SEED Quarterly summer 2022

At SMUD, we’re here to support our community, businesses and neighborhoods with:

• Contracting opportunities. Our Procurement department continues to release solicitations for essential business contracts. Don't miss an opportunity to submit a bid to do business with us. Visit our Solicitation Portal to learn more.
• Safely paying your bill. There are several safe and easy ways to pay your bill. Online options include My Account, our guest pay option and through the SMUD App. Or you can visit one of our authorized pay stations.
• Help with your bill. We understand that many customers still face financial difficulties. Learn about our flexible payment options and how to get help with your bill.

See more ways we can help. And don't hesitate to contact our team for assistance any time at SEED.Mgr@smud.org.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB)

June is Pride month! Have you ever wondered why? June 28, 1969 marks the date of the Stonewall riots in New York City. The riots were a series of protests by members of the gay community, which took place at the Stonewall Inn, a gathering place for gay, lesbian and transgender people. The protests continued for several nights. It became known as the event that transformed the LGBT liberation movement in the United States. One year later, on June 28, 1970, the first gay pride marches formed in various cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco.

LGBT-owned companies can receive recognition and certification through the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce at nglcc.org.

June also marks one of the oldest commemorations of the ending of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas, Major General Gordon Granger of the Union Army announced that the Civil War had ended. He publicly read General Order No. 3, “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.” This day, now known as Juneteenth, has been celebrated for over 155 years and Juneteenth is now a national holiday to honor African American history and celebrate freedom. Learn more at Juneteenth.com.

2022 Shine Applications are now open!

We're accepting applications for the 2022 Shine Award program through August 1, 2022, at 5pm.

We're also holding informational webinars throughout June and July to share more about Shine and the application process. Register to attend a webinar.

Shine Awards are available to incorporated nonprofit organizations located in and serving communities within our service area. To learn more and view the funding levels and matching requirements for awards up to $100,000, visit smud.org/Shine. 

Did you know… SMUD has a transformer box wrap program?

Wrapping transformer boxes with art can help deter graffiti and enhance the aesthetic environment of surrounding areas. 

See local Sacramento artwork from artists Nicole Alvarez and Alik Brown on display at Sunrise Mall.

Visit smud.org/wrap for more information.

Supplier highlight: All Valley Engineering

All Valley Engineering Corporation (AVEC), a SEED qualified company, has been providing businesses with innovative solutions to drive process improvements since 2005. Located in downtown Sacramento, AVEC is not only certified as a small business with the State of California, but they are also accredited as a Woman Owned and Minority Owned enterprise.

As a member of the Supplier Clearinghouse for Women Owned companies, AVEC has worked diligently to build their business through many government, state and local agency solicitations. According to Harbinder Gill, president of AVEC, it was difficult to compete against large corporations with more access to resources, recognition amongst large teams and robust marketing efforts. Through SMUD’s SEED program, they found opportunities to subcontract with larger companies and develop working partnerships, as well as build a trusted reputation in the industry.

AVEC first won a contract with SMUD in 2007 and has since been part of 9 total contract awards as either a prime or sub-contractor. When asked whether she has any tips about bidding on SMUD contracts, Harbinder Gill shared, “Be precise and to the point, only submit what is asked in the question, sign and date all pages and addendums, organize your document and make sure to submit on time to the correct address.” It’s no surprise they’ve been successful given their integrity and commitment to producing the best possible results.

Complete Energy Solutions success story

Our Complete Energy Solutions (CES) program is a one-stop-shop to become more energy efficient, reduce energy bills and Go Electric. Sierra Valley Mechanical, an HVAC company located in Rancho Cordova, recently took part in our Go Electric gas-to-electric conversion program by replacing an old gas furnace with a highly efficient electric mini-split heat pump.

Through our CES program, Sierra Valley Mechanical received a $2,462 incentive for their project and installed the high-performance heat pump in a 1,700 square foot office building. This project is estimated to achieve a lifetime carbon savings of 20 tons (equivalent to 4 cars removed from the road).

Mike Hlavay, President of Sierra Valley Mechanical, who has worked in the HVAC trade for 30 years, is impressed with the performance of their new, technologically-advanced electric heat pump. “The more involved I’m getting into this, the more I’m becoming a true believer in electrification,” Mike said. 

Learn about how we can help upgrade your facilities and equipment with our Go Electric and efficiency incentives.

Submit an inquiry form and we'll schedule a free energy assessment for your business! 

Small – Midsize Business Strategic Account Advisors

If your business is in our service territory, you have a dedicated Strategic Account Advisor. Your advisor is available to help you with billing questions, free energy efficiency evaluations, program exploration, tips for saving money and answering any questions you may have about solar or electric vehicle charging.

There's no need to call our customer service center or submit generic email templates. Just visit smud.org/MyAdvisor, enter your zip code and connect with your specific Strategic Account Advisor with the click of a button.

Join the charge

Why is SMUD going “zero carbon?"

Climate change is a pressing threat facing our nation and the world, but it’s more than that.

We live in one of the most polluted cities in the country. A recent report by the American Lung Association ranked the Sacramento area 7th in the nation based on days of unhealthy and unsafe levels of air pollution in the ozone layer.

Going zero carbon brings benefits not only globally, but also locally. Reduced emissions improve our local air quality and overall health and creates jobs.

We can’t do this without you.

Our customers, community and partners are at the heart of what we do. By gong zero carbon, we’re helping create a cleaner and healthier region for all. 

Our 2030 Zero Carbon Vision is anchored on our longstanding commitment to provide safe and reliable power with rates among the lowest in California. We won’t compromise on this commitment.

Show your support and Join the charge!

Mark your calendar for the 2022 Meet the Buyers & Business Resource Expo!

You won’t want to miss this FREE event with opportunities to network with SMUD buyers, learn about programs and incentives and meet your Strategic Account Advisor.

Register now!

Upcoming contract opportunities

Visit smud.org/bids

Recently-awarded SEED contracts

Connect with us on Facebook or LinkedIn!

Find us on Facebook or LinkedIn to learn about upcoming events and solicitations.