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Author: hannah

TCLP Welcomes New Executive Director

Written by hannah on . Posted in News.

Wednesday, February 9, 2022

Contact: Kelli Schroeder, Manager of HR & Communications, 231-932-4545, kschroeder@tclp.org

TRAVERSE CITY, MI. – Last night the Traverse City Light & Power Board approved the employment agreement with Brandie Ekren as TCL&P’s new Executive Director with an official start date of March 21, 2022. Ms. Ekren has spent the last 18 years working for the Lansing Board of Water & Light (Michigan’s largest municipally-owned electric utility) as General Counsel and most recently Executive Director of Strategic Planning & Development.  

“TCL&P is moving forward with many initiatives, especially those that can help reduce the impacts of climate change,” said TCL&P Board Chairperson Paul Heiberger. “Ms. Ekren’s experience with strategic planning, renewable portfolios and strategic and innovative initiatives including clean energy program development, revenue diversification and microgrids will be a tremendous asset as the utility moves into the future. My fellow Board members and I welcome Brandie as TCL&P’s new Executive Director.”

“The vote of confidence from both the TCLP Board and Staff is a tremendous honor and a humbling moment for me personally,” said Brandie Ekren. “My dedication to our success as one of the most progressive electric utilities is powered by my passion for our industry and its potential. We will positively impact the industry together.”

The TCL&P Board, with the help of the recruitment firm Preng & Associates, began recruitment for a new Executive Director following the retirement of Timothy Arends in late summer after a combined 31years with both the City and TCL&P. The Board considered four well-qualified candidates and following interviews and individual Board member one-on-one meetings, unanimously selected Ms. Ekren as their top choice.

Ms. Ekren has a juris doctorate degree from Michigan State University College of Law.  She and her family are very much looking forward to joining the Traverse City community.

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Traverse City Light & Power (www.tclp.org) is a community-owned, community-focused municipal utility that offers reliable energy at low rates in the region to over 12,700 customers in Traverse City, and parts of East Bay, Elmwood, Garfield and Peninsula townships. Now offering TCLPfiber, an all-fiber, gigabit internet service.

TCLPfiber Connected Conversations

Written by hannah on . Posted in Events.

Join TCLPfiber and the Downtown Development Authority for Connected Conversations on November 9th at 4:00 PM at City Opera House. Hear all about benefits of TCLPfiber‘s community-owned, gigabit fiber network. You’ll have the chance to learn how local businesses are benefiting from high-speed internet service with plenty of time for Q&A. Click HERE for more information and to register. 

(CLOSED) RFP – Integrated Resource Plan

Written by hannah on . Posted in RFPs.

Please click HERE for the final Bid Tabulation.

October 11, 2021 ADDENDUM: Please click HERE for Addendum #2.

September 30, 2021 ADDENDUM: Please click HERE for Addendum #1.

BIDDING IS NOW CLOSED for the Integrated Resource Plan. Please click HERE for the Bid Packet. 

TCLP Partners with New Solar Project Under Construction In Michigan

Written by hannah on . Posted in News.

September 13, 2021

Invenergy has completed term and construction financing for the 200MW Calhoun Solar project, which is currently under construction and scheduled to begin commercial operation in 2022. Located in Calhoun County, it will support approximately 300 jobs over the course of the construction period. Invenergy senior vice president Anneli Alers said: “Invenergy is proud to achieve construction financing for the Calhoun Solar project, an important step in bringing our first solar project in Michigan to fruition.”

The Calhoun Solar Project will provide clean, renewable energy to Michiganders who obtain their power supply from a large group of locally owned and controlled municipal electric utilities that aggregate and share power supply through the Michigan Public Power Agency (MPPA). MPPA is a municipal power joint action agency that provides wholesale power supply and related services to publicly owned electric utilities in Michigan. “The Calhoun Solar Project is part of a growing portfolio of renewable resources MPPA has committed to which is transforming our member power supply and moving us toward a decarbonized future” said MPPA CEO Patrick Bowland.

