Skip to main content

Power Outages: 231-922-4940

Author: hannah

State-Mandated Fee to Fund Energy Assistance Starts in September

Written by hannah on . Posted in News.

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. The monthly surcharge will be $1.25 per meter for the 2025-26 heating season, effective on your September billing statement. Funds collected will be distributed to local assistance agencies to provide income eligible members support with 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 to help pay their electric bill. Assistance program information and low-income guidelines will be announced and posted on TCLP’s website at https://www.tclp.org/residential-assistance/ in September.

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 in to 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.

TCLP Achieves High Customer Satisfaction Scores in 2025 Survey, Leveraging Insights for Future Improvements

Written by hannah on . Posted in News.

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.  â€œMany 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.

###

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

TCLP’S Public Power Coloring Contest Entry Form

Written by hannah on . Posted in Events.

Monday, August 4, 2025

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

Join Traverse City Light & Power in celebrating Public Power Week, October 5–11! We’re proud to be part of more than 2,000 community-powered utilities serving 49 million Americans. Get involved through our Public Power Coloring Contest—a fun way to engage students and highlight the value of safe, reliable, and affordable electricity in our community.

What Are the Rules?

  1. This contest is open to 1st- 3rd grade participants for Fall of 2025.
  2. Contestants may only submit one entry.
  3. Submissions will be accepted through Friday, September 26th.
  4. The winner will be announced the week of October 6th and notified by email.

The contest winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card & may be featured in MMEA’s Currents magazine! Check it out at MIpublicpower.org

Public Power Week Coloring Entry Form & Coloring Page

Submission must be received by Friday, September 26th, 2025. Mail or drop off this form with the completed coloring sheet between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday, to 1131 Hastings Street, Traverse City, MI 49686 or 130 Hall Street, Traverse City, MI. 49684.

TCLP Launches Energy Coaching Pilot to Empower the Community and Enhance Home Efficiency

Written by hannah on . Posted in News.

Tuesday, June 3, 2025

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

Traverse City, MI â€“ Traverse City Light & Power (TCLP) is excited to announce the start of a new Energy Coaching Program pilot, designed to help customers optimize their energy efficiency and reduce their monthly energy bills. Beginning this summer, TCLP will initiate a pilot phase with volunteer participants from the TCLP Board—who have all expressed interest in participating—to develop, test, and refine the program, ensuring readiness for broader community implementation.

Initially, the Energy Coaching Program will focus specifically on low-income qualified individuals and families, partnering closely with regional agencies that provide social and financial support to provide targeted assistance where it is most impactful. TCLP aims to share more detailed information this fall, including specific target goals for program utilization, with the finalized program rollout anticipated ahead of the upcoming winter season.

“This pilot represents our intentional effort to refine a supportive and accessible program in line with industry trends toward customized customer experiences,” said Brandie Ekren, TCLP’s Executive Director. “Our goal is to bridge opportunities for Time of Use rates and customer-owned generation with energy optimization. I deeply appreciate our Board Members’ enthusiasm and willingness to provide critical feedback. Together, we can ensure every TCLP customer has the tools and knowledge needed to manage their energy use confidently and efficiently.”

The TCLP Energy Coaching pilot will focus on identifying opportunities for energy savings, providing tailored recommendations, and connecting participants with resources to achieve sustainable improvements in their energy consumption and overall comfort.

###

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

Upcoming Right Lane Closure on Munson Avenue

Written by hannah on . Posted in News.

Thursday, May 22, 2025

Contact: Stephanie Tvardek, Scheduling & Operations Coordinator, (231) 932-4565

TRAVERSE CITY, MI â€” Residents, businesses, motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians should be aware that Traverse City Light & Power (TCLP) will be performing work on Munson Avenue between East 8th Street and Airport Access Road starting on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.  This work will involve overhead line maintenance and the removal of redundant overhead primary wire along the north side of Munson Avenue which will require a temporary closure of the westbound, right lane to perform the work safely. 

The westbound, right lane of Munson Avenue will be closed between East 8th Street and Airport Access from 9:00 AM until approximately 2:00 PM each day from Tuesday, May 27, 2025, through Friday, May 30, 2025, weather permitting.  The westbound, left lane will remain open to traffic during this time.  Appropriate signage will indicate 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, reduce congestion, and 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. 

###

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.

Community Investment Fund Accepting Grant Applications Through July 31, 2025

Written by hannah on . Posted in News.

Thursday, May 1, 2025

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 2025-2026 Fiscal Year.  Applications are accepted until July 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 vision 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 here. Grant applications are accepted two times per year from May 1 – July 31 and from November 1 – January 31.

###

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.

TCLP Community Investment Fund Fall Awardees

Written by hannah on . Posted in News.

Wednesday, April 30, 2025

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

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. – Traverse City Light and Power (TCLP) awards four local agencies funds from the TCLP Community Investment Program. This year’s Community Investment Program awardees are Child and Family Services, Human Nature School, TART Trails, and Groundwork. The following submissions were approved at the Tuesday, October 8, 2024, TCLP Board meeting:

  • Child and Family Services – request in the amount of $30,000 for an innovative nature-based energy education outdoor play area for children.
  • Human Nature School – request in the amount of $8,576 to support an environmental education outreach program for two Traverse City Area Public Schools.
  • TART Trails – request in the amount of $10,000 towards the purchase of trailside plan identification to elevate the voices of the indigenous neighbors.
  • Groundwork – received partial funding in the amount of $6,000 to support the Youth Clean Energy Workshop program.

“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.

###

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.

TCLP Receives National Recognition for Electric Reliability

Written by hannah on . Posted in News.

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

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 2024. The recognition comes from the American Public Power Association (APPA), a nationally recognized joint action agency representing the interest of more than 2,000 community-owned electric utilities.

APPA tracks 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. “Year after year, data consistently demonstrates public power utilities provide highly reliable service,” said APPA Director of Research and Development Paul Zummo.

 TCLP is also a Diamond Level, the highest-level designee of APPA for its demonstration of high proficiency in reliability, safety, workforce development, and system improvement.

“This recognition reflects the dedication of our entire team to delivering safe, reliable, and resilient electric service to the people of Traverse City,” said Brandie Ekren, Executive Director of TCLP. “Reliability doesn’t happen by chance — it’s the result of thoughtful planning, continuous investment, and a deep commitment to our community. We’re proud to serve with excellence and remain focused on evolving to meet the needs of our customers today and in the future.”

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.

“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, Electric Operations Manager at TCLP.

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