Author: hannah

Monday, December 30, 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 from the American Public Power Association for its dedicated support in restoring electric power following Hurricane Milton in Florida.

On October 9th, TCLP deployed five skilled lineworkers to assist a Florida municipal utility that faced extensive outages caused by the devastating hurricane. The team worked tirelessly alongside other utility providers to repair critical infrastructure, helping restore power and a sense of normalcy to the affected communities.

“At TCLP, we believe in extending a helping hand to communities in need, especially during their most challenging moments,” said Brandie Ekren, Executive Director of Traverse City Light and Power. “Providing mutual aid allows us to live out our values while ensuring our team is ready to support others after making sure our own community is safe and secure. It’s about coming together to strengthen resilience, no matter the distance.”

Andrew Bott, Line Superintendent, echoed this sentiment: “Helping communities recover is at the heart of what we do as utility workers. Our team is proud to bring our expertise and dedication to assist during these critical times.”

TCLP’s commitment to mutual aid extends beyond Michigan, supporting public utilities across the nation through the American Public Power Association’s Mutual Aid Network. This network ensures a coordinated response to widespread outages, prioritizing safety and collaboration.

Traverse City Light and Power continues to exemplify the spirit of community-focused public service, making a tangible impact both at home and across the country when disaster strikes.

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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, December 23, 2024

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 be performing work on South Cass Street between Dendrinos Drive and Fairway Hills Drive on Thursday, December 26, 2024.  This work will involve the installation of new overhead primary wire across South Cass Street which will require a road closure to perform the work safely. 

South Cass Street will be closed to through traffic between West 14^th Street and South Airport Road West from 9:00 AM until approximately 1:00 PM on Thursday, December 26, 2024, weather permitting.  Appropriate signage will be in place indicating the work area and detours, and access to all homes and 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. 

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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.

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

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

TRAVERSE CITY, MI. – Traverse City Light & Power (TCLP) is pleased to announce the plan for the sale of its Cedar Run Road property, a 49-acre parcel located in Garfield Township, to Livwell Homes, LLC based on the proposal received by TCLP. This decision represents a significant step forward in sustainable and responsible development for the Traverse City area and aligns with the City of Traverse City’s Policy on Building Electrification. TCLP began reviewing options to repurpose the property in 2018 and solicited proposals, giving priority first consideration to community and non-profit groups, as recently as early 2024.  The acceptance of the purchase offer was approved on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at the TCLP Board meeting.

Traverse City-based Livwell Homes in partnership with First Holding Management Company, LLC, plan to develop a hybrid residential community that will feature a mix of single-family homes and townhomes. This project followed TCLP’s criteria and “checked all the boxes“ which consisted of financial, transaction simplicity , community impact, and environmental. The project is designed with sustainability at its core, preserving significant green space, supporting native ecosystems, and integrating eco-friendly building practices.

“We are excited to see this property put to use in a way that not only addresses the growing housing demand in our region but also honors our commitment to environmental stewardship,” said Brandie Ekren, Executive Director of TCLP. “This development aligns with our vision of balancing community growth with sustainability.”

The development will include approximately 48 townhomes and 25 single-family homes, as well as recreational amenities such as playgrounds, public trails, and a community garden. The developers also plan to prioritize green building techniques and landscape preservation, in line with Garfield Township’s Future Land Use Plan.

This supports TCLP’s ongoing efforts to invest in sustainable projects while benefiting the local community. Livwell Homes has expressed their commitment to working with local stakeholders to ensure the development aligns with the needs and values of the community.  The funds associated with this purchase will support TCLP’s climate action plan programs and initiatives i.e. renewable investments and cost savings for customers.

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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 tclp.org.

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

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

TRAVERSE CITY, MI — Traverse City Light and Power (TCLP) has earned a Smart Energy Provider (SEP) designation from the American Public Power Association for demonstrating a commitment to and proficiency in energy efficiency, distributed generation, and environmental initiatives that support the goal of providing safe, reliable, low-cost, and sustainable electric service. Erin Miller, Vice President of Programs and Sustainability at American Municipal Power, Inc., and Chair of the SEP Review Panel, presented the designations on October 28 in Louisville, Kentucky during APPA’s annual Customer Connections Conference.

The SEP designation, which lasts for three years (December 1, 2024, to November 30, 2027), recognizes public power utilities for demonstrating leading practices in four key disciplines: smart energy program structure; energy efficiency and distributed energy resources programs; environmental and sustainability initiatives; and customer experience. TCLP joins more than 100 public power utilities nationwide that hold the SEP designation. Of Michigan’s roughly 42 municipal utilities, TCLP is one of 8 to carry this designation.

