It's the 50th episode of the TID Water & Power Podcast!!

On this special episode of the TID Water & Power Podcast we're interviewing the TID Board of Directors. 

As a community-owned utility, TID is governed by a five-member, locally elected Board of Directors. These boardmembers set District policy and rules, set the budget, and act as the representatives for our customer-owners – the ratepayers and growers in the community we serve.

On this episode we're joined by Directors Michael Frantz, David Yonan, Joe Alamo, Becky Hackler Arellano, and Ron Macedo – the five members of the TID Board of Directors. 

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Find out more about TID at https://www.TID.org/podcast.

On Episode 47 of the TID Water & Power Podcast we're joined by Northwest Public Power Association CEO and Executive Director, Kurt Miller, to discuss public power.  

Much like the region TID serves, the communities served by community-owned utilities rely on lower rates, reliable service, and continued investment in their community. And these utilities – especially across the west – face more and more challenges to provide reliable and affordable service. 

However, organizations like the NWPPA are working hard to advocate for these public power utilities and their communities. 

On this episode we discuss the importance and value of public power and how NWPPA is advocating for its members.

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Find out more about TID at https://www.TID.org/podcast.

On Episode 48 of the TID Water & Power Podcast we're joined by TID Lineman, Josh Klikna, and Apprentice Lineman, Will Malone, to discuss the lineworkers rodeo competition.

Every year, hundreds of lineworkers and apprentices from around the country come together to compete in the American Public Power Association’s Lineworkers Rodeo. But there’s no roping, bull riding, or barrel racing at this rodeo – instead the competitors are climbing poles, replacing equipment, and even doing mock rescues – all for some friendly competition (and a whole lot of bragging rights).

On this episode we to discuss the lineworkers rodeo competition, how the rodeo relates to the work they do everyday, and their experience at the recent APPA Rodeo. 

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Find out more about TID at https://www.TID.org/podcast.

On Episode 47 of the TID Water & Power Podcast we're joined by TID's Director of External Affairs, Josh Weimer, to receive a legislative update. 

Every year—and every election—new legislation and legislators can bring sweeping changes that impact Turlock Irrigation District’s operations. Tracking these changes and advocating on the District’s behalf is vital in protecting our facilities, resources, and ratepayers.

On this episode we to discuss the state and federal legislative processes, what core issues TID’s monitoring, and how the District advocates in our customers’ best interest.

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Find out more about TID at https://www.TID.org/podcast.

On Episode 46 of the TID Water & Power Podcast we're joined by TID's Chief Hydrologist, Olivia Cramer, to discuss the current water year.

From water available for irrigation to hydropower generation to flood control, TID is acutely aware of, and extremely dependent on, the hydrology of our watershed and local area. We’ve also lived through enough of the extremes – from drought to flooding - in just the last ten years even – to know that a normal water year is rarely the norm. 

Thankfully, TID has a hardworking Hydrology team, constantly modeling the often erratic behavior of our weather system, to help us sort it all out. 

On this episode we to discuss the current water year, potential outcomes over the next few months, and how those outcomes may affect the irrigation season and TID operations. 

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Find out more about TID at https://www.TID.org/podcast.

On Episode 45 of the TID Water & Power Podcast we're joined by TID Energy Efficiency Analysts, Erica Salado and Lynna Jeffries, to discuss TID’s energy rebates and programs .

From new rebates to increased incentives, and everything in between, TID’s Energy Services develops programs to assist customers as they make energy efficiency improvements to their homes. And, as we ring in a new year, the energy programs available to District customers are getting even better. 

On this episode we discuss the role of Energy Services, the changes to existing programs, and what new programs are being introduced this year. 

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Find out more about TID at https://www.TID.org/podcast.

On Episode 44 of the TID Water & Power Podcast we're joined by TID General Manager, Brad Koehn, to back at 2024 and look ahead at what's to come in 2025.

2024 was a big year for the District! Between project milestones and leadership changes, there are many accomplishments and significant changes to look back on. But, as we turn the page on another year, we can already see that 2025 will bring lots of exciting new initiatives and significant long term planning. 

On this episode we discuss the important projects that defined 2024, the biggest challenges for the District, and a look ahead at the innovative projects and plans on the horizon.

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Find out more about TID at https://www.TID.org/podcast.

