Make our community brighter
By contributing to EnergyHELP, you're helping qualified customers who cannot pay their bill due to financial hardship and who are at risk of having their power turned off.
Look at the difference donors made in 2025:
customers received assistance
applied to customer electric bills
smud customers contributed to energyhelp
Customer testimonials
"Please let everyone know I am very thankful. Thank you to all who donate and are part of this program.I am a senior on a set income and with rent being so high, I barely have any money left."
I've always been able to pay my bills but this year has been different and difficult. Because of EnergyHELP, I can get back on track. “A thousand thanks,” to everyone involved.
How it works
100% of your tax-deductible contribution goes directly to pay the recipient's electric bill.
Sign up for EnergyHELP
Start helping your community today.
Community Resource Project
Folsom Cordova Community Partnership
LAO Family Community Development Inc
Sacramento Food Bank Family Services
The Salvation Army
Travelers Aid Utility Assistance
One-time donation
Both customers and non-customers can donate by sending a check, cashier's check or money order to:
SMUD Agency Desk, MS A104
Attn: EnergyHELP
PO Box 15830
Sacramento, CA 95852
Frequently asked questions
Who can receive EnergyHELP?
You can get help if you:
- Are at risk of losing power in the next few days.
- Are signed up for our Energy Assistance Program Rate (EAPR).
- Need up to $200 to keep your power on.
How does SMUD choose who gets help?
Every morning, we make a randomized list of customers who qualify. We’ll contact some based on how much money we have available and connect them with a partner agency for help with their energy bill.
What is the maximum amount someone can receive?
Those eligible can get up to $200 in a 12-month period.
How is my donation money spent?
We use 100% of your donation to pay the recipient’s electric bill. SMUD pays the charity partners' fees so that your donations can be used to help neighbors in need.
Is there a digital payment option?
A digital payment option is not yet available. That option is under review.
Can I make a one-time donation?
Both customers and non-customers can donate by sending a check, cashier's check or money order to:
SMUD Agency Desk, MS A104
Attn: EnergyHELP
PO Box 15830
Sacramento, CA 95852
Have questions about managing your contribution? Call us at 1-888-742-SMUD (7683) or visit SMUD.org/CustomerSupport. We’re here to help!
Why does SMUD use charity partners?
Since we're a not-for-profit, we partner with trusted charities to handle EnergyHELP funds and help our customers pay their electric bills.
Who are the charity partners?
Donors can choose one of our 6 participating charity partners or allow SMUD to choose one to apply the donation.
- Community Resource Project
- Folsom Cordova Community Partnership
- Lao Family Community Development
- Sacramento Food Bank Services
- The Salvation Army
- Travelers Aid
We picked these organizations through a competitive bid process. They meet our strict standards and have proven experience helping people in need around Sacramento.
What other services do the partners provide?
EnergyHELP recipients can connect with charity partners for other services including:
- Food
- Clothing
- Childcare
- Job hunting
- Job training
- Housing
- Translation services
EAPR
If you’re looking for bill assistance, you may qualify
for our Energy Assistance Program Rate.