Developer Connections winter 2022

Changes to SMUD's subdivision lot fees

Beginning January 1, 2023, SMUD's lot fee for all residential new construction will increase by $50 per lot on all electric panels at or below 200 amps.

Fee description	Current fee for 2022	Fee for 2023
Per lot fee on all panels 200 amp and below	$1,700	$1,750
Additional charge per lot on anything larger than a 200 amp panel	Various	$1,650

We review our fees every year to ensure they reflect the current cost of materials, labor and overall industry trends. We’ve taken many steps to minimize the impact of global supply chain constraints and escalating inflation, while keeping any fee increases to a minimum.

Recently, we’ve seen more new residential developments install electrical panels that are larger than 200 amps. These require additional costs for SMUD to serve the load. Because of this, an added fee of $1,650 per lot will be applied in 2023 to any electrical panel installed larger than 200 amps, and the fee for all other electrical panel installations per lot will increase by $50.

Questions about the fee increase? Please email Development@smud.org.

Update to supply chain transformer distribution criteria

Like other sectors, global supply chain constraints are impacting construction projects in our region. SMUD is in a better position than many utilities to manage this headwind and other financial uncertainties, but we’re not immune to global market forces. Many utilities across the country are seeing much longer lead times for certain types of transformers. These transformers are critical to serving load for new projects like yours, and they’re also critical for keeping the lights on for customers across our service area.

The supply chain constraints mean there will be times when SMUD won’t be able to provide transformers to construction and development projects in line with our normal process and timeline, due to lack of stock.

We revised the transformer distribution criteria that was originally applied in July. Subdivisions will be issued equipment once payment is received and the subdivision has lots that have passed their framing inspection, as confirmed by SMUD.

Specifically, we'll check for:

Completed subdivision improvements (roads are installed, paved, etc.)
Completed framing inspection

To minimize the impact to as many projects as possible, we’ll apply the updated transformer distribution criteria to distribute transformers impacted by supply chain shortages. In general, when there’s a shortage of a specific type of transformer, or other equipment, SMUD will issue available transformers and equipment once the customer’s project is electrically ready to serve load. We’ll issue the transformers to customers based on the date of electrical readiness, and on specific field conditions.

If we find that supply chain constraints are expected to impact your project, we’ll contact you directly – and as soon as we can – to let you know. We’ll also do everything we can to identify potential solutions to minimize any impact to your schedule. Having the latest and most accurate information on the status of your project is critical in minimizing potential impacts to your project, other projects in our pipeline and our broader operations. If you have any changes to the status or scope of your project, please email Development@smud.org or call 1-916-732-5448.

Upcoming industry workshops

Do you have a recommendation for a workshop that we don’t offer? We’d love to hear from you! Please email your suggestion to Development@smud.org.

View all business workshops and videos.

2022 Multifamily all-electric

February 21, 2023 | 10 - 11 AM | Online workshop

The 2022 Energy Code has introduced significant changes for multifamily occupancies, from how these occupancies are to be classified and organized within the code to the introduction of new Mandatory and Prescriptive measures facilitating preparation for future multifamily all-electric buildings. Join us for this presentation where we review not only the all-electric preparation requirements of the Energy Code, but also PV exemptions. We will also explore preparation for future all-electric buildings in the Energy Code requirements for HVAC systems, domestic hot water and battery storage.

Preparing for electrification

February 23, 2023 | 9 - 10:30 AM | Online workshop

Homeowners around the world are beginning to embrace electrification (the switch from gas-fired to electric-powered appliances). When done correctly, home electrification brings a plethora of benefits including better air quality, improved comfort, lower environmental footprint, and in many cases quieter operation. This class - great for installing contractors! - will help attendees understand the factors that go into electrification, such as electrical panels, order of upgrades, location, etc.

Commercial building enclosures

March 9, 2023 | 9 - 11 AM | In-person workshop

This program will focus on the performance characteristics of new building enclosure approaches and technologies to create enclosures that manage thermal and moisture loads to ensure building durability as well as energy efficiency. This program will demonstrate methods to enhance and integrate the four control layers required in commercial buildings: 1. Water control layer, weather resistive barriers, rain screens; 2. Air control layer, effective air barrier systems, including installation and air barrier requirements; 3. Thermal control layer, fenestration options and insulation systems, as well as installation protocols; 4. Vapor control layer, intentional and unintended vapor retarders.