Upper Peninsula Power Company

What Upper Peninsula Power Company does

Upper Peninsula Power Company (UPPCO) is a regulated electric utility headquartered in Marquette, Michigan, serving approximately 52,000 customers across a 4,460 square-mile service territory spanning 10 counties in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Founded in 1884 and operating for over 135 years, UPPCO is a subsidiary of Balfour Beatty Infrastructure Partners and functions as a state-regulated monopoly under tariffs approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). The company generates, transmits, and distributes electricity through 7 hydroelectric generation facilities, 58 substations, and approximately 4,468 miles of distribution and transmission lines, with a secondary operations office in Ishpeming, Michigan.

UPPCO's core product is regulated electric service, sold under approved tariff structures to residential, commercial, and small industrial customer classes. Recent rate filings (May 2026) sought a 14.16% residential and 15.13% small commercial increase, illustrating the regulated cost-recovery revenue model. Beyond standard electric service, the company offers an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (Smart Energy/AMI) platform, the UPPCO Green voluntary renewable energy tariff, customer-generated electricity (net metering) programs, outdoor lighting services, and energy efficiency programs. The company has publicly committed to a 100% renewable and clean energy generation portfolio by 2040.

UPPCO's business model is the classic regulated utility model: revenues are determined by MPSC-approved rates designed to recover operating costs, depreciation, and a regulated return on rate base, with capital expenditures funded through a mix of debt and parent equity. Strategic direction centers on grid modernization (AMI deployment, substation upgrades, Portage Canal transmission crossing replacement), renewable generation expansion (Republic Solar partnership and additional hydro optimization), and storm hardening—all of which require sustained capital investment funded through rate base growth and periodic rate cases.

Name

Upper Peninsula Power Company

Legal name

Upper Peninsula Power Company

Website

https://uppco.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1884

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Upper Peninsula Power Company is a regulated electric utility serving approximately 52,000 customers across 4,460 square miles in 10 counties of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Founded in 1884 and owned by Balfour Beatty Infrastructure Partners, UPPCO operates 7 hydroelectric facilities, 58 substations, and 4,468 miles of power lines under MPSC-approved tariffs, with a stated goal of 100% renewable generation by 2040.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Regulated Electric Utility Services

NAICS

Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution (2211), Electric Power Distribution (221122), Electric Power Transmission, Control, and Distribution (22112)

SIC

Electric, Gas & Sanitary Services (4900), Electric Services (4911)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Power Districts & State/Provincial Utilities (EUADABAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Grid Interconnection & Collector Substation EPC (Utility-Scale Renewables) (EUAEABAK), Substation Systems & Integration (EPC, Engineering, Protection, Commissioning) (IMAGAAAC)

Keywords

• Electric utility services
• Hydroelectric power generation
• Regulated energy distribution
• Outdoor lighting service
• Renewable energy programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Green Bay

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Infrastructure, Operations, Personnel, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Regulated Retail Electric Tariff Sales: Revenue earned by selling electricity to residential (Rate Class A-1) and commercial/industrial (Rate Class C-1 and others) customers under tariffs approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). Recurring, volumetric/fixed-charge rate base — typical regulated-utility subscription-style stream with usage-based component. Rates are reviewed in periodic rate cases (e.g., Docket U-22032 filed May 2026).
2. Customer-Generated Electricity (Net Metering / Interconnection): UPPCO runs a Customer Generated Electricity program covering residential and commercial categories with a Generation Interconnection Queue — implying billing/credit interactions with customer-owned distributed generation (e.g., solar).
3. UPPCO Green Renewable Energy Option: Optional 'UPPCO Green' program available to residential and business customers to choose renewable energy, implying an incremental opt-in charge/recurring contribution supporting renewable generation.
4. Outdoor Lighting Service: UPPCO offers an Outdoor Lighting / outdoor light-meter service available to both residential and business customers on its tariff.
5. Third-Party Payment Processing (KUBRA EZ-PAY): UPPCO offers KUBRA EZ-PAY third-party payment convenience under its Billing & Payments options, supporting transaction-based payment processing fees for customer bill payment.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Upper Peninsula Power Company (UPPCO) is a regulated electric utility that generates, transmits, and distributes electricity to approximately 52,000 customers across 4,460 square miles and 10 counties in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The company operates seven FERC-licensed hydroelectric generation facilities, 58 substations, and 4,468 miles of power lines, and provides residential and business customers with core electric service, smart metering, outdoor lighting, customer-generated electricity interconnection, renewable energy options, and energy efficiency programs.

