2024 Sustainability Awards

J.D. Power Sustainability Index

SMUD earned the highest score (in a tie) in the 2024 J.D. Power Sustainability Index, which  evaluates electric utility customer awareness, support, engagement and advocacy for their local utility’s climate sustainability programs and goals. The index applies to the 35 largest U.S. electric utility companies and cities; each serving 500,000 or more residential customers and is based on responses from 73,255 business and residential electric utility customers which was fielded from June 2023 through May 2024.

SMUD’s performance in the J.D. Power 2024 Sustainability Index underscores our commitment to driving customer awareness and engagement of our climate sustainability programs and goals. We’re proud of the direction we’re moving with our 2030 Clean Energy Vision and our goal to eliminate carbon emissions from our power supply by 2030 – the most ambitious carbon reduction goal of any large utility in the United States. For more information, visit https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2024-sustainability-index.

2024 CDP Climate Score

CDP logo with tagline saying Disclosure, Insight, ActionSMUD earned a score of B by the global environmental nonprofit CDP (formerly Carbon Disclosure Project), highlighting our work related to climate impacts, risks and opportunities, and actions to cut carbon emissions, mitigate risks and develop a low-carbon economy. The score change was a modest decline from the "A-" we achieved in 2023. In our 7th year of disclosing with CDP, our score is higher than the North American regional average of C.

In 2024, the CDP instituted significant changes to their scoring methodology, including adding new requirements as well as increasing specificity and rigor of existing requirements. 

TCR Climate RegisteredTM Platinum Status

For the 5th year in a row, SMUD was awarded Climate Registered Platinum status by TCR, a nonprofit organization which designs and operates voluntary and compliance greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting programs. Climate Registered™ Platinum level recognition is the 2nd highest tier that can be achieved, which we earned by publicly reporting our third- party verified GHG emissions inventory for our operations in 2022, and by setting and disclosing our ambitious GHG reduction goals.

American Society of Civil Engineers Sacramento Section Outstanding Energy Engineering Project of the Year

SMUD was recognized for our Station G Substation project, which was built on an urban infill site. Station G is a state-of-the-art substation and critical part of SMUD’s network which helps to power downtown Sacramento. Station G serves about 1,300 downtown customers and was built with advanced energy saving technologies to serve our growing population with clean, renewable and reliable power. The protective perimeter wall includes sculptural panels that emulate the Sacramento River and are illuminated with special exterior lighting that highlights architectural elements, while also providing safety and security.

Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) Power Player Awards

SEPA named SMUD an Energy Equity Power Player of the Year for our Community Impact Plan. The award recognizes our commitment to bringing all customers with us on our journey to reach zero carbon by 2030.

Arbor Day Foundation Tree Line USA Award

The Arbor Day Foundation recognizes utilities for demonstrating how trees and utility assets can co-exist for the benefit of all. Our vegetation management practices met the rigorous standards set by the Arbor Day Foundation. The award process involved a robust review of our programs and processes that include regional and state coordinators.

Ragan Corporate Social Responsibility & Diversity Award

Ragan recognized our Contact SMUD First campaign, highlighting our customer EV charging program. The award honors excellence in client service, strategic thinking and innovation.

With the increase in EV adoption, it’s important for us to ensure the grid is able to handle the increased load throughout our service territory, while making sure customers right-size their home charging needs and take advantage of our discount rate for charging at home.

Electric Vehicle Adoption Leadership (EVAL) certification

EVAL is a national workplace EV charging certification program that is backed by the U.S. Department of Energy. The program certifies and celebrates employers and businesses dedicated to advancing clean transportation. We received platinum recognition for our employee EV charging.