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New TCLP Board Members

Written by hannah on . Posted in News.

December 5, 2025

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

Traverse City, MI – The Traverse City Commission selected two new City Commissioners to serve on the Traverse City Light & Power (TCLP) Board at its November 10, 2025, meeting: Laura Ness and Lance Boehmer.

City Commissioner Laura Ness has recently been appointed to the Traverse City Light & Power Board. Ness has been an active leader and an engaged volunteer across many local organizations, including the City of Traverse City and Garfield Township Recreational Authority, Hickory Hills Advisory Committee, Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park, Traverse City Area Public Schools, the Great Lakes Sports Commission, and 100 Women Who Care.

Laura holds an undergraduate degree in English from Ripon College and a master’s degree in hospital administration from the University of Minnesota, and she previously served in senior executive roles in the healthcare industry.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Traverse City Light & Power Board. I look forward to collaborating with TCLP staff and my fellow board members to support affordable, reliable, clean energy and telecommunications services for Traverse City,” said new board member and City Commissioner Laura Ness.

City Commissioner Lance Boehmer has recently been appointed to the Traverse City Light & Power Board. Professionally, he is the Director of Enterprise Sales at Motive, a national automotive technology company, and brings over 15 years of experience in digital marketing, business development, public-private partnership development, and team leadership. In addition to his role on the Commission, Lance serves on the Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA) Board and has been actively involved in local community and infrastructure initiatives focused on sustainable growth, mobility, and infrastructure innovation.

“I am excited to serve on the TCLP Board and help advance our community’s goals for clean, reliable, and locally driven energy. Traverse City has the opportunity to lead by example in sustainability, and I look forward to contributing to the vision of a resilient and forward-thinking utility,” said new board member and City Commissioner Lance Boehmer.

About Traverse City Light & Power

Traverse City Light & Power (www.tclp.org) is a community-owned, community-focused municipal utility providing electric and telecom services to Traverse City and the surrounding areas. With a commitment to sustainability and innovation, TCLP is dedicated to delivering reliable, cost-effective energy solutions while prioritizing environmental stewardship.

Overhead Wire Installation Munson Avenue

Written by kelli on . Posted in Projects.

For Immediate Release: November 17, 2025

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

Dear Valued Utility Customer,

In an effort to improve reliability, Traverse City Light & Power (TCLP) will be performing work on Munson Avenue near the intersection of Three Mile Road.  This work will involve removal of old and installation of new overhead primary wire that crosses Munson Avenue which will require a temporary stoppage of traffic to perform the work safely. 

Work will take place on Friday, November 21, 2025, from 4:00 AM until approximately 6:00 AM; TCLP will work with local law enforcement to assist with the temporary stoppage of traffic during this time.  During this work the traffic signal at the intersection of Munson Avenue/Three Mile Road will experience an outage; the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has been notified of this outage.  MDOT intends to operate this traffic signal via battery backup, however, should the traffic signal lose backup power, non-functioning traffic signals shall be treated as an all way stop.  If possible, please use alternative routes to avoid this area to reduce congestion, delay, and promote worker safety.

Please contact the TCLP Scheduling & Operations Coordinator at (231) 932-4565 if you have any questions or concerns regarding this work. 

TCLP Invites Community to Open House on Upcoming Time-of-Use Rates

Written by hannah on . Posted in Events.

November 6, 2025

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

Traverse City, MI — Traverse City Light & Power (TCLP) invites customers and community members to attend its upcoming Open House on Thursday, November 13, 2025, to learn more about the utility’s upcoming Time-of-Use (TOU) rates, which will take effect in December 2025 and begin appearing on customers’ January 2026 bills.

The open house will be held at the Traverse City Light & Power Service Center, 1131 Hastings Street, Traverse City, MI 49686, with two opportunities to attend:

  • 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
  • 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

During each session, TCLP staff will explain how Time-of-Use rates work and how they can take advantage of lower-cost energy periods. Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions and learn about TCLP’s broader efforts to support energy efficiency, sustainability, and reliable service for the Traverse City community.