Product overview

Upper Peninsula Power Company (UPPCO) operates as a regulated electric utility offering a single integrated service portfolio rather than a modular SaaS platform. The core offering is retail electric distribution and generation — supported by seven hydroelectric generation facilities, 58 substations, and 4,468 miles of power lines across 4,460 square miles in Michigan's Upper Peninsula — paired with a suite of customer-facing sub-products and programs. These include the Smart Energy / Advanced Metering module, UPPCO Green (renewable energy choice), Outdoor Lighting, Customer Generated Electricity interconnection, Electric Customer Choice, and Energy Efficiency & Rebates (including Appliance Recycling). Customer transactions are managed through the SAP-based UPPCO Online Account Portal, which delivers e-Bill Paperless Billing, Automatic Payment, and KUBRA EZ-PAY payment options, alongside the EASE energy assistance program. The portfolio is rounded out by the Republic Solar Project (a renewable generation asset), the Electric Service Manual and Customer Handbook (documentation resources), and the UPPCO Newsroom with quarterly bill inserts. Generation-side assets (e.g., Victoria, Prickett, Hoist, McClure, Bond Falls, Silver Lake, Boney Falls dams) and accompanying community programs (Bond Falls MEF grant) complete the offering.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• UPPCO Green: A program allowing customers to choose renewable energy as part of UPPCO's services offered under both residential and business Services & Rates sections.

Products and services

• UPPCO Electric Service (Distribution & Generation) Core regulated retail electric distribution and generation service for residential and business customers in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, supported by seven hydroelectric generation facilities, 58 substations, and 4,468 miles of power lines.
• Smart Energy / Advanced Metering Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) program offered to residential and business customers to enable modern meter reads, smart energy management, and grid data capabilities.
• UPPCO Green Optional renewable energy program allowing residential and business customers to opt in to renewable electricity, supporting Michigan's clean energy standards.
• Outdoor Lighting Service Tariffed outdoor lighting and outdoor light-meter service available to residential and business customers across the service territory.
• Customer Generated Electricity Program Interconnection program allowing residential and commercial customers to connect customer-owned generation (such as solar) to UPPCO's grid, with public categories and a generation interconnection queue.
• Electric Customer Choice Program offering electric customer choice options to residential and business customers under Michigan's electric choice framework.
• Energy Efficiency & Rebates Program Dedicated energy efficiency program offering residential, commercial, and industrial customers rebates, energy assessments, and appliance recycling events to reduce consumption.
• EASE Program (Energy Assistance, Self-sufficiency & Education) Energy assistance program for eligible residential customers that provides a two-year affordable payment plan, shutoff protection, and connections to bill-payment support resources.
• Republic Solar Project UPPCO-owned solar generation project that is part of the company's renewable generation portfolio supporting its plan to deliver 100% renewable and clean energy by 2040.

Quantifiable outcome

• 52,000 customers served across 4,460 square miles and 10 counties.
• +3 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered moderate, core, flagship and minor.

