THE WIRE
Summer 2020
Providing for our Customers
www.tid.org
The Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has been challenging for our nation, state, and community. We all have been impacted by the crisis in a multitude of ways. In an effort to protect our community from exposure, TID closed our lobbies to the public on March 19, 2020. Though this prevented the community from interacting with customer service in person, almost all activities can be completed in an alternative forum. Customer Service Representatives continue to be available to provide assistance over the phone and via email. Customers that typically come into the lobby to pay their bills, quickly adapted to alternative payment options offered. In response to so many of our customers being adversely impacted by COVID-19, TID has suspended both shutting off power for non-payment as well as the delinquent charge on past due balances. Customers on our CARES and Medical Rate discount programs that come up for renewal are automatically be extended. We are continuing to provide information on the TID rate discount programs available while also encouraging customers to apply for payment assistance through
Throughout the pandemic, TID has continued to deliver services to our community.
LIHEAP (Low income Home Energy Assistance Program). This program offers annual payment assistance on your energy bill. Last year over 2,000 TID customers received an average payment of $393 in LIHEAP assistance. Visit www.tid.org/ coronavirus for information on how to apply. While our offices have been closed, the TID team continues to work hard for our community. All TID departments and divisions have been working to ensure that our customers don’t experience any unnecessary disruptions in service due to the pandemic. Like many of you, we have been working from home, social distancing while working in the field, adjusting to alternate schedules and new ways of getting the work done. Also like many of you, our employees had to adjust to having children home from school and distance learning, caring for loved ones and significant
others, friends and family whose jobs have been impacted or eliminated due to business closures. We have all had to adjust to the challenges presented by COVID-19, but in the process we have also reached out to help each other through the uncertainty. Keeping our employees healthy and safe is a priority for TID. Without that foundation, we would be powerless to serve the community we love. TID continues to effectively take preventative measures so that we can continue to provide the essential services of safe and reliable power and irrigation water. If we can’t provide these services, our whole region comes to a standstill. It’s a huge responsibility, but also a great honor to be depended on in this way. Throughout the pandemic, TID has continued to, and will keep delivering services to our community. Together with our community, We Are TID.
PO Box 949 Turlock, CA 95381 209.883.8300
The Wire | Summer 2020
@TurlockID
@TurlockID
www.tid.org
however, TID customers only pay $20!
PREMIER SHADE TREE PROGRAM
TID Premier Shade Tree Event Did you know deciduous trees can help conserve energy in your home? In addition to providing shade to help keep a home cooler in the summer, they also allow the sun’s warm rays to heat your home in the winter. Properly planted deciduous trees can cut air conditioning costs by 15-30 percent, in addition to the benefits for clean air, providing oxygen and reducing pollution. In an effort to help our customers reduce their energy costs (while creating a healthy environment), TID and The Greenery Nursery
and Garden Shop are partnering to sponsor the Premier Shade Tree Event. Beginning in late August, TID will be selling vouchers that allow customers to pick up a tree kit at The Greenery Nursery and Garden Shop on specific designated days. The tree kit will include: • a choice of a 5 gallon tree: October Glory Maple or Keith Davies Pistache • 1 cubic-foot of planting mix • 4-pound bag of fertilizer This kit retails for up to $100,
Beginning August 15th through August 31st, TID will be accepting applications to reserve your shade tree for future pick up at The Greenery Nursery and Garden Shop. Pick up dates will begin September 12th and run through September 20th. Tree availability will be on a first come, first serve basis as there will be a limited quantity available. In order to qualify for the program you must: • be a TID customer • complete the Premier Shade Tree application • trees must be planted 10’-15’ from the home, but not on the North side. TID customers are eligible for up to 2 vouchers per household, while supplies last. All trees are subject to inspection and verification. Please visit www.tid.org/ premiershadetree for more information and to apply. Please email rebates@tid.org or call (209) 883-8432 with any questions.
Stay Safe! Stay Away from Canals!