For Immediate Release: July 28, 2021

Prepare for summer heat waves with SMUD's energy saving tips (July 2021)

SMUD offers tips to stay cool and comfortable

A heat wave is expected to begin today with high temperatures through Friday. Power reliability is a core value and SMUD has enough power resources to meet the energy demand, barring a regional or state grid emergency.

Crews are ready to respond safely and quickly in the event of local power outages.

While SMUD customers enjoy some of the lowest rates in California, air-conditioning needs can drive customers’ energy usage and bills.

It’s easy to keep energy use in check without giving up cooling comfort. The first step is keeping your home from heating up, which can reduce immediate cooling costs and help save on long-term costs from wear and tear on cooling equipment.

SMUD has energy-saving solutions available on its website and offers the following tips to save money:

  • Use fans whenever possible. They are 90 percent more efficient than your air conditioner.
  • Close blinds on windows that get direct sun.
  • Set your thermostat to 78 degrees. For every two degrees that you turn your thermostat up, you can save 5-10 percent on cooling costs.
  • Use a programmable/smart thermostat to help control HVAC.
  • Turn off lights and/or switch to LEDs.
  • Avoid running large appliances at the same time and/or run them in the morning to save money.
  • Prepare cool meals, or use the BBQ or small kitchen appliances that don’t heat up your home.
  • Customers can also get customized tips, manage their bills and set up alerts at smud.org.

In the event of an outage, customers can report and track restoration times at smud.org/Outages and on the SMUD app.