As a Member of MPPA, Traverse City Light & Power and the local community are proud to be involved in the Calhoun Solar project. “Renewables are a vital part of the City of Traverse City’s energy future” said Karla Myers-Beman, Interim Executive Director. “We are excited to see new projects like Calhoun Solar come to Michigan and look forward to further opportunities to reduce carbon dependency and reach our renewable energy goals as we continue to supply our customers with fairly priced, dependable power.”

Michigan Public Power Agency
517-323-8919 www.mpower.org		Traverse City Light & Power
231-922-4940 Traverse City Light & Power

EV Charging Station Ribbon Cutting Event

Written by hannah on . Posted in News.

Traverse City installs Electric Vehicle Charging Stations from Blink Charging Across the City

installation of new publicly accessible chargers celebrated at ribbon-cutting event.

Friday, August 27, 2021

Contact: Kelli Schroeder, Manager of HR & Communications, 231-932-4545, kschroeder@tclp.org 

Traverse City, MI. – Today, Traverse City Light & Power (TCL&P) announced the installation of electric vehicle (EV) chargers as part of a comprehensive environmental program to reduce the City’s carbon footprint. Through a unique public-private partnership, Blink Charging Co. (Nasdaq: BLNK) a leading owner, operator, and provider of electric vehicle charging equipment and services, and TCL&P, a community-owned, community-focused municipal utility, are deploying 3 direct current fast (DCFC) and 12 dual-port IQ 200 Level 2 charging stations across the City, for a total of 27 charging ports.

TCL&P hosted a ribbon cutting event today, August 27th at 11am, at Clinch Park to commemorate the installation, inviting local community leaders, business leaders and the public. Remarks from state, regional and local dignitaries was followed by an EV showcase in partnership with local dealerships where various full EVs and plug-in models will be on display.

“This installation expands Michigan’s electric vehicle infrastructure at a key location, which will alleviate range anxiety in Northern Michigan and spur more sustainable travel throughout the state,” said Charlie Tyson, Technology Activation Manager with the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification. “The state of Michigan remains committed to accelerating EV adoption among Michigan residents and addressing the impacts of climate change through advanced mobility solutions and critical charging infrastructure.”

The installation of these charging stations is the latest effort by TCL&P to expand EV infrastructure throughout the city and reduce its carbon footprint. This deployment contributes to efforts by Michigan Clean Cities, a coalition working to address the national challenge of petroleum dependence as part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Clean Cities initiative, to spur the development of electric vehicle charging corridors throughout Michigan. In May, TCL&P was awarded a $173,763 grant from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) towards the installation of the EV charging station infrastructure. One of only 32 entities throughout the state that received grant funding, TCL&P was awarded the second highest amount in this round of grant funding. The EGLE grant is funded through the Volkswagen emission settlement and comes at no cost to the Michigan taxpayer.

“We are committed to doing our part in Traverse City’s transition to electric vehicles by creating the infrastructure that will allow it to happen,” said Paul Heiberger, TCL&P Board Chairperson. “This is an exciting opportunity and one that is in line with our strategic goals related to environmental stewardship.”

The IQ 200 Level 2 and DC fast chargers will be installed in 5 public parking lots throughout the downtown Traverse City area and the Traverse Area District Library offering 27 new locations for electric vehicles to charge.

Surrounded by natural beauty, Traverse City is committed to providing residents and tourists the opportunity to adopt clean living practices, including making the switch to electric vehicles. TCL&P’s focus on providing reliable and fast EV charging infrastructure makes driving an EV to and throughout the city feasible and attractive.

“Blink is proud to partner with Traverse City as it works towards its climate emissions goals,” said Brendan Jones, President of Blink Charging. “With the new Blink Level 2 and DC chargers, Traverse City residents can have confidence that their city’s infrastructure is well positioned to meet their charging needs today and to serve the EVs of tomorrow.”

“On behalf of Michigan Clean Cities, I’m excited about this step by Traverse City Light & Power to put northern Michigan at the leading edge in the Midwest for national goals of energy, economic and environmental security,” said Maggie Striz Calnin, Coordinator for Michigan Clean Cities. “Cutting emissions from transportation is a necessary step that has to happen now and is in line with goals to keep Michigan healthy and resilient in the face of climate change.

