Upper Peninsula Power Company Expands Digital Service With Powerful’s Premium Security
MARQUETTE, MI — Upper Peninsula Power Company (UPPCO) has launched a new website designed by Powerful to expand online service and strengthen website security.
UPPCO serves approximately 52,000 customers across one of the nation’s most rural, heavily forested, and weather-challenged service territories. The company partnered with Powerful to create an intuitive website that helps customers find outage information, billing resources, service forms, energy programs, and other frequently requested tools.
As UPPCO prepared to direct more customers toward online resources, website security became an important part of the project. The company selected Powerful’s Premium Website Security and Monitoring service, which includes independently reviewed security practices, ongoing traffic monitoring, two-factor authentication, encrypted form information, and additional safeguards.
“UPPCO’s customers depend on accurate outage and billing information, so the site can’t be an afterthought,” said Alex Hathaway, Powerful’s director of IT operations.
Powerful completed a SOC 2 examination that placed its controls for website access, updates, and incident response before an independent auditor. The review evaluated whether those practices were established and followed consistently over time.
“Our SOC 2 attestation put our security controls in front of an independent auditor,” Hathaway said. “That review gives clients greater assurance about the practices supporting their websites as more customer activity moves online.”
Security was paired with a custom visual experience shaped around UPPCO’s identity and the communities it serves. The homepage establishes clear pathways to common customer needs while creating space for timely news, energy programs, and company updates.
“Since the team opted-in for our premium website design package, we were able to complement their branding by bringing together angular shapes, sharp corners, and dynamic images that make it unmistakably UPPCO,” said Stacey Horton, Powerful project manager.
The project also included several visualized pages designed to make detailed information feel approachable. Billing & Payment Options organizes payment methods, billing programs, and assistance resources into focused sections. Start/Stop/Transfer Service provides separate paths for new and existing customers, while the Heat Pumps page walks visitors through how the technology works, its performance in cold weather, and available rebates.
These pages support UPPCO’s goal of helping customers answer questions and complete routine tasks online. Graphics, diagrams, icons, and clear calls to action guide visitors through each topic without requiring them to sort through dense sections of copy.
The visualized Who We Are page takes a similar approach to UPPCO’s history. A gallery of archival and present-day images highlights the people, infrastructure, and milestones behind more than 135 years of service.
“My personal favorite had to have been the Who We Are page gallery, which gave them the opportunity to showcase their history,” Horton said. “This was such a fun project, and I’m excited for UPPCO’s customers to experience it.”
The redesigned website brings UPPCO’s customer resources, regional identity, and security priorities into one cohesive experience. It provides a strong foundation for continued online engagement while supporting dependable access to the information customers rely on.
About Powerful
Powerful is a leader in designing human-centered web design experiences for broadband and electric co-ops as well as other utility companies; enhancing website interactions through innovative design and thoughtful technology. Their mission is to build lasting partnerships with electric cooperatives and utility organizations by creating engaging, visitor-friendly digital experiences across websites and mobile applications.
Specializing in website functionality, website visitor experience, and web accessibility, Powerful tailors each web design project to the unique needs of electric co-ops they partner with, ensuring digital tools are visually appealing, intuitive, and easy to navigate. With a focus on humanizing website experiences, their team is dedicated to understanding the specific challenges and goals of each utility organization, crafting solutions that foster meaningful connections and drive engagement. Through a meticulous design process and commitment to excellence, Powerful helps utilities connect more effectively with their communities, delivering website experiences that both inform and inspire.
About Upper Peninsula Power Company
Upper Peninsula Power Company (UPPCO) provides electric service across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where its team supports approximately 52,000 customers through demanding weather and rugged terrain. The company’s work is grounded in safety, integrity, reliability, and a long-standing commitment to the communities it calls home.
