United Way

SMUD Board Member Gregg Fishman announcing partnership at joint press conference.

SMUD’s commitment to our 2030 Zero Carbon Plan ensures no community is left behind, and that includes finding innovative and equitable solutions to some of our region’s most pressing issues such as education, technology, economic vitality and a healthy environment for all our customers.

Thanks to our expanded partnership with United Way California Capital Region, SMUD is investing $150,000 over the next three years in United Way’s Digital Equity Program that aims to address technological barriers to education and employment in our under-resourced communities.

“Our goal is to improve the lives of our customers and we’re doing that through innovative partnerships that serve those in greatest need,” said SMUD Board Member Gregg Fishman at a press conference earlier this year to announce the new alliance with United Way.

Funding from this partnership will provide broadband access and other digital resources to up to 2,000 eligible households, with priority given to low-income households with children and senior citizens. The partnership will also provide laptops to up to 500 priority households per year and digital literacy workshops to up to 500 people per year.

“Our Sustainable Communities program continues to work throughout the region to provide access to lower-income communities so everyone has the same opportunities to thrive”, Fishman added. “Closing the digital divide will play a key role in uplifting all the neighborhoods in our service area.”