TextPower Selected by Tideland Electric to Alert Members of Power Outages

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA and PANTEGO, NC — (Marketwired) — 09/24/13 — TextPower, a leader in innovative text messaging software solutions, today announced that Tideland Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) is successfully using TextPower SmartAlerts for service outage notifications.

Tideland EMC is a member-owned distribution cooperative serving 22,600 accounts in North Carolina–s Hyde, Beaufort, Pamlico, Dare, Washington and Craven counties, including the Outer Banks, which are exposed to unpredictable weather conditions.

“Just over two years ago we experienced Hurricane Irene, our worst weather situation ever, and after that we knew we couldn–t face another crisis situation without a robust communication solution,” explained Heidi Smith, manager of corporate communications for Tideland.

With TextPower, Tideland sought a proactive communications tool that would allow them to provide quick, reliable information. Within a month of implementing the text messaging system, Tideland faced its first test. A freak wind storm, termed a “gustnado” by local weather watchers, tore through the area, severing a major transmission power line in the surrounding area–s communications.

Fewer than 70 Tideland members had signed up for the co-op–s new outage text messaging service, but the program gained immediate popularity when the gustnado struck, tripling the number of members opting in for text alerts in a 72-hour period. While the text messaging system had not yet been fully integrated with Tideland EMC–s outage dispatch system, the co-op was able to send district and transmission outage updates to all members enrolled in the service. According to Smith, “The system was an invaluable tool that worked beautifully during this baptism by fire.” Message delivery was completed in a matter of minutes.

While the text messaging service is only intended for one-way communications from the co-op to Tideland members, in the future Tideland plans to add TextPower–s two-way functionality that will allow members themselves to report outages.

“Not only does this help provide great service but it–s personalized — our members love that,” said Smith.

Tideland EMC is one of the many utility co-ops throughout the U.S. that rely on TextPower SMS technology to help them communicate directly with their members during outages and peak usage periods, to alert them of low balances and enable payment to avoid disconnects, as well as notify them during severe weather and other disaster emergencies. TextPower SmartAlerts can also be deployed for planned notifications such as load shedding, planned interruptions and pole inspections/right of way contractor notices.

For more information about or other industries call 818.222.8600 or email .

TextPower, Inc. provides alerting and authentication solutions to a variety of industries worldwide using text messaging (SMS). The company–s software and text messaging services help companies enhance their revenues, decrease costs and improve customer service. TextPower–s authentication product, TextKey, replaces the token or security fob previously needed to verify the identity of online users for password-protected applications. TextPower–s mission-critical infrastructure employs geo-redundancy for the industry–s highest reliability, providing delivery to virtually every cell phone in the United States and connections to most recognized wireless operators around the world. Visit , email or call 888.818.1808 for more information.

For more information contact:
Dan Chmielewski
Madison Alexander PR
714-832-8716