• Superior Watershed PartnershipmoderateImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 29 April 2026UPPCO partnered with the Superior Watershed Partnership (a Michigan-based nonprofit) to deliver an in-person Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) event in Ishpeming on May 11, 2026, helping customers apply for energy-bill assistance and learn about affordable payment options.
• Bond Falls Implementation Team (BFIT)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 August 2025UPPCO contributes annually to the Bond Falls Mitigation and Enhancement Fund (MEF), managed by BFIT, to deliver aquatic/terrestrial/riparian improvements in the Ontonagon River watershed (covering UPPCO's Bond Falls and Victoria Hydroelectric Projects). 2025 MEF grant call accepted proposals through October 15, 2025. BFIT comprises representatives from MDNR, US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Forest Service, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, Wisconsin DNR, and other stakeholders.
• Michigan 211 (UPCAP)moderateGTM or Marketing PartnerUPPCO Manager of Energy Solutions Andrew McNeally participated in the MI 211 podcast 'From Hello to Help: Equitable Access to Utilities' with Sarah Kile, jointly promoting energy-assistance, low-income support, and emergency-preparedness resources to UP residents. UPCAP partners shown on the page.
• National Energy Foundation (NEF)moderateGTM or Marketing PartnerUPPCO co-sponsors the National rEV Challenge with the National Energy Foundation — a national student electric-vehicle education competition. In June 2026, two Houghton Middle School students (Seda Jenson and Audrey Konkel) in Sarah Geborkoff's class won first place nationally under teacher Sarah Geborkoff.
• Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC)flagshipOthersUPPCO operates as a regulated electric utility under MPSC oversight. The 2026 rate review (Docket Number U-22032, filed May 23, 2026) is being reviewed by the Commission, which has 10 months to issue a decision. UPPCO is also complying with Michigan's 2023 energy legislation via its Integrated Resource Plan (IRP).
• Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)flagshipOthersUPPCO's hydroelectric project licenses are issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which requires seasonal water-level changes at Silver Lake, Hoist Dam, Bond Falls, Lake Antoine, Prickett, Victoria, McClure, and other facilities.
• KUBRA (KUBRA EZ-PAY)moderateTechnology or IntegrationUPPCO offers KUBRA EZ-PAY as a third-party payment processor under its Billing & Payments options, enabling customers to pay UPPCO bills through KUBRA's payment platform.
• Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR)moderateImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerMDNR is a member of the Bond Falls Implementation Team (BFIT) that manages UPPCO's Bond Falls Mitigation and Enhancement Fund; MDNR Fisheries Division published Special Report No. 46: Ontonagon River Assessment (October 2008), which MEF grant proposals must align with.
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and U.S. Forest Service (USFS)moderateImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Forest Service are BFIT members partnering with UPPCO on the Bond Falls Mitigation and Enhancement Fund to support aquatic, terrestrial, and riparian habitat projects in the Ontonagon River watershed.
• Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC)moderateImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerKeweenaw Bay Indian Community is a member of the Bond Falls Implementation Team (BFIT) partnering with UPPCO on environmental mitigation and enhancement in the Ontonagon River watershed.
• Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerWisconsin DNR is a BFIT member partnering with UPPCO on the Bond Falls Mitigation and Enhancement Fund for the Ontonagon River watershed.
• Houghton Middle School (Sarah Geborkoff's class)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerUPPCO-supported classroom that produced two national winners (Seda Jenson and Audrey Konkel) of the UPPCO/NEF National rEV Challenge electric-vehicle student competition.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• MGE Energy: MGE Energy operates Madison Gas and Electric, a regulated electric and gas utility in Wisconsin with growing renewable generation. As a neighboring Midwest regulated utility pursuing clean-energy transition, it is a useful peer for benchmarking UPPCO's renewable strategy and rate-case dynamics.
• NorthWestern Energy Group: NorthWestern Energy is a regulated electric and gas utility serving low-density rural territories in Montana, South Dakota, and Nebraska. Its small-customer-base, rural-terrain profile and hydroelectric generation make it a strong operational analogue to UPPCO.
• Black Hills Corporation: Black Hills Corporation operates smaller regulated electric and gas utilities across multiple rural states with notable renewable and utility-scale generation. Its smaller scale and diversified regulated footprint are comparable to UPPCO's small, geographically concentrated utility profile.
• ALLETE (now part of Canadian Premium Sand / CIP): Minnesota Power (ALLETE) is a regulated electric utility with a generation mix heavily weighted toward hydroelectric and renewable energy serving northern Minnesota. Its hydro-anchored, low-density service-area profile is closely comparable to UPPCO's Upper Peninsula operations.

Direct peers

• DTE Energy: DTE Energy is a Michigan-based regulated electric and gas utility serving millions of customers across the state, including overlaps with the Upper Peninsula. Like UPPCO, it operates under MPSC oversight with a growing renewable-energy portfolio and storm-exposed service territory.
• Consumers Energy (CMS Energy): Consumers Energy is Michigan's largest regulated electric and gas utility and fellow MPSC-regulated operator. It shares UPPCO's regulated-monopoly business model, Michigan clean-energy mandates, and need for sustained grid investment in storm-prone regions.

Broad incumbents

• ITC Holdings: ITC Holdings is the largest independent electricity transmission company in Michigan and the Midwest, operating under FERC oversight. While focused on transmission rather than retail distribution, it shares UPPCO's Michigan regulatory environment, FERC licensing exposure, and grid-investment-driven business model.
• IDACORP / Idaho Power: Idaho Power is a regulated electric utility with a generation mix heavily anchored by hydroelectric projects, serving a similarly low-density rural territory. Its hydro-anchored, state-regulated utility model is highly comparable to UPPCO's vertically integrated hydro-electric franchise.
• WEC Energy Group (We Energies): WEC Energy Group operates We Energies and other regulated electric, gas, and renewable subsidiaries in Wisconsin and adjacent Upper Midwest states. It is a comparable multi-state regulated utility with hydroelectric generation and storm-exposed service territory similar to UPPCO's UP footprint.
• Avista: Avista is a regulated electric and gas utility in the Pacific Northwest with significant hydroelectric generation and rural service territory. Its mix of hydro assets, regulatory cost recovery, and remote-terrain operating challenges closely mirror UPPCO's profile.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/uppcostorm
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/upperpeninsulapowerco

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Upper Peninsula Power Company