Author: hannah

TCLP BOARD APPROVES ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION NETWORK

TRAVERSE CITY, MI. — The Traverse City Light and Power (TCL&P) Board approved the purchase and installation of twelve (12) dual-port Level 2 and three (3) DC Fast chargers at its May 11^th board meeting. The chargers will be installed in public parking lots throughout the downtown Traverse City area adding 27 new locations for electric vehicles to charge.

“We are committed to doing our part in the transition to electric vehicles by creating the infrastructure that will allow it to happen,” said TCL&P Executive Director Tim Arends. “This is an exciting opportunity and one that is in line with the utility’s strategic plan goals related to environmental stewardship.”

The charging stations will be a boost to downtown retailers and restaurants while also giving tourists confidence in refueling options when visiting Traverse City. “When an electric vehicle owner wants to visit the downtown area they will be able to charge their vehicle while shopping or grabbing a bite to eat. Statistics have shown that if someone has a vehicle charging they will spend more time shopping and dining than they otherwise would.” stated Jacob Hardy of Traverse City Light and Power.  

TCL&P was awarded a $173,763 grant from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) towards the installation of the electric vehicle charging station network. One of only 32 entities throughout the state, TCL&P was awarded the second highest amount in this round of grant funding.

The charging station network, named TCEV network, is the latest environmental effort by TCL&P to reduce its carbon footprint. This is in addition to converting all power supply to renewable sources by 2040 and promoting energy efficient projects through rebates and an on-bill financing program.

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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.

March 24, 2021

Contact: Kelli Schroeder, Manager of HR & Communications, 231-932-4545, kschroeder@tclp.org

TRAVERSE CITY, MI. — The Traverse City City Commission appointed Maura Brennan to serve on the Traverse City Light & Power (TCL&P) Board at its March 15, 2021, meeting. Maura Brennan is filling the expired term of Pat McGuire who did not seek reappointment.

“It is an exciting time in energy production and distribution,” said Maura Brennan. “Things are changing rapidly and there is great opportunity for innovation. We are lucky to have a community owned electric utility that can control our energy future. I look forward to being a part of the Board’s continuing efforts to meet our renewable energy and energy efficiency goals. I hope we will also consider new ideas for increasing sustainability and reliability, while continuing to provide low-cost energy to our customers. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve and learn from the stellar individuals on this Board.”

Ms. Brennan has a law degree from Wayne State University Law School and has been a practicing attorney for over 25 years.  She has lived in Traverse City for 30 years.

Maura Brennan’s term on the TCL&P Board will expire on April 6, 2026.      

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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.

March 23, 2021
Contact: Kelli Schroeder, Manager of HR & Communications, 231-932-4545, kschroeder@tclp.org

TRAVERSE CITY, MI. — Traverse City Light and Power (TCL&P) has earned the Reliable Public Power Provider (RP₃)^® Diamond Designation from the American Public Power Association for providing reliable and safe electric service. This is the highest-level designation.

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. TCL&P joins more than 270 public power utilities nationwide that hold the RP₃ designation.

“I think over the last year or so, we’ve seen the vital importance of running a reliable and safe utility,” says Aaron Haderle, Chair of APPA’s RP₃ Review Panel and Manager of Transmission and Distribution Operations at ‎Kissimmee Utility Authority, Florida. “The utilities receiving the RP₃ designation have proven that they are committed to running a top-notch public power utility by implementing industry best practices.”

“We are honored to be presented with APPA’s Reliable Public Power Provider (RP₃)^® Diamond Designation,” said TCL&P Executive Director Tim Arends. “Achieving the highest level with a score of 100 out of 100 has been the culmination of a lot of work from a lot of people who really care about powering our community. But this designation is not the final destination. We are committed to continuing to look for ways to improve our operations and service to our customers.”

The American Public Power Association has offered the RP₃ designation for 16 years now. APPA is the voice of not-for-profit, community-owned utilities that power 49 million people in 2,000 towns and cities nationwide. APPA advocates and advises on electricity policy, technology, trends, training, and operations.

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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.