Twin Cities Solar Project

As part of our commitment to provide safe, reliable and carbon free electricity, we proposed the Twin Cities Solar and Battery Energy Storage System Project, which would connect to our electric grid and provide clean, renewable energy for the region.

We're not moving forward with the project at this time and won't be proposing any new utility-scale solar projects until we complete our comprehensive Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) process in early 2027.

Project description

The IRP process will determine whether the Twin Cities Solar Project is needed. If it's determined the project is needed in the future, the project would consist of the construction and operation of a photovoltaic (PV) solar power and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) renewable energy generation facility.

Location

The location of the previously proposed project was in unincorporated southeastern Sacramento County, east of the community of Herald, California. If the IRP process determines that the project is needed, we'd make significant changes to the original proposed location by reducing the footprint to remove the section along Clay East Road.  

Timeline

If the IRP process determines the project is needed, construction would begin no earlier than 2030.

Environmental considerations

We prepared a Notice of Preparation (NOP) as part of the initially proposed project. The NOP is available to review below.   

Public meeting

A public meeting was held on June 11, 2026, in Herald to share information about the proposed project and gather community input on the scope of the Environmental Impact Report (EIR).

As part of our IRP process, we'll hold a community meeting in Herald in November 2026. If you'd like us to notify you when the meeting is scheduled, please email TwinCitiesSolar@smud.org.  

If the IRP process determines the project is needed, we'll engage with the Herald community before moving forward with an environmental review process for this project to address questions and community concerns. 

Documents

• Notice of Preparation
• Revised Notice of Preparation

Frequently asked questions

This FAQ will be updated regularly to inform the community of project developments.

What was the proposed Twin Cities Solar and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Project?

The Twin Cities Solar and BESS Project would add up to 275 megawatts of solar generation and 275 megawatts of battery storage to SMUD’s power grid – enough to power over 70,000 homes. The solar panels generate that power, while the battery storage system captures and holds it so it’s available when the sun isn’t shining and demand is highest. Together, they make the grid more reliable and efficient.

The project may be part of SMUD’s renewable energy portfolio and has the potential to support our efforts to drive toward a clean energy future, the Sacramento County Climate Action Plan and California’s SB 100 – the state mandate requiring 100 percent clean energy by 2045.

What is the current status of the project?

As of early July 2026, we announced we're not moving forward with this project and won't be proposing any new utility-scale solar projects until we complete our comprehensive Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) process in early 2027. The IRP will help us determine which individual projects are needed to ensure we maintain low rates and reliable service while continuing to drive towards a clean energy future. 

How does a project like this go from idea to public review?

Utility-scale energy projects require extensive preparation before they’re ready for public review. That preliminary work includes evaluating potential sites, conducting environmental resource surveys, assessing grid connection points, securing land options and determining technical and financial feasibility.

For Twin Cities Solar, that preparation included evaluating multiple properties across the region. The Rancho Seco area emerged as the strongest candidate for a practical reason: existing transmission infrastructure already has the capacity to receive up to 275 megawatts of new power. Connecting here requires less than a mile of new transmission line. Building elsewhere could require entirely new transmission corridors across much longer distances – driving up costs, permitting timelines, environmental impacts and mitigation requirements to the point where a project could have a significant impact on SMUD rates to be viable.

The NOP, published in May 2026, marked the official start of public engagement. As of early July, we're not moving forward with this project. No further actions will be taken until the completion of our IRP, planned for early 2027, which will determine if this project is necessary. If the project is needed in the future, additional phases of the process - the EIR, public comment periods and Board decisions - all have opportunities for community input. 

No final decisions have been made.

How will SMUD work with the community throughout this process?

SMUD is committed to a transparent process that keeps the community informed and engaged. That means public meetings and/or workshops at key milestones, clear and timely communication about project developments and consideration of community input as the process moves forward.

We're also committed to identifying mitigations that address community concerns directly, while delivering grid reliability.

Why does SMUD secure land options before the public is notified?

Before a project can be announced, a site must be identified and assessed for feasibility.

To conduct due diligence to determine whether a site is suitable, it’s standard practice to enter into an option to purchase or lease. This agreement gives SMUD legal access to the property, time to complete critical assessments and ensures the site remains available while that work is underway. It is not, however, a decision to build.

Once it’s determined a site meets SMUD’s project requirements and objectives, the formal public process begins – starting with the NOP, followed by the EIR, public comment periods and ultimately a final Board decision. These steps are open to the public and the community’s comments are part of the official record as we work through the process.

How are people notified about the project and how can I stay informed?

We’re committed to working with the community. State law requires SMUD to notify property owners located next to the proposed project site. For a project of this size and scope, we recognize that impact extends well beyond that radius – and we’re committed to reaching further.

In addition to required notices, SMUD undertakes stakeholder outreach, holds additional community meetings and provides information through the project website and email updates.

For the latest information, please come back to check this web page or email TwinCitiesSolar@smud.org.

Written comments submitted to the project email during comment periods become part of the official public record.  Specifically, comments received during the scoping period specific to environmental impacts will be incorporated into the Draft EIR. Comments received during the Draft EIR comment period will be responded to in the Final EIR.

Why is this project proposed here and not somewhere else?

Site selection involved evaluating multiple properties across the region. Beyond the existing transmission infrastructure at Rancho Seco, other factors that made this site viable include limited biological resources, existing road access and land availability from willing sellers.

Properties to the east of Rancho Seco that SMUD owns are currently protected under a conservation easement and are not available for development.

The environmental review will include a formal alternatives analysis that will address this in more detail.

How will SMUD assess visual impacts of the project?

The EIR will evaluate the project’s potential impacts on the surrounding community.

SMUD is committed to design choices that minimize the project’s visual footprint. Facilities will use matte, non-glossy finishes designed to blend with the natural landscape. Post-construction, parts of the site will be vegetated with grazing and pollinator-friendly plants, and the project includes plans for sheep grazing that preserve agricultural character of the land. SMUD will evaluate screening options to mitigate visual impacts.

What happens next and when does the community get to weigh in again?

There are several additional opportunities for community involvement.

As part of our IRP process, we'll hold a community meeting in Herald in November 2026. Once the date and location are confirmed, we'll reach out to the Herald community. 

The IRP process will determine whether the Twin Cities Solar Project is needed. If the project is needed in the future we would engage with the Herald community to address concerns shared with us before moving forward with an environmental review process. 

Additional questions?

Please email CleanEnergyCollaboration@smud.org with questions or to request to be added to the project distribution list and be notified of the next public meeting.