On Episode 43 of the TID Water & Power Podcast we're joined by TID Chief Financial Officer and Assistant General Manager, Financial Services, Brian Stubbert, to discuss all things rates.

TID works hard to provide some of the lowest electric and irrigation water rates in the region and the state – all while maintaining reliability. As such, TID customers have not experienced a rate increase for 10 years. However, with increased costs to provide reliable service and meet various mandates imposed by the state, TID is considering a rate increase for the first time since 2015.

On this episode we discuss the key factors driving the proposed rate increased, the structure of TID rates, and the impacts of the proposed change. 

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Find out more about TID at https://www.TID.org/podcast.

On Episode 42 of the TID Water & Power Podcast we're first joined by TID Communications Specialist, Lisa McMullen, to discuss TID's Customer Academy program. Then, we're joined by three past participants to discuss their experience with the Academy.

In 2022, TID started its Customer Academy program – an opportunity to educate customers and teach them the intricacies of TID operations and facilities. Now, as we prepare for our fourth cohort, we are continue to modify and expand this great program. 

On this episode we discuss the origin of the program, how the program has evolved over time, and what to expect with next year’s session. 

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Find out more about TID at https://www.TID.org/podcast.

On Episode 41 of the TID Water & Power Podcast we're having a conversation with TID Aquatic Biologist, Pat Maloney.

Across the 40 previous episodes of this podcast, we’ve covered a variety of unique topics, and unique positions at the District, but there’s still one you may be unfamiliar with – our aquatic biologist. 

TID’s biologist studies the Tuolumne River, coordinates on District operations, and even spends a portion of his time in schools teaching the next generation all about the fishery. 

On this episode we discuss the history, the day-to-day, and the varied tasks that fall under this unique position.

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Find out more about TID at https://www.TID.org/podcast.

On Episode 40 of the TID Water & Power Podcast we're joined by TID Director of Water Resources and Regulatory Affairs, Michael Cooke, to discuss a big SGMA update.

Following the third year of a historic drought, the state passed a series of bills that we refer to as SGMA and would become the framework for how groundwater would be managed throughout California. Since then, TID and its partners in the Turlock Subbasin have been developing (and revising) its plan to sustainably manage groundwater in our region.

On this episode we discuss the recent milestone we’ve reached with regard to SGMA, what has changed in the plan over the last two years, and what the next phase of SGMA looks like for TID and our growers.

We had an extended conversation about SGMA on Episode 10 of the podcast in February 2022.

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Find out more about TID at https://www.TID.org/podcast.

On Episode 39 of the TID Water & Power Podcast we're joined by TID Line Supervisor, Duarte Xavier, to discuss TID's lineworkers.

When you think of TID, your first thought may be a bucket truck driving down the road or a lineman climbing a pole to restore power. But, even with that visual, you may not really understand what our lineman do. Day or night, rain or shine, soaring heat or freezing temperatures, TID lineworkers put in the work to maintain and improve our system and respond when outages happen to ensure TID can provide reliable electric service. 

On this episode we discuss the various roles within the Line Department and how our lineworkers respond when the power goes out.

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Find out more about TID at https://www.TID.org/podcast.

On Episode 38 of the TID Water & Power Podcast we're joined by TID  Director of Human Resources, Jorian Reed, to discuss careers at TID.

TID has long been a pillar of the community and, as such, has been a desirable location for those looking to build a career.  However, with retirements and a changing workforce, the District is ever-evolving to develop and recruit the next generation that will lead the District forward.

On this episode we discuss the different types of career paths one can take at the District, the programs we have in place to help potential employees develop skills, and what the future of jobs looks like at TID.

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Find out more about TID at https://www.TID.org/podcast.

On Episode 37 of the TID Water & Power Podcast we're joined by TID  Director of Power Generation, Tim Payne, to discuss the Don Pedro Life Extension.

Later this month, the Don Pedro Project will celebrate its 52nd Anniversary. From valuable hydropower, to flood control and recreation, the project has served the District and our community incredibly well. However, as typical with aging infrastructure, Don Pedro needs to undergo a major life extension project to continue its valuable service.

On this episode we discuss the various work being done as part of the life extension and what changes or improvements are coming to Don Pedro. 

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Find out more about TID at https://www.TID.org/podcast.

