Traverse City Light & Power gives $1.3 million to city

As part of Public Power Week celebrations on the part of Traverse City Light & Power, the utility has presented a check for $1.3 million to the city of Traverse City.

The check will go into the city's general fund, which helps back up the operating budgets of city departments, including police, fire, streets, and parks and recreation. The $1.3 million represents about 5 percent of the utility's gross revenues for the fiscal year ending in June 2010.

It's not the first time TCL&P has given back some of its revenue to help decrease the burden on Traverse City taxpayers; the check is the latest installment in $19.6 million given to the city in extra funding since 1991.

"TCL&P prides itself on having the lowest rates in the area and having exceptional reliability," says Ed Rice, TCL&P executive director. "The presentation of the check is another example of the continuing contributions TCL&P is making to our community."

Traverse City Light & Power is a municipal, community-owned utility serving Traverse City and parts of Blair, East Bay, Elmwood, Garfield, Peninsula and Paradise townships.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Ed Rice, Traverse City Light & Power