For Immediate Release: June 16, 2023

Public workshops on proposed rate action

To increase reliability, safety and renewable energy benefits for everyone

 

The SMUD Board of Directors is holding two public workshops and a public hearing to discuss proposed rate changes.

 

The Chief Executive Officer & General Manager’s Report and Recommendation on Rates and Services, released by SMUD CEO & General Manager Paul Lau, outlines a proposed rate increase of 2.75 percent on January 1, 2024; May 1, 2024; January 1, 2025; and May 1, 2025. The proposed changes also include additional non-retail rate revenue to assist qualified customers on the Energy Assistance Program (EAPR) rate at 0-50 percent of the Federal Poverty Level, and other miscellaneous rate changes.

 

While SMUD works hard to control costs and operate efficiently, the need for a modest rate increase is attributed to several factors including wildfire prevention and mitigation, new generation projects, higher commodity costs for California clean energy compliance, infrastructure investment to maintain a reliable grid, customer programs, inflation and increased operating costs.

 

SMUD is committed to keeping rate increases within inflation, and if the proposed changes are approved, SMUD’s rates would remain among the lowest rates in the state—currently on average about 47 percent lower than neighboring PG&E’s rates.

 

Detailed information on the proposed rate action and a complete copy of the Chief Executive Officer & General Manager’s Report and Recommendation on Rates and Services can be found on smud.org/RateInfo.

 

SMUD will work closely with customers and other stakeholders—including community groups, service organizations, business groups, elected officials and more—to discuss these changes.

 

In addition, two public workshops and a public hearing will be held for customers to learn more about the process and comment on the proposed changes. Meetings will be held in-person and virtually via Zoom.

 

Public Workshop

Public Workshop

Public Hearing

Thursday, July 13

at 10 a.m.

Thursday, August 3

at 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday, August 30

at 6 p.m.

 

 

Accommodations are available for disabled individuals. If you need a hearing assistance device or other aid, or have questions about the proposal, please visit smud.org/RateInfo or call SMUD at 855-736-7655. Written comments can be emailed to contactus@smud.org or mailed to SMUD, P.O. Box 15830, B256, Sacramento, CA 95852-0830.

 

 

About SMUD

As the nation’s sixth-largest, community-owned, not-for-profit electric service provider, SMUD has been providing low-cost, reliable electricity to Sacramento County for more than 75 years. SMUD is a recognized industry leader and award winner for its innovative energy efficiency programs, renewable power technologies and for its sustainable solutions for a healthier environment. Today, SMUD’s power supply is on average about 50 percent carbon free and SMUD has a goal to reach zero carbon in its electricity production by 2030. For more information on SMUD’s Zero Carbon Plan and its customer programs, visit smud.org.