Rebate programs were discontinued January 1, 2001
5% Weatherization Loans
These loans are made to home, farm or business owners whose existing dwelling or business receives electrical service through Tideland EMC. Such loans are for the purpose of providing the cost of materials and labor for those items listed below:
- caulking
- weather-stripping
- heat pump systems (including water source heat pumps)
- water heaters (which reduce consumption of electricity)
- central air conditioning
- ceiling, wall and floor insulation
- duct and pipe insulation
- water heater insulation
- storm windows and doors
- thermal windows & doors
- electric system coordinated customer-owned devices that reduce maximum kilowatt demand
- clocks thermostats
- attic ventilation fans
- other items as pre-approved by the cooperative's loan department
*If the borrower installs the materials his/herself the loan will be limited to financing the cost of materials.
The interest rate will not exceed 5% per annum on the unpaid balance of the loan. This is a simple interest loan therefore the loan can be paid off early with no penalties. Loans to finance the cost of energy conservation measures will not exceed $3,000 for a single family dwelling, $4,000 for structures with two to four residential units, and $1,000 per unit for larger multi-family structures. However, if the loan involves the installation of a heat pump the loan amount can be increased to a maximum of $5,000. Heat pump systems must meet minimum efficiency ratings as established by the cooperative's loan department. Heat pumps must be sized according to a heat gain/heat loss calculation which may be performed by the installing contractor or the cooperative. This requirement is made to ensure that our members needs are met in terms of comfort, efficiency and overall equipment performance.
If the requested loan amount is $1,500 or more the loan must be secured by a first or second Deed of Trust. All applications are subject to credit verification through a licensed credit reporting agency and any credit history records maintained by the cooperative.
Once your loan has been approved, notify the contractor to begin work. As the work nears completion call the loan department to schedule a loan closing. The cooperative's loan officer will visually inspect all items covered by the weatherization loan at the closing. The proceeds check will be made payable to both the Tideland member and the contractor performing the work. It is the member's responsibility to deliver the check to the contractor.
Sample Loan Payment Calculations
| Loan Amount | 12 months | 24 months | 36 months | 48 months | 60 months |
| $1,000 | $85.61 | $43.88 | $29.97 | $23.03 | $18.87 |
| $1,500 | $128.41 | $65.81 | $44.96 | $34.54 | $28.31 |
| $2,000 | $171.21 | $87.74 | $59.94 | $46.06 | $35.86 |
| $2,500 | $214.02 | $109.68 | $74.93 | $57.57 | $47.18 |
| $3,000 | $256.82 | $131.61 | $89.91 | $69.09 | $56.61 |
*For payment calculations other than those listed above please call loan officer Donna Woolard at 1-800-637-1079.
Peak Load Management
As of Jan. 1, 2001 Tideland EMC no longer installs new load management switches. However, members may continue to participate where a switch is already operational.
How does it work?
As a participant, you agree to let TEMC occasionally cycle power to your central air conditioner or heat pump, and electric water heater. This allows us to lower the demand for electricity on days when use and costs are high. The peak load management program should not be confused with the time-of-use residential rate program.
Are there any costs to me?
None whatsoever. When conditions make it necessary, a radio signal will be sent to the appliances enrolled in the program, temporarily and briefly cycling service until the peak demand conditions are over. We maintain the switch, and if there's ever a problem, we correct it, at no charge to you.
When is the peak?
The peak demand for electricity generally occurs during winter months in the early morning hours between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., Monday through Friday. In the summer, it's usually late afternoon between 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The peak very rarely occurs on the weekend since most business, industry and schools are not in operation at that time.
Will I be inconvenienced?
It's highly unlikely. In the case of central air conditioners and heat pumps, only the power to the compressor is cycled briefly (less than 8 minutes per cycle). Your unit's fan can continue to operate, circulating air throughout your home as needed. And since water heaters typically store plenty of hot water, it's unlikely that you'll notice when the power to that appliance is cycled. To date, Tideland EMC has over 10,000 appliances enrolled in the program and most people don't even know when load management is operating. If you should ever experience any problems with an appliance controlled by a load management switch call our office day or night and we'll send a service truck immediately.
Does it lower my bill?
Since switch operation periods are of relatively short duration, your monthly electric use will not be affected by the switch. The switch simply allows us to shift demand to a less critical time which improves power quality conditions and helps keeps electric rates low for everyone. A $1.25 per month credit is given to those members participating in electric water heater management. While we no longer offer a credit for those participating in the central air conditioner/heat pump portion of the program, the switch lends extra protection to your system's sensitive compressor thanks to its cold-load pickup feature.