ABOUT TRAVERSE CITY LIGHT & POWER

Traverse City Light & Power (www.tclp.org) is a community-owned, community-focused municipal utility that offers reliable energy at low rates in the region to over 12,700 customers in Traverse City, and parts of East Bay, Elmwood, Garfield and Peninsula townships. Now offering TCLPfiber, an all-fiber, gigabit internet service.

ABOUT MICHIGAN CLEAN CITIES

The Clean Cities Initiative, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, is focused on advancing clean transportation solutions – for a clean environment and a healthy economy that’s energy secure through a strong domestic fuel market with low-carbon and renewable energy sources. Michigan Clean Cities implements alternative and renewable fuels, idle reduction measures, fuel economy improvements and emerging transportation technologies for you, your company, and our communities. Activities of Michigan Clean Cities include supporting the Alternative Fuel Station Locator and development of alternative fuel and electric vehicle highway corridors in Michigan. www.cleancities.energy.gov

ABOUT BLINK CHARGING

Blink Charging Co. (Nasdaq: BLNK, BLNKW) is a leader in electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment and has deployed over 23,000 charging stations, many of which are networked EV charging stations, enabling EV drivers to easily charge at any of the Company’s charging locations worldwide. Blink Charging’s principal line of products and services include its Blink EV charging network (“Blink Network”), EV charging equipment, and EV charging services. The Blink Network uses proprietary, cloud-based software that operates, maintains, and tracks the EV charging stations connected to the network and the associated charging data. With global EV purchases forecasted to rise to 10 million by 2025 from approximately 2 million in 2019, the Company has established key strategic partnerships for rolling out adoption across numerous location types, including parking facilities, multifamily residences and condos, workplace locations, health care/medical facilities, schools and universities, airports, auto dealers, hotels, mixed-use municipal locations, parks and recreation areas, religious institutions, restaurants, retailers, stadiums, supermarkets, and transportation hubs. For more information, please visit https://www.blinkcharging.com/.

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Public Hearing – Rate Increase

Written by hannah on . Posted in Events.

Traverse City Light & Power (TCL&P) will hold a public hearing on June 8, 2021 during a TCL&P Board regular meeting regarding a proposed 2.5% overall rate increase as outlined on the table below.

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

The TCL&P Board meeting will begin at 5:15 p.m.

Additional documents detailing the proposed increase can be viewed HERE.

Electric Vehicle Charging Station Network

Written by hannah on . Posted in Events.

Traverse City Light & Power (TCL&P) will hold a public hearing regarding a new Electric Vehicle Public Charging rate on June 8, 2021, at the regular meeting of the TCL&P Board.

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

The TCL&P Board meeting will begin at 5:15 p.m.

Documents detailing the new Electric Vehicle Public Charging rate can be viewed HERE.

(CLOSED) RFP – Utility Billing & CIS

Written by hannah on . Posted in RFPs.

Updates 6/24/2021:

Schedule A can be downloaded HERE

The schedule is meant to be minimal as a quick guide for summary purposes.  However, please provide a more detailed breakdown of your costs within the packet.

Notes on Schedule A:

  1. The Schedule is to be utilizing as a guide and should be filled out as close as possible.
  2. If you have additions/subtractions of items, please add the additions but do not remove any items.
  3. If you have items that are bundled in, such as software costs with training, please just indicate that in text below your submission.
  4. A La Carte Options: TCLP may only pick Electric and Telecom and not do anything with Water/Sewer; Pricing must be broken out to accommodate.
  5. If your licensing is different than the above, please indicate that in text below the submission; Totals still must be filled out.
  6. Total Initial Costs and Total Recurring Costs are absolutely required.

