Turlock Irrigation District is accepting applications for its free Customer Academy.

About 20 applicants, ages 18 and older, will be selected to participate in a five-week program that affords them a behind-the-scenes look at the utility’s operations.

“This is a cool program,” said Brandon McMillan, TID communications specialist. “The first two years were really beneficial. We talk in depth with customers wo want to earn more about how we operate, why we operate and what TID does.”

Those interested in becoming part of the academy should visit TID.org/customeracademy for information on dates and times.

Applications will be accepted until Jan. 15. 

The academy will be conducted on from 5 to 8 p.m. on four Wednesdays — Feb. 28, March 6, March 13, March 20 — with a Saturday, March 23 that starts at 9 a.m. and concludes at 3 p.m.

“We’ve had a great response from past participants,” said McMillan. “We get to see what people are interested in. We’re excited to bring back for third go-around.”

Topics of discussion include:

* How TID keeps the lights on, from generation to powering homes, businesses and new developments.

* Irrigation water operations in dry and wet years throughout TID’s gravity-fed system.

* Maintaining infrastructure.

* How to maximize energy efficiency.

* How TID uses water to generate power, and how it uses power to move water.

* A tour of TID’s impressive facilities, including the Don Pedro Project.

All applicants will be notified of the status of their application by Feb. 14, 2024. Space is limited. For additional information, contact Lisa McMullen at lmmcmullen@tid.org.