Author: hannah

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

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

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

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

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

Traverse City, MI — Traverse City Light & Power (TCLP) earned high marks in its 2025 Residential and Commercial Customer Satisfaction Study, conducted by GreatBlue Research, with results 10-15 percentage points above national public power averages. These strong scores come during a period of significant changes in TCLP’s programs, rates, and organizational focus — and reflect the trust and patience customers have shown, particularly as TCLP works to expand its fiber internet service citywide.

The survey found that 94.4% of residential and 98.1% of commercial customers are satisfied with TCLP’s services overall. Customers also overwhelmingly recognized TCLP as a trusted community partner and praised TCLP for affordable rates, reliable service, and responsive outage restoration.

Key highlights from the 2025 survey include:

• Affordability: Around 90% of customers are satisfied with the affordability of TCLP’s electric service, ranking the utility well above state and national public power averages.
• Reliability: Nearly three-quarters of residential and over three-fifths of commercial customers rated TCLP’s electric service reliability as “excellent.”
• Outage Response: Over 90% of customers value TCLP’s responsiveness during outages, with significant improvement in “excellent” ratings among residential customers since 2021.
• Customer Service: More than 80% of residential and 90% of commercial customers reported satisfaction with recent interactions, placing TCLP well above national benchmarks.
• Innovation: Two-thirds of residential and three-quarters of commercial customers view TCLP as innovative in energy and telecom solutions. Interest in TCLP’s expanding fiber internet service remains strong, with three-fifths of customers expressing intent to switch if available citywide.

“These results affirm that our customers value the work we’re doing to keep energy clean, affordable, reliable, and forward-looking — even during a time of significant changes in our programs, rates, and organizational focus,” said Brandie Ekren, Executive Director of TCLP.  “Many customers have been patient as we work toward expanding TCLP Fiber citywide, and their continued trust in our ability to deliver is something I’m particularly proud of. Guided by our Strategic Plan, we will use these insights to strengthen the customer experience further and deliver on our commitments.”

Looking ahead, TCLP will conduct a deeper analysis of the full survey findings to identify specific opportunities to advance its Strategic Plan priorities — including:

• Modernizing its customer portal and mobile tools to improve accessibility and engagement.
• Promoting underutilized energy efficiency incentives to help customers save money and energy.
• Expanding fiber internet access to strengthen community connectivity and economic development.

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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