Author: hannah

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.

Friday, October 4, 2024

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. 6-12, 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 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.

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

Traverse City, MI – Traverse City Light and Power (TCLP) is excited to announce the launch of “My Clean Choice,” a program designed to empower individuals to make environmentally friendly choices in their daily lives. Previously known as the “Going Green” Program, TCLP has launched a new logo branding the “My Clean Choice” program under the TCLP brand. The new logo can be seen below:

As part of our ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability, “My Clean Choice” offers a comprehensive set of tools, resources, and incentives to help individuals reduce their carbon footprint, conserve resources, and embrace a greener lifestyle. The program is open to all TCLP customers and aims to create a positive impact on the environment through collective action.

“Our goal is to ensure the transition to a greener lifestyle is as smooth and accessible as possible for our customers. These tools empower our customers to make meaningful, sustainable choices that benefit both their lives and our environment”,” – Executive Director, Brandie Ekren.

Key Features of the “My Clean Choice” Program:

• Rebate Programs: The electric lawn tools rebate, E-bike rebate, and more are designed to help customers save energy and money. For a list of rebates click here.
• On-Bill Financing: This program has Loans up to $30,000 available to TCLP customers to make qualifying energy-saving home improvements at a flat 3% interest rate. For a list of qualifying improvements click here.
• Renewable Energy: These programs will help customers to generate local renewable energy offsetting their energy needs. To learn more about this program click here.
• Voluntary Green Pricing: Customers can join this program voluntarily and opt-in to pay a premium on their monthly electric bills. These funds are dedicated to purchasing renewable energy credits, ensuring an equivalent amount of their energy is sourced from renewable energy projects. For more information click here.  
• Time of Use:  This program is a rate plan that charges different prices for electricity use based on the time of day and the day of the week. Encouraging customers to use electricity during off-peak hours when demand is lower and reduce usage during peak hours when demand is higher. For more information click here.

“Sustainability isn’t just about preserving the environment; it’s about building stronger, healthier communities. When we invest in green initiatives, we invest in our shared future,” – Sustainability and Key Accounts Manager, Jacob Hardy.

To learn more about “My Clean Choice” and to join the programs, visit www.tclp.org/mycleanchoice/  for the latest program updates on living sustainably.

Together, we can make a difference and create a cleaner, greener future for generations to come.

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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.

Traverse City Light & Power (TCLP) will hold a public hearing regarding an Electric Vehicle (EV) Public Charging Tariff Rate on August 13, 2024, at the regular meeting of the TCLP Board.

All customers are invited to attend and provide comment regarding the tariff rate during the public hearing.

The TCLP Board meeting will begin at 5:15 p.m. in the Commission Chambers located at the Governmental Center, 400 Boardman Avenue.  

Documents detailing the proposed EV Public Charging Tariff Rate can be found HERE.

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

Traverse City, MI – In a move to promote sustainable transportation, Traverse City Light and Power (TCLP) is pleased to announce a new instant rebate program for electric bikes (e-bikes). This initiative is part of TCLP’s Strategic Plan, which includes a focus on innovative initiatives and strategic partnerships that foster a healthy planet and sustainable future for the community. 

The rebate program provides financial incentives to customers who purchase e-bikes, making environmentally friendly transportation more accessible and affordable. By promoting the use of e-bikes, TCLP aims to reduce vehicle carbon emissions, alleviate vehicle traffic congestion, and encourage a healthier lifestyle.

Key Details of the E-Bike Rebate Program:

• Rebate Amount: Customers can receive a rebate of up to $300.00 on the purchase of a new e-bike only from participating local bike shops.
• Eligibility: The e-bike rebate is available to all TCLP customers with a limit of two rebates per service address per year.
• Application Process: Bring a copy of your most recent TCLP bill (paper or electronic) and a valid ID to any of the participating bike shops. Participating bike shops will handle the application and provide the rebate immediately for customers.
• Participating Shops: City Bike Shop, Brick Wheels, Einstein Cycles, McLain Cycle and Fitness, Pedego TC, and Wildcard Cycle Works.  

“TCLP’s E-bike rebates are a powerful incentive for promoting sustainable transportation that is a potential vehicle alternative, said Sustainability and Key Accounts Manager, Jacob Hardy. By making e-bikes more accessible, we not only encourage greener commuting options but also take significant strides towards reducing our carbon footprint and fostering a healthier environment for future generations.”

Environmental Impact: E-bikes are a low-emission alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. They help to reduce air pollution and reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment. By offering this rebate program, TCLP is taking proactive steps to support the transition to a greener, more sustainable transportation network. To learn more about TCLP’s available rebates click here.

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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. Its mission is to serve as a trusted community partner for delivering innovative, affordable, reliable, and environmentally sustainable energy and telecom solutions. Its vision includes enriching the communities it services by anticipating and exceeding evolving customer needs with operational excellence.  For more information or to learn more about TCLP’s Strategic Plan, visit www.tclp.org.