SMUD INVITES INPUT ON PROPOSED RATE ACTION
Your elected SMUD Board of Directors is considering the General Manager's proposal for a two-step general rate increase, and invites your input.
Under the proposal, an average residential household using 750 kilowatt hours per month would see its monthly electric bill increase by about $8 beginning Sept. 1, after the summer peak season, and by another $3 in January 2011.
The rate action proposal is being driven by several factors. Information about the proposed rate action can be found by visiting smud.org. The SMUD Board of Directors, which represents customer-owners, will decide how to proceed only after considering input from customers.
A public hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, June 4, in the SMUD Headquarters Auditorium, 6201 S St., Sacramento. It will be preceded over several weeks by two public informational workshops and more than 90 community meetings.
As a customer-owned not-for-profit utility, SMUD seeks to conduct business in an open, public process and encourages all customers to attend a workshop or hearing or to provide written feedback.
Questions or comments may be directed to SMUD's Rates Administrator by calling (916) 732-6222, emailing rates@smud.org, or by mailing them to: SMUD, Rates Administrator, MS A451, P.O. Box 15830 Sacramento, CA 95852-1830. |
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FREE CLASS: SAVE ON COOLING COSTS
 Discover low-cost ways to save money and energy while keeping your home cool. A FREE SMUD seminar will show you low-cost ways to save on home cooling, along with tips on how to select cooling and ventilation equipment.
Pre-registration is required. The class will take place June 6 from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the SMUD Customer Service Center, 6301 S. St., Sacramento. Call (916) 732-6738 or email etcmail@smud.org to register, or go online to smud.org/etc. | |
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PEAK CORPS MEMBERS: ARE YOU STILL CONNECTED?
 Each year, an army of volunteer SMUD Peak Corps members help keep the power on by limiting their energy use during electric system emergencies. They do this by allowing SMUD to cycle off/on their air conditioning for short periods of time. In return, SMUD pays them as much as twenty dollars for a summer season, plus 3 dollars for each day of cycling.
If you are among the nearly 100,000 strong who are members of SMUD's Peak Corps, make sure that a cycling device is still attached to your outside air conditioner. Sometimes, as service work is done or an air conditioner is replaced, these devices may be disconnected, removed or tossed out with the old unit. Without them the air conditioner cannot be cycled, and SMUD is less able to manage system loads.
If you are a Peak Corps member, take a moment to see if your cycling device is installed. If it isn't, give SMUD a call at 1-888-742- SMUD (7683) and we will install another one. And if you are interested in joining Peak Corps, give us a call or join online at smud.org
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ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR A SMUD LOW-INCOME RATE DISCOUNT?
 Low income customers may find relief from the high cost of living through SMUD's Energy Assistance Program Rate (EAPR). Those who qualify for this special discount save an average of $280 a year on their SMUD bill.
With warmer weather approaching, now is a great time to find out if you qualify. Just give SMUD a call at 1-888-742-SMUD (7683), or download an application at smud.org. (See eligibility guidelines chart. Example: A family of four with an annual income of $43,200 or less will qualify.) | | |
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SIMPLE TIPS TO LOWER SUMMER COOLING COSTS
- Set thermostats to 78 degrees or higher.
- Keep windows closed during the heat of the day.
- Use window coverings to block the sun's rays.
- Seal your home with caulk, weatherstripping and insulation.
- Install a whole-house fan (Check SMUD rebates).
- Look for the ENERGY STAR® label when buying appliances and electronics.
- Eat more salads and fruits to save on cooking costs.
For more tips, visit smud.org. |
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BEFORE YOU START DIGGING, CALL 811
Before you break ground on that next home project, be sure you know what's below the surface. If you're planning for a pool or some new landscaping, play it safe and call 811*, or go online to Call811.com to avoid hitting underground pipes or power lines.
*(Best to call at least two days in advance.) | |