Michigan public power utility Traverse City Light & Power (TCLP) and The Salvation Army are partnering to launch a new locally administered energy-assistance program beginning October 1, 2026. The program will help qualifying TCLP customers pay both their electric bills and home-heating costs.
Under the new program, Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund (LIEAF) funds collected from TCLP customers will support TCLP’s locally administered assistance program rather than being remitted for distribution through the statewide program. This approach will allow funds contributed by TCLP customers to directly support eligible households served by TCLP.
“This partnership allows us to keep these funds close to home and use them to help our neighbors with essential energy needs,” said Brandie Ekren, Executive Director of TCLP. “By working with The Salvation Army, we can provide customers with a trusted local resource and a coordinated way to seek assistance with both electricity and home heating.”
Customers will obtain the application through TCLP, which will verify that they have an active TCLP electric account before referring them to The Salvation Army. The Salvation Army will then review documentation, determine eligibility and coordinate approved assistance with TCLP. Assistance is not guaranteed and will depend on eligibility, available funding and agency capacity.
“We are excited to partner with TCLP to provide eligible customers with dependable, year-round assistance,” said Major Alan Hellstrom, Corps Officer for The Salvation Army Traverse City Corps. “Keeping these funds in the community will help ensure TCLP customers have access to local support when they need it.”
To qualify, applicants must meet current state income guidelines, be Michigan residents, and have an active TCLP electric account in their name.
The local program supplements rather than replaces other energy-assistance resources. Applicants may also be eligible for State Emergency Relief through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The Salvation Army will help applicants understand the available resources and the steps required to complete the local application process.
Beginning September 1, 2026, the LIEAF surcharge collected on TCLP electric bills will increase to $1.50 per electric meter per month. The locally collected funds will support the new program for qualifying TCLP households.
The Salvation Army will review applications, determine eligibility, and administer assistance on behalf of TCLP.
