SMUD: Leading the Charge Toward a Zero Carbon Future

Local utilities like the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) are pivotal in driving sustainable energy initiatives while ensuring that all communities are part of the journey toward a clean energy future.

Through its longstanding commitment to innovative programs, partnerships and a promise to environmental stewardship, SMUD leads the way in promoting renewable energy adoption, energy efficiency and environmental sustainability locally, nationally and globally. With a strong track record of environmental leadership, SMUD established one of the most ambitious carbon reduction goals of any large utility in the nation. SMUD’s 2030 Zero Carbon Plan is a groundbreaking initiative that sets a bold target to deliver carbon-free electricity across its service area by 2030.

SMUD actively involves partners and communities in environmental stewardship, ensuring that the benefits of a greener, more sustainable future are available to all.

Pioneering Renewable Energy Adoption

SMUD has been at the forefront of renewable energy adoption, leading initiatives to diversify its energy portfolio and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. For more than half a century, SMUD has continuously increased the carbon-free electricity supplied to the Sacramento region. A first milestone in this journey was the construction of the Upper American River Project (UARP) in 1957 — a 688-MW hydroelectric system in the Sierra Nevada Mountains west of Lake Tahoe. Today, large hydro delivers 30 percent of SMUD’s energy needs with low-cost, carbon-free electricity. Along with a range of other clean energy resources like solar, wind and biomass, SMUD’s energy supply is now, on average, 50 percent carbon-free. SMUD’s decarbonization plan relies on significant expansion of renewable energy sources. By prioritizing clean energy generation, SMUD not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also contributes to California’s renewable energy goals, including achieving 100 percent clean electricity statewide by 2045.

Empowering Energy Efficiency

In addition to renewable energy deployment, SMUD places a strong emphasis on energy efficiency programs aimed at empowering customers to reduce their energy consumption and lower their carbon footprint.

Recognizing that achieving a clean energy future is a group effort, SMUD views its customers, community and partners as central to its vision. Leaving no community behind is part of SMUD’s 2030 Zero Carbon Vision, which remains firmly rooted in the utility’s long-standing commitment to providing safe, reliable power at some of the lowest rates in California.

Through incentives, rebates and educational initiatives, SMUD encourages the adoption of energy-efficient and clean energy technologies and practices in residential, commercial and industrial sectors. Customers can join SMUD’s Greenergy® program to provide some or all of their electricity consumption from renewable sources. Additionally, SMUD offers rebates for customers who choose energy-efficient solutions such as electric vehicles, smart thermostats induction cooktops, heat pumps and battery storage systems. These initiatives not only reduce carbon footprints but also support sustainable community development.

Community Engagement and Education

SMUD recognizes that fostering a sustainable energy future requires active engagement and collaboration with the community.

SMUD’s Community Impact Strategy emphasizes education and outreach in under-resourced neighborhoods by providing energy efficiency and electrification solutions to both residents and businesses. As part of these efforts, SMUD organizes workshops, grass-roots community events and educational programs to promote sustainable energy use and environmental stewardship. This includes low-income households by helping them improve home energy performance, while also assisting local businesses through site evaluations and enhancements in security, safety and energy practices. This multifaceted approach not only boosts awareness but also encourages active participation and significant community impact.

Innovative Solutions for a Sustainable Future

Beyond traditional utility services, SMUD explores innovative solutions to address evolving energy challenges and opportunities. SMUD has partnered with the Department of Energy and the California Energy Commission, among others, to fast-track the adoption of vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technologies, aiming to enhance grid integration and support to growing number of EVs. Additionally, SMUD, in collaboration with ESS, has installed iron-flow battery storage containers capable of storing half a megawatt of power for about 7 hours. The expansion of SMUD’s Solano Wind Project, Phase 4, is scheduled to commence operations in May 2024, contributing an additional 85.5 MW of carbon-free energy to the regional grid. The utility will continue to invest in research and development initiatives, pilot projects and emerging technologies to advance grid modernization, energy storage, electric transportation and other sustainable energy solutions.

SMUD has also prioritized converting its operational hand-held tools from gas to electric as a key component of its Sustainable Operations Plan to significantly reduce emissions. Already, over 50% of tools in SMUD’s operations have been electrified, with a goal to achieve 100% zero emissions for all hand tools by the end of 2024. This strategic shift not only aligns with SMUD’s environmental commitments but also enhances operational efficiency and workplace safety.

In California, the transportation sector stands as the largest source of emissions. SMUD is proactively addressing this challenge by setting ambitious decarbonization goals for its own fleet operations. By 2030, SMUD is committed to transforming its fleet, about 925 assets, into a fully zero-emission operations. Through this transition, SMUD will demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of sustainable transportation solutions within the industry.

As California continues its march toward a more sustainable and resilient future, SMUD remains steadfast in its commitment to leading the charge in sustainable energy management and future. Through its 2030 Zero Carbon Plan, SMUD acts as a trusted energy provider, as well as a catalyst for positive changes such as cleaner air and the development of clean energy jobs through workforce development and training programs that focus on equitable opportunities for all communities. SMUD believes every community can participate and benefit from a clean energy future. As we look ahead, SMUD’s leadership and dedication to sustainability will undoubtedly continue to shape the region’s energy and economic landscape for generations to come.

You can find out more about SMUD at their website and you can visit with them at the Sustainable Facilities Forum May 9^th exhibit number 220.