Author: hannah

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. 

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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

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

December 10, 2025

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

Traverse City, MI – At its December Board meeting, Traverse City Light & Power (TCLP) approved a new state-mandated Energy Optimization (EO) surcharge that will begin appearing on customer bills in January

The surcharge stems from Michigan’s Public Act 299, which establishes updated Energy Waste Reduction targets for electric providers, including requirements for energy savings plans and efficient electrification initiatives. The EO surcharge will help TCLP meet these obligations by funding programs that reduce energy consumption and support the adoption of high-efficiency electric technologies.

Revenue from the surcharge will support a wide range of energy-efficiency and electrification programs. These include incentives for residential and commercial customers to upgrade heating, cooling, lighting, and other equipment. The funds will also support programs that help income-qualified households access energy-saving improvements, as well as educational resources to assist all customers in lowering energy use and reducing their utility costs.

Customers should be aware that the EO surcharge is provided under state law and will be implemented beginning with the January billing cycle. All collected funds are dedicated to energy optimization efforts, including energy waste reduction and efficient electrification, which benefit the community. Participation in these programs can help customers save energy and money over time while contributing to a cleaner future.

Why This Matters

Energy optimization programs reduce overall energy demand and help build a more efficient, sustainable energy system for the community. By complying with state requirements, TCLP ensures customers have access to programs that reduce waste, lower costs, and advance local sustainability goals.

“We are complying with the state law to provide energy optimization programs that help our customers save energy and support a sustainable future,” said Karla Myers-Beman, Chief Financial Officer of TCLP. “This surcharge allows us to expand programs and reach more homes and businesses across Traverse City.”

More information

Customers can learn more about the surcharge and available energy optimization programs by visiting TCLP’s EO surcharge page or contacting Customer Service at 231‑922‑4940 or customerservice@tclp.org.

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

December 5, 2025

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

Traverse City, MI – The Traverse City Commission selected two new City Commissioners to serve on the Traverse City Light & Power (TCLP) Board at its November 10, 2025, meeting: Laura Ness and Lance Boehmer.

City Commissioner Laura Ness has recently been appointed to the Traverse City Light & Power Board. Ness has been an active leader and an engaged volunteer across many local organizations, including the City of Traverse City and Garfield Township Recreational Authority, Hickory Hills Advisory Committee, Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park, Traverse City Area Public Schools, the Great Lakes Sports Commission, and 100 Women Who Care.

Laura holds an undergraduate degree in English from Ripon College and a master’s degree in hospital administration from the University of Minnesota, and she previously served in senior executive roles in the healthcare industry.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Traverse City Light & Power Board. I look forward to collaborating with TCLP staff and my fellow board members to support affordable, reliable, clean energy and telecommunications services for Traverse City,” said new board member and City Commissioner Laura Ness.

City Commissioner Lance Boehmer has recently been appointed to the Traverse City Light & Power Board. Professionally, he is the Director of Enterprise Sales at Motive, a national automotive technology company, and brings over 15 years of experience in digital marketing, business development, public-private partnership development, and team leadership. In addition to his role on the Commission, Lance serves on the Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA) Board and has been actively involved in local community and infrastructure initiatives focused on sustainable growth, mobility, and infrastructure innovation.

“I am excited to serve on the TCLP Board and help advance our community’s goals for clean, reliable, and locally driven energy. Traverse City has the opportunity to lead by example in sustainability, and I look forward to contributing to the vision of a resilient and forward-thinking utility,” said new board member and City Commissioner Lance Boehmer.

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.