Upper Peninsula Power Company Overview and Services

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Upper Peninsula Power Company has been serving the region since 1955, making it a well-established and reliable provider of electricity.

The company serves over 90,000 customers in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, providing them with safe and reliable electricity.

Upper Peninsula Power Company's headquarters are located in Escanaba, Michigan, where the company's operations are also based.

The company is a member of the American Public Power Association and is committed to providing excellent service to its customers.

Operations

Upper Peninsula Power Company's operations are centered around providing reliable electricity to their customers. They achieve this through a combination of hydroelectric and fossil fuel power plants.

The company's hydroelectric power plants are a significant part of their operations, generating over 70% of their electricity. This is a testament to the region's abundant water resources and the company's commitment to renewable energy.

The Upper Peninsula Power Company's operations also involve a network of transmission lines and substations that distribute electricity to their customers. This infrastructure is crucial for delivering power to homes and businesses across the region.

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Service Area

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UPPCO serves a significant area in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, covering 10 counties in the central and western part of the region.

These counties include Alger, Delta, Marquette, Menominee, Schoolcraft, Baraga, Houghton, Iron, Ontonagon, and Keweenaw.

The company's service area is quite expansive, covering a large number of customers.

Approximately 52,000 customers rely on UPPCO for their electricity needs.

This translates to around 12 customers per square mile, highlighting the company's extensive reach in the region.

Annual Revenue

The Upper Peninsula Power Company's operations are quite impressive, and one aspect that stands out is their annual revenue. The Upper Peninsula Power Company annual revenue was $41.9 million in 2025.

To give you a better idea of their financial stability, it's worth noting that their revenue has likely helped them invest in their infrastructure and services. The Upper Peninsula Power Company's financial situation is likely a result of their reliable services and efficient operations.

Their revenue has likely enabled them to provide high-quality services to their customers, which is essential for any power company.

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Generation

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We generate a significant portion of the electrical power distributed to our customers, accounting for approximately 20% of the total. This power is supplemented by purchases from Consumers Energy in lower Michigan and the Wisconsin Energy Corporation (WE Energies).

Our hydroelectric dams are the primary source of power generation, with multiple operational facilities across Michigan. The Victoria Dam in Rockland, Michigan, is one of our largest hydroelectric dams, producing 12.2 Megawatts of power.

We operate a total of six hydroelectric dams, each with its own unique characteristics and power output. The Boney Falls Dam in Cornell, Michigan, generates 4.1 Megawatts of power, while the Prickett Hydroelectric Dam in Baraga, Michigan, produces 2 Megawatts.

Here's a list of our operational hydroelectric dams, along with their power output:

  • Victoria Dam in Rockland, Michigan - 12.2 Megawatts
  • Boney Falls Dam in Cornell, Michigan - 4.1 Megawatts
  • Prickett Hydroelectric Dam in Baraga, Michigan - 2 Megawatts
  • Hoist Hydroelectric Dam in Negaunee, Michigan - 3.4 Megawatts
  • Escanaba 1 Hydroelectric Dam in Escanaba, Michigan - 1.6 Megawatts
  • Escanaba 3 Hydroelectric Dam in Escanaba, Michigan - 3 Megawatts

The Hoist Hydroelectric Dam in Negaunee, Michigan, produces 3.4 Megawatts of power, while the Escanaba 1 Hydroelectric Dam in Escanaba, Michigan, generates 1.6 Megawatts.

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Power Transmission

UPPCO operates all transmission lines at 138,000 volts.

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This high voltage level allows for efficient transmission of power over long distances.

UPPCO has transmission interconnections with Wisconsin Public Service Corporation, Wisconsin Energies, and the Cloverland Electric Cooperative.

These interconnections enable the company to exchange power with neighboring utilities and maintain a reliable supply of electricity.

UPPCO operates sub-transmission systems at 69,000 volts and has sub-transmission interconnections with the Marquette Board of Light and Power, Alger-Delta Electric Cooperative, and Cloverland Electric Cooperative.

The sub-transmission system plays a crucial role in distributing power from the transmission lines to the distribution network.

UPPCO operates its distribution network at 12,470/7,200 volts, covering approximately 3,300 miles of power circuits served by 58 distribution substations.

This extensive network ensures that power is delivered safely and reliably to homes and businesses across the area.

Leadership

The leadership team at Upper Peninsula Power Company is made up of experienced professionals who are dedicated to providing reliable and efficient energy services to the community. Gradon Haehnel is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company.

He oversees the strategic direction and overall performance of the company, ensuring that it meets the needs of its customers and stakeholders.

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Chief Executive Officer

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The Chief Executive Officer, or CEO, plays a crucial role in a company's leadership. Gradon Haehnel is the Chief Executive Officer of Upper Peninsula Power Company.

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Upco Responds

UPPCO has made great strides toward reducing the rates it charges residential customers, according to spokesman French.

French points out that UPPCO residents paid about $89 per month in 2017, less than Consumers Energy, DTE, and eight other municipal utilities or rural cooperatives, according to the U.S. Energy Information Agency.

This is largely because UPPCO residents tend to use significantly less power than others.

Monthly bills dropped nearly 13 percent from 2016 to 2017, the federal data show.

UPPCO's financial and operational details are far more transparent than other types of utilities or for-profit enterprises, thanks to the Public Service Commission setting and approving the utility's rates.

Existing Infrastructure

The Upper Peninsula Power Company has a robust existing infrastructure that supports its operations and services.

The company has over 2,400 miles of transmission lines, which is a testament to its extensive network.

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Its substations and distribution lines serve over 140,000 customers across the Upper Peninsula.

The company's infrastructure is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, including extreme cold and heavy snowfall.

A significant portion of the company's infrastructure dates back to the early 20th century, with some lines and substations still in operation today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who supplies power to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan?

The Upper Peninsula Power Company (UPPCO) supplies power to approximately 52,000 customers across 10 counties in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. UPPCO is a Michigan-based public utility providing electric service to residents, businesses, and industries in the region.

How do I report an outage to UPPCO?

To report an outage to UPPCO, you can either call 906-449-2011 or 800-562-7809, or report it online through the UPPCO Customer Online Portal.

Ernest Zulauf

Writer

Ernest Zulauf is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting informative and engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for research, Ernest has established himself as a trusted voice in the field of finance and retirement planning. Ernest's writing expertise spans a range of topics, including Australian retirement planning, where he provides valuable insights and advice to readers navigating the complexities of saving for their golden years.

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