News & Media

Why was Turlock Irrigation District selected?

December 1, 2023

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Formed in 1887, TID was the first irrigation district formed in California and provides irrigation water to 4,700 growers who farm about 150,000 acres in the San Joaquin Valley. TID also provides power to homes, businesses, and farms. TID’s unique position as an irrigation district with 250 miles of canals as well as an electric utility with the ability for direct interconnection, in addition to its proximity to UC Merced, were all considerations in its selection for the pilot project. Innovative projects like this fall in line with the mission, vision, and core values of TID. TID accepted state funding on February 8, 2022 to build a demonstration project or pilot program of solar panels over water canals, a first in California and the nation.