On Episode 36 of the TID Water & Power Podcast we're joined by TID  Assistant General Manager, Power Supply, Dan Severson, to discuss the value of hydropower.

Since 1923, when TID entered the retail electric business, clean, reliable hydropower has been part of our generation portfolio. Even as electric demand continues to rise, and more regulatory constraints have been put on TID’s operations, hydropower remains a very valuable resource – and may be getting even more valuable.

On this episode we discuss our hydropower fleet, the role those plants play in our portfolio, and the value hydropower brings the District. 

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Find out more about TID at https://www.TID.org/podcast.

On Episode 35 of the TID Water & Power Podcast we're joined by TID Surveying and Right-of-Way Manager, Tristan Higgins, to discuss land surveying.

While you may be able to spot surveyors and their equipment at an intersection or construction project, a lot of folks might not understand what they do. At TID, the Surveying Department plays an especially important role in a variety of areas around the District.

On this episode we discuss the areas the Surveying team covers, the exciting projects the department is working on, and how the department has changed over the years. 

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Find out more about TID at https://www.TID.org/podcast.

On Episode 34 of the TID Water & Power Podcast we're joined by TID Supervising Engineering Technician, Wes Miller, to discuss groundwater recharge projects.

The 2022-23 Water Year was the third wettest on record and, thanks for quick action and innovative solutions, TID was able to pilot several groundwater recharge projects using that flood water.

However, with ever changing hydrological conditions and the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (or SGMA), the District will need to continue innovate and implement new recharge projects. 

On this episode we discuss the District’s relationship with groundwater, projects we were able to successfully pilot last year, and what types of recharge projects are coming down the pipe.

Interested in participating in groundwater recharge projects within TID? Take our survey here or email us at GWrecharge@tid.org.

Click here to read the On-Farm Recharge Methods Manual.

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Find out more about TID at https://www.TID.org/podcast.

On Episode 33 of the TID Water & Power Podcast we welcome back author and historian Dr. Alan Paterson to discuss the TID's history and how the District entered the retail electric business.

For 100 years, TID has served safe, reliable, and affordable power to our community – which is still vital to our region’s wellbeing today. But getting to that point was no easy task. It took visionaries, legal battles, and monumental decisions – and votes – to bring what we know as TID to fruition.

On this episode we discuss the District’s struggles in the early 20th Century, the construction of Old Don Pedro, and how TID came to be the electric utility in our region.

Want to purchase a copy of Dr. Paterson's book on TID's history, "Land, Water and Power: A History of the Turlock Irrigation District 1887-1987"? Email TID here.

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LinkedIn: /company/turlockid

Find out more about TID at https://www.TID.org/podcast.

On Episode 32 of the TID Water & Power Podcast, TID Communications Specialist, and producer of the podcast, Brandon McMillan moves behind the mic to take a look behind the scenes of the podcast.

As we round out the year, we thought it would be fun to take a look back at what is now more than two and half years of the TID Water & Podcast. Maybe you’re a new listener, or maybe you’ve been with us since Episode 1. Either way, we hope you enjoy learning a little more about how the TID Water & Power podcast is created, recorded and delivered to you each month.

On this episode we discuss the origin of the podcast, talk about what goes into releasing each episode, and take a look back at some of our favorite moments on the podcast.

Past episodes we mentioned (in order of mention):

Episode 1 – TID General Manager Michelle Reimers

Episode 26 – Water Rights and an Uncertain Future

Episode 4 – Where Your Power Comes From

Episode 5 – Drought

Episode 7 – Water Rights

Episode 14 – How TID Became the First Irrigation District in California

Episode 13 – Dam Safety

Episode 12 – Hydrological Modeling and Forecasting

Episode 25 – Water and Energy Regulatory Update

Episode 23 – Irrigation Season and Operations

Episode 9 – Maintaining TID’s System and Facilities

Episode 2 – Don Pedro - 50 Years of Water and Power

Episode 29 – Regulating Reservoirs (Part 1 and Part 2)

Episode 3 – Don Pedro Relicensing

Episode 15 – Energy Imbalance Market and Summer Readiness

Episode 18 – Cybersecurity

Episode 19 – Power Control Center

TID Short Stories – Part 1

Episode 11 – Project Nexus

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Find out more about TID at https://www.TID.org/podcast.

