Author: hannah

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.

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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, 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.

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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.

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

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.