Traverse City Light and Power (TCLP) has become the first municipal utility in the nation to receive a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) loan to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy. The $1.8 million will be used to support TCLP's on-bill financing program, which allows  residential customers to finance their own energy efficiency and/or renewable energy improvements such as more efficient furnaces or air conditioners.

“I commend Traverse City Light and Power for their vision and courage to take the lead in helping their customers achieve greater energy efficiency,” said USDA Rural Development State Director for Michigan Jason Allen. “This is another example of how USDA is able to partner with rural communities in new and innovative ways to improve their quality of life.”

The funds were provided through the Rural Energy Savings Program, which provides loans to rural utilities and other companies that provide energy efficiency loans to qualified consumers.