• Plant trees well outside our utility right-of-way so that even at mature height they do not require trimming by Tideland.
• Avoid the use of credit cards when making payments to the co-op. Instead consider using your own financial institution’s online payment scheduling or use our bank draft and e-check options.
• Opt-in for Tideland’s paperless, electronic billing. Postal expenses are on the rise.
• Help us grow our system and refer a friend. There are plenty of available building lots in Tideland territory to accommodate residential, commercial and industrial construction.
• In this era of punitive peak demand charges from our wholesale power providers, avoid the installation of tankless electric water heaters. Consider a heat pump water heater for maximum savings.
• When possible, limit your use of electricity between the hours of 6 am and 8 am during winter and the hours of 3 pm and 6 pm during summer. Even if you aren’t interested in our time-of-use rate, you can contribute to system savings by helping us Beat the Peak.

In closing, I want to remind you that next month’s newsletter will be devoted to a in-depth discussion about our revamped time-of-use rate. You’ll have plenty of time to decide if it may be right for you prior to our March 2026 rate change. We will also talk about ways you can offset the base energy rate increase through efficiency and member portal tools.

Remember, we’re here to help you navigate the energy road ahead.