Author: hannah

Monday, April 15, 2024

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

Traverse City, MI — Traverse City Light and Power (TCLP) has received national recognition for achieving exceptional electric reliability in 2023. The recognition comes from the American Public Power Association (APPA), a trade group that represents more than 2,000 not-for-profit, community-owned electric utilities.

APPA helps electric utilities track power outage and restoration data through its subscription-based eReliability Tracker service. Once per year, APPA’s Reliability Team compares this data to national statistics tracked by the U.S. Energy Information Administration for all types of electric utilities.

“It’s encouraging to see year after year that public power’s track record for providing highly reliable service is backed up by data,” said APPA Director of Research and Development Paul Zummo. “These utilities are the best of the best when it comes to keeping the lights on. And these communities should be proud of their local power providers and appreciate the hard work that goes into earning this recognition.”

Nationwide, the average public power customer has their lights out for less than half the amount of time that customers of other types of utilities do. “We are very proud to receive this recognition. It is a testament to the hard work of all our staff towards ensuring that our customers in the Traverse City area receive reliable electric service” said Daren Dixon, Operations Manager at TCLP.

APPA found TCLP’s SAIDI (average outage duration for each customer served) to be in the top quartile when compared to the data from 174 investor-owned, 465 rural cooperatives, and 324 public power utilities.

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

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.

Friday, April 12, 2024

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

Traverse City, MI –Traverse City Light & Power (TCLP), a pioneering municipal utility committed to providing reliable and sustainable energy solutions, proudly announced on March 15^th, 2024, the approval of its forward-thinking Strategic Plan. Through extensive planning, stakeholder engagement, and collaborative efforts over the past year, TCLP charts a visionary course for community enrichment, customer experience excellence, employee development, operational and financial innovation, technological advancement, and environmental sustainability.

Strategic Vision for Community and Beyond

Building from the momentum derived from TCLP’s Climate Action Plan’s robust stakeholder engagement and a year’s worth of analysis and planning, TCLP sets forth an ambitious path to deepen its integration within the community it serves, ensuring a future that is both sustainable and prosperous for all.

Key Priorities and Goals

• Community Enrichment: Committing to sustainable practices and innovative clean energy solutions as an invested civic partner.
• Customer Experience: Delivering unparalleled service quality and innovative offerings for enhanced customer engagement.
• Employee Excellence: Building a high-performing, adaptable team ready to meet the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.
• Operational and Financial Excellence: Innovating operations and strengthening financial health for sustainable growth.
• Technology Transition: Leading in utility sector technology and service excellence with strategic technological investments.
• Environmental Sustainability: Advancing towards 100% renewable energy usage by 2040 and promoting comprehensive environmental stewardship through TCLP operations targeting greenhouse gas reduction.

A Future Crafted Together

“In crafting TCLP’s Strategic Plan, we’ve been guided by the vast possibilities our industry offers and the immense dedication of our team,” said Brandie Ekren, Executive Director of Traverse City Light & Power. “This plan reflects our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence, laying a foundation for a future where we not only meet challenges but create opportunities.”

Board Chair Ross Hammersley added, “Our new strategic plan represents a significant milestone for TCLP, our customers, employees, and our community.  It lays out a blueprint for how we can move forward together, building on our strengths as a municipal utility and embracing new opportunities for growth and sustainability. I’m incredibly proud of what TCLP has accomplished and very excited for the journey ahead.”

Together Towards a Brighter Future

TCLP is excited to invite the community to be an integral part of this transformative journey. Through shared dedication and collaborative effort, TCLP and the Traverse City community will pave the way toward a future marked by prosperity, sustainability, and innovation.

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.

Tuesday, April 9, 2024

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

Traverse City, MI, April 8, 2024— Traverse City Light & Power (TCLP) has earned a Diamond Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3)® designation from the American Public Power Association for providing reliable and safe electric service. This recognition is the highest designation possible.

The RP3 designation, which lasts for three years, recognizes public power utilities that demonstrate proficiency in four key disciplines: reliability, safety, workforce development, and system improvement. Criteria include sound business practices and a utility-wide commitment to safe and reliable delivery of electricity. TCLP joins more than 250 public power utilities nationwide that hold the RP3 designation.

“Receiving an RP3 designation is a great honor signifying a utility has demonstrated commitment to industry best practices,” said Troy Adams, Chair of APPA’s RP3 Review Panel and General Manager at Manitowoc Public Utilities, Wisconsin. “And ultimately, the culture developed from this pursuit of excellence and continued improvement through the RP3 program results in measurable value delivered to the local community.”

“We couldn’t be prouder to be honored with this designation,” said Brandie Ekren, Executive Director, of TCLP. “This is the culmination of a lot of work from many people who care about powering our community. But this designation is not a final destination. We are committed to continuing to look for ways to improve our operations and customer service.”

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.

Monday, April 8, 2024

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

Traverse City, MI – Traverse City Light and Power (TCLP), in collaboration with 5 Lakes Energy, Seeds, and Keen, held an engaging community event centered on building electrification on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. This initiative aligns with TCLP’s commitment to fostering sustainable energy solutions and its mission to serve as a trusted community partner. The event was designed to unite a diverse group of stakeholders in exploring the transformative potential of building electrification.

Event Highlights:

• Provided an opportunity to delve into discussions on the advantages and strategies of building electrification.
• Engaged with experts in the field of sustainable energy and infrastructure.
• Allowed a platform for collaborative exchange and contribution towards a sustainable energy future.

Under the banner of its new corporate mission, TCLP aims to “deliver innovative, affordable, reliable, and environmentally sustainable energy and telecom solutions,” guided by a vision of leading “with positivity and creativity, creating a brighter future for all.” Emphasizing values of Sustainability, Innovation, Collaboration, Integrity, and Optimism, the utility is set to navigate and contribute to the future of sustainable living.

Concurrently, TCLP invites the community to engage in a comprehensive electrification survey. This initiative seeks to gather valuable insights to refine and enhance the utility’s services and programs, ensuring they align with the community’s evolving sustainability needs. Your insights will directly impact our strategy to provide clean, innovative, and beneficial energy solutions. Take the survey here.

About Traverse City Light & Power

Serving the community since 1912, TCLP is dedicated to enhancing the community’s quality of life by providing innovative and sustainable energy solutions. As a municipal utility, TCLP is committed to operational excellence, anticipating, and exceeding customer needs in the ever-evolving energy landscape. For more information, visit www.tclp.org.

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.