“SEP-designated utilities have demonstrated their leadership in smart energy programs and services,” said Miller. “This designation celebrates utilities that are committed to serving their customers while taking the extra step to plan for the future. Communities served by utilities that have earned the SEP designation should be proud of their utility’s accomplishments.”

“We are honored to be recognized as a utility at the cutting edge of smart energy best practices,” said Daren Dixon, Traverse City Light and Power Operations Manager. “This SEP designation represents our dedication to offering programs that keep our power affordable, support energy efficiency in our community, reduce our environmental impact, and continue TCLP’s efforts to be best in class.”

The Traverse City Light and Power Board received the Smart Energy Provider Award from Executive Director Brandie Ekren during the Board meeting on October 8th.

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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, November 1, 2024

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

Traverse City, MI – Traverse City Light and Power (TCLP) is accepting Community Investment Fund Grant Applications for the 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.  Applications will be accepted until January 31, 2025.

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 the Traverse City area with charitable contributions focused on projects and programs in three key areas: Community Development, Energy-Related Education, and Natural Resources/Environmental.

“TCLP is a community-owned utility that is committed to investing back into the community it serves,” said Board Member Elysha Davila. “We are excited to support initiatives that are aligned with TCLP’s vison and values to embrace environmental stewardship and foster a sustainable environment.”

Are you a non-profit organization operating in the Traverse City service area that has a program or project that can benefit the Traverse City community? Does your project aim to promote energy-related education, improve the quality of the natural resources of Traverse City, and support a sustainable environment?

If your answer is yes to the above questions, we invite you to apply for TCLP’s Community Investment Fund. Grant applications are accepted two times per year from May 1 – July 31 and from November 1 – January 31.

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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, October 18, 2024

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

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. – Traverse City Light & Power (TCLP) is excited to announce its recent collaboration with students from the renowned Interlochen Arts Academy on an inspiring “Art on Infrastructure” project. The project, completed last week during Public Power Week (October 6-12, 2024), celebrates community, creativity, and the role of public utilities in enriching everyday life.

Public Power Week highlights the benefits of public power systems like TCLP, which are community-owned and operated, providing reliable and sustainable energy while giving back to the local area. In the spirit of this tradition, TCLP teamed up with Interlochen students to bring artistic expressions to public utility infrastructure, blending technology and the arts in a way that engages the entire community.

The “Art on Infrastructure” initiative is one of many efforts TCLP has undertaken to deepen its engagement with the community. By partnering with local institutions and empowering the next generation of artists, TCLP underscores its commitment to fostering innovation and community spirit in Traverse City.

“We are proud to collaborate with the talented students from Interlochen on this unique project,” said Brandie Ekren, Executive Director of Traverse City Light & Power. “By combining art with infrastructure, we’re not only enhancing the visual landscape of Traverse City but also highlighting the power of community and creativity. Public Power Week is the perfect time to celebrate these connections, and we look forward to continuing similar initiatives that bring energy and artistry together.”

Students worked on designing and implementing artwork on the infrastructure located near 130 Hall Street, Traverse City. This project not only beautifies the city but also offers a unique opportunity to showcase the immense talent of young local artists.

‘The Public Art class had a great time talking with the public while we worked, and truly appreciated the opportunity to shed light on our talented students here at Interlochen, said Instructor of Visual Arts, Conor Fagan. “We are always open to collaborations between Interlochen Arts Academy and local businesses, and we look forward to more opportunities in the future!”

Pictured: Interlochen Center for the Arts students from Conor Fagan’s class. Photo by Conor Fagan.

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About Traverse City Light and 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 tclp.org.

About Interlochen Arts Academy
Interlochen Arts Academy is the nation’s premier arts boarding high school, where emerging artists from around the world transform passion and potential into purpose. Guided by distinguished artists, students pursue pre-professional training in music, dance, theatre, visual arts, creative writing, interdisciplinary arts, and film alongside a robust academic curriculum, preparing them to excel in the arts and beyond. Nestled in scenic northwest Michigan, the Academy has been a leader in arts education since 1962 and has produced 51 Presidential Scholars—more than any other high school in the country. To learn more, visit interlochen.org/academy. Follow Interlochen on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube at @interlochenarts.

Monday, October 14, 2024

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

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. – Traverse City Light and Power (TCLP) awards two local agencies funds from the TCLP Community Investment Program. This year’s Community Investment Program awardees are Single MOMM and Presbyterian Church. The following submissions were approved at the Tuesday, October 8, 2024, TCLP Board meeting:

• Single MOMM – request in the amount of $14,290 for upgraded energy-efficient LED lighting in their new facility.
• Presbyterian Church – request in the amount of $80,000 for their facility upgrades to become carbon neutral, lower energy costs and demonstrate earth care.

“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: Community Development, Energy-Related Educational Programs, and Natural Resources/Environment. 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 and 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 tclp.org.