“TCLP’s move to Time-of-Use rates is part of our ongoing commitment to provide reliable, affordable, and sustainable power,” said Chief Financial Officer Karla Myers-Beman. “We encourage all customers to attend, learn about these changes, and find ways to save energy and money.”

Light refreshments will be provided. Attendees are welcome to drop in at either session—no RSVP is required.

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

Community Investment Fund Accepting Grant Applications through January 31, 2026

Written by hannah on . Posted in News.

October 31, 2025

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

Traverse City, MI – Traverse City Light & Power (TCLP) is accepting Community Investment Fund Grant Applications for the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year.  Applications are accepted until January 31, 2026.

As a public power utility, TCLP is committed to investing in the community we serve.  The values and vision of the Community Investment Fund focus on the following objectives: Clean Energy Related Programs and Projects, Innovative Technology that supports environmental sustainability, and Natural Resources/Environmental Programs.  

“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 nonprofit organization located within Traverse City Light & Power’s (TCLP) service territory or a contiguous township? Do you have a program or project that supports clean energy, innovative technology, or environmental sustainability that benefits the Traverse City community?

If so, we invite you to review the provisions and guidelines on our website at tclp.org/community-investment-fund and apply for TCLP’s Community Investment Fund (CIF). The CIF provides grants to support projects that foster environmental stewardship, innovation, and community well-being. 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.

TCLPfiber Named to 2025 Broadband Communities Top 100

Written by hannah on . Posted in News, TCLPfiber.

October 8, 2025

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

Traverse City, MI — Traverse City Light & Power (TCLP) is proud to announce that its community broadband division, TCLPfiber, has been named to the 2025 Broadband Communities Top 100 list. This recognition highlights TCLPfiber among a select group of companies, entities, and organizations making the most significant impact on broadband advancement nationwide.

“We’re thrilled to see TCLPfiber recognized on this year’s Top 100 list,” said Scott Menhart, Chief Technology Information Officer of TCLP. “This achievement reflects the dedication of our team and the vision of our community to expand access to reliable, high-speed internet. It’s a testament to what local utilities can achieve when we prioritize connectivity as an essential service.”

The annual Broadband Communities Top 100 honors leaders across the broadband industry, including national providers such as AT&T, Verizon, Charter, Cox, T-Mobile, and Lumen. Being named alongside these industry giants underscores the scale of what TCLPfiber has accomplished and its important role in shaping the future of broadband access.

“TCLP Fiber embodies the spirit of public power, which is locally owned, forward-thinking, and built for the community we serve. This recognition underscores the value of investing in technology that empowers our customers and advances Traverse City’s sustainable future, as we continue expanding access to world-class connectivity,” said Brandie Ekren, Executive Director of TCLP.

TCLP is continuing the rollout of TCLPfiber to the City of Traverse City proper, building on the utility’s long-term vision of providing affordable, reliable, and future-ready internet service. By investing in next-generation fiber infrastructure, TCLPfiber is enhancing connectivity for residents, businesses, schools, and community organizations across the region.

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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 Celebrates Public Power Week Oct 5-11

Written by hannah on . Posted in News.

October 3, 2025

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. 5-11, 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 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 on TCLP and its commitment to reliability, visit www.tclp.org

Traverse City Light & Power Announce Fall Community Investment Fund Awardees

Written by hannah on . Posted in News.

October 1, 2025

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

Traverse City, MI. – Traverse City Light and Power (TCLP) awards two local agencies funds from the TCLP Community Investment Fund Program. This year’s awardees are Northwest Michigan College Foundation and the Women’s Resource Center. The following submissions were approved at the Tuesday, September 23, 2025, TCLP Board meeting:

  • Northwest Michigan College Foundation – received partial funding in the amount of $5,000 for the purchase of LED lighting to replace 30+ year old gallery lighting fixtures in the Dennos Museum. 
  • Women’s Resource Center – request in the amount of $50,000 for the renovation of the WRC transitional home into nine separate energy-efficient apartments.

“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: Clean Energy Related Programs and Projects, Innovative Clean Energy Technology, and Natural Resources/Environmental Programs. 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 & 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 on TCLP and its commitment to reliability, visit www.tclp.org