On Episode 31 of the TID Water & Power Podcast we're joined by TID Chief Financial Officer and Assistant General Manager, Financial Services, Brian Stubbert, to discuss the budgeting process.

As a not-for-profit, community-owned utility, the District is funded by our customers. And keeping rates affordable is a top priority. As such, there is a lot of planning and tough decisions that go into setting and approving the District’s budget each year.

On this episode we discuss what costs go into developing our annual budget, what factors specific to utilities must be considered and how the budget is funded each year. 

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Find out more about TID at https://www.TID.org/podcast.

On Episode 30 of the TID Water & Power Podcast we're joined by American Public Power Association President and CEO, Scott Corwin, to discuss the public power.  

Community-owned utilities across the nation, including TID, celebrated Public Power Week the first full week of October – a weeklong celebration of all things public power. Much like the region TID serves, the communities served by community-owned power rely on lower rates, more reliable service, and continued investment in their community.

On this episode we discuss the importance and value of public power and APPA’s role in promoting public power.

Let’s get social!
Facebook: @TurlockID
Instagram: @TurlockID
Twitter: @TurlockID
LinkedIn: /company/turlockid

Find out more about TID at https://www.TID.org/podcast.

On Part 1 of Episode 29 of the TID Water & Power Podcast we sit down with TID Chief Operating Officer, Brad Koehn, and Water Distribution Department Manager, Mike Kavarian, to discuss the District's regulating reservoirs.

Unlike Don Pedro, which has a storage capacity of more than 2 million acre-feet, TID’s regulating reservoirs are more like ponds – storing just a couple hundred acre-feet. However, despite their relative size, they are crucial to the District’s efforts to modernize and increase efficiency within our more than century-old irrigation system. 

On this episode, we discuss the benefits and operations of these regulating reservoirs.

In Part 2, available now in our podcast feed, we're joined by Senior Civil Engineer, Matt Hazen, Construction and Maintenance Department Manager, Chris Hardin, to discuss the reservoirs' in-house design and construction.

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Twitter: @TurlockID
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Find out more about TID at https://www.TID.org/podcast.

On Part 2 of Episode 29 of the TID Water & Power Podcast we're joined by Senior Civil Engineer, Matt Hazen, Construction and Maintenance Department Manager, Chris Hardin, to discuss the in-house design and construction of our regulating reservoirs.

Unlike Don Pedro, which has a storage capacity of more than 2 million acre-feet, TID’s regulating reservoirs are more like ponds – storing just a couple hundred acre-feet. However, despite their relative size, they are crucial to the District’s efforts to modernize and increase efficiency within our more than century-old irrigation system. 

If you haven't, recommend listening to Part 1 of this episode where we sat down with TID Chief Operating Officer, Brad Koehn, and Water Distribution Department Manager, Mike Kavarian, to discuss the benefits and operations of the regulating reservoirs.  

Let’s get social!
Facebook: @TurlockID
Instagram: @TurlockID
Twitter: @TurlockID
LinkedIn: /company/turlockid

Find out more about TID at https://www.TID.org/podcast.

On Episode 28 of the TID Water & Power Podcast we sit down with TID Communications Specialist, Lisa McMullen, to discuss the District's education programs.  

Students are preparing to head back to the classroom as a new school year begins. But for TID, education is a year-round endeavor.  From community events, classroom activities, and multi-media programming like video tours or this podcast, the District is happy to share resources and help educate the community we serve on how we work with power and water, and how to be safe around both.

On this episode we discuss the various education programs available for students, teachers, and the general public.

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Twitter: @TurlockID
LinkedIn: /company/turlockid

Find out more about TID at https://www.TID.org/podcast.

On Episode 27 of the TID Water & Power Podcast we sit down with TID Combustion Turbine Department Manager, Mike Tehada, to discuss the District's combustion turbine generation fleet .  

California has set a goal of 100 percent carbon-free retail energy by 2045 and, as such, natural gas power plants have come under fire. But with extreme heatwaves, like we experienced across the state the last few summers, and will again this summer, the need for reliability and available generation capacity remains. 

On this episode we discuss the District’s combustion turbine power plants and the role these power plants play to ensure reliable and cost effective power for our customers.

Let’s get social!
Facebook: @TurlockID
Instagram: @TurlockID
Twitter: @TurlockID
LinkedIn: /company/turlockid

Find out more about TID at https://www.TID.org/podcast.