy portfolio while maintaining financial stewardship for the community it serves.

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