TCLP Adds Hart Solar to Its Diverse Clean Energy Portfolio
New Michigan solar resource supports TCLP’s comprehensive approach to a cleaner, reliable and affordable energy future
Traverse City, Mich. – Traverse City Light & Power (TCLP) is expanding its renewable energy portfolio through participation in Hart Solar, a new utility-scale solar project located in Oceana County that recently entered commercial operation.
TCLP is one of 14 Michigan municipal utilities receiving energy from Hart Solar through the Michigan Public Power Agency (MPPA). The project adds another Michigan-based renewable resource to TCLP’s power supply portfolio and is expected to provide approximately 7% of TCLP’s annual renewable energy supply.
The complete solar installation is rated at 120 megawatts (MWs), with 50 MWs allocated to municipal utilities as facilitated through MPPA. Those 50 MWs are expected to generate enough electricity to power approximately 8,580 homes. TCLP accounts for 26.4% of the municipal utility investment.
“We have to look at the clean energy transition through both an environmental and financial lens,” said Karla Myers-Beman, Chief Financial Officer of TCLP. “Hart Solar gives us an opportunity to diversify our power supply and provide greater long-term cost stability, while our partnership through MPPA allows us to share the investment and risk associated with projects like this. That combination of sustainability, reliability and financial stewardship is important to TCLP and our customers.”
Hart Solar is one part of TCLP’s comprehensive approach to building a cleaner energy future. Rather than relying on a single resource or technology, TCLP is developing a diverse portfolio that combines utility-scale renewable generation with local initiatives. These include the Customer Generation Program, which helps customers integrate small-scale renewable energy systems; demand response programs that help participating businesses reduce electricity use during periods of high demand; and the Hall Street solar canopy and battery storage project, which demonstrates how existing public spaces can become productive energy assets.
“We don’t believe there’s one answer to a cleaner energy future. It takes many answers working together,” said Brandie Ekren, Executive Director of TCLP. “Hart Solar brings more Michigan-made renewable energy to our community, and it sits alongside the work we’re doing on storage, customer solar, and demand response. I’m proud of how these pieces are coming together for Traverse City.”
Together, these efforts support TCLP’s long-term Strategic Plan and advance the utility’s work toward a more diverse, resilient and sustainable power supply – one that balances environmental sustainability with reliability, affordability and responsible financial stewardship while serving the evolving needs of the Traverse City community.
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 about TCLP’s Renewable Energy Sources, visit www.tclp.org/renewable.