Updates 6/14/2021:

  1. Scope of customization for Telecom povisioning into TCLP’s current systems (Nokia and Alianza): The system must fully integrate into Nokia’s platform for auto-provisioning of services and ONT’s as well as gain metrics from usage. Same applies for the Alianza VOIP platform and usage of APIs. For example, a customer can change their internet speeds simply by logging into a portal and selecting a new option and all bill pro-rating and provisioning will automatically happen without any manual efforts.
  2. System integration into TCLP’s systems: Currently TCLP utilizes the following systems: Milsoft Disspatch (OMS), Eaton Yukon (AMI), ESRI (GIS), Novotx Elements (work-order).  At a minimum Multispeak shall be supported and integrated.
  3. Cloud based solution: At this time, TCLP is seeking an on-premise system.  However, if a vendor wants to run the system for TCLP, then Staffing can be off-premise.
  4. DHHS Meaning: Department of Health and Human Services
  5. Appendix A Publish: will be published this week
  6. Current UBCIS Vendor: Central Square
  7. Current Contract, annual spend/budget, or non-satisified components: Will not be provided
  8. Licenses: All TCLP/City Staff should be able to utilize the solution as necessary
  9. Go Live Date: TCLP is targeting go live by end of 2021, but will negotiate a timeframe with successful bidder
  10. RFP Response: Physiscal copies must be submitted via sealed bids and CAN be mailed in or dropped off.  Digital copies shall also be provided within the sealed bid (USB Key, etc).

Updates 6/11/2021:

  • TCLP UBCIS RFP Document (WORD) – This was requested by several for easier fillable forms.  No text shall be modified for any reason at any point.
  • Multispeak Support – This will be REQUIRED for internal system communications
  • On-Premise Solution – An on-premise solution is what is being sought after
  • Appendix A (Pricing Table) – Please disregard, a new Appendix A will be published and sent out that will break pricing out to allow for easier comparables
  • Total RFP Submissions – We will evaluate any/all that come in
  • Pre-Bid Conference – This was not mandatory but encouraged

Traverse City Light & Power, a Michigan Public Power Electrical Utility, is seeking bids on a Utility Billing and Customer Information System.

All bids are expected to be submitted on or before June 28th, 2021.

Interested Bidders Please Follow Steps Below:

If you filled out the form but do not receive an email response within one business day, please send an inquiry to smenhart@tclp.org

Electric Vehicle Charging Station Network

Written by hannah on . Posted in News.

TCLP BOARD APPROVES ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION NETWORK

TRAVERSE CITY, MI. — The Traverse City Light and Power (TCL&P) Board approved the purchase and installation of twelve (12) dual-port Level 2 and three (3) DC Fast chargers at its May 11th board meeting. The chargers will be installed in public parking lots throughout the downtown Traverse City area adding 27 new locations for electric vehicles to charge.

“We are committed to doing our part in the transition to electric vehicles by creating the infrastructure that will allow it to happen,” said TCL&P Executive Director Tim Arends. “This is an exciting opportunity and one that is in line with the utility’s strategic plan goals related to environmental stewardship.”

The charging stations will be a boost to downtown retailers and restaurants while also giving tourists confidence in refueling options when visiting Traverse City. “When an electric vehicle owner wants to visit the downtown area they will be able to charge their vehicle while shopping or grabbing a bite to eat. Statistics have shown that if someone has a vehicle charging they will spend more time shopping and dining than they otherwise would.” stated Jacob Hardy of Traverse City Light and Power.  

TCL&P was awarded a $173,763 grant from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) towards the installation of the electric vehicle charging station network. One of only 32 entities throughout the state, TCL&P was awarded the second highest amount in this round of grant funding.

The charging station network, named TCEV network, is the latest environmental effort by TCL&P to reduce its carbon footprint. This is in addition to converting all power supply to renewable sources by 2040 and promoting energy efficient projects through rebates and an on-bill financing program.

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             Traverse City Light & Power (www.tclp.org) is a community-owned, community-focused municipal utility that offers reliable energy at low rates in the region to over 12,700 customers in Traverse City, and parts of East Bay, Elmwood, Garfield and Peninsula townships. Now offering TCLPfiber, an all-fiber, gigabit internet service.