In last year’s annual report, we advised the membership that a 2024 rate increase would not be required and believe we can extend current rates through the fourth quarter of 2025 or early 2026.

Fortunately, we have continued to comfortably manage rising costs while meeting our balance sheet targets through internal cost control measures and the continued use of a rolling wholesale power cost adjustment (WPCA). The average monthly WPCA charge in 2024 was $2.75 per 1,000 kilowatt hours (kWh).

Our residential charge per kWh in March 2020 was 11.3¢ compared to 11.995¢ in December 2024. When compared to the only other readily available source of energy in Tideland territory, propane — which rose 30% in cost during the same time period — electricity continues to be the most safe, reliable and affordable energy solution to meet the needs of your home or business for years to come.

Obviously rates matter, but equally if not more important to your electric bill’s bottom line is the amount of energy you use. When managing that part of the billing equation you have no better partner than Tideland EMC.

For nearly 15 years we have continued to build out our meter data management platform to deliver timely and tangible data members can access via our online portal. We have layered on additional services like energy use alerts that can be customized to your unique energy profile. These alerts are the best way for you to guard against a high electric bill due to equipment malfunctions or user errors like a thermostat inadvertently put into emergency heat mode.

The detailed energy consumption interval data members now have access to eliminates much of the guesswork when determining where and how you use energy. It also simplifies the decision tree when determining what efficiency investments can deliver the most bang for your buck.

This combination of cutting edge data and personal service delivered by our team of energy professionals renders an energy concierge service that always put the needs of you and your family first.