In our January 2020 newsletter, new rate schedules were published with an implementation date of March 1. The accompanying manager’s message noted that the wholesale power cost adjustment (WPCA) charge of $7.00 per 1,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) would be zeroed out when the new rates took effect.

Fortunately, we were able to over deliver on that front by implementing a WPCA credit in March of $1.79 per 1,000 kWh. Our original rate change projection, with no WPCA, was a 3.338% increase for 1,000 kWh billed in March compared to January 2020 rate calculations. With the WPCA credit in play, the billed residential rate increase came in at 2.039%. We anticipate a continuation of the WPCA credit for the foreseeable future.

Members also benefited from much milder temperatures this winter. In fact, Tideland’s combined energy sales for January and February 2020 were the lowest they have been since the same time period in 2014. The most comparable winter season in recent years was 2016 with 3% more in energy sales. This makes the WPCA credit implemented in March even more remarkable.

Winter residential rates remain in place through April 30.