SMUD’s power mix incorporates more renewable sources such as solar and wind

Following several months of community meetings, workshops and public input, the SMUD Board of Directors  recently approved a Zero Carbon Plan that commits us to removing carbon emissions from SMUD’s power supply by 2030. It’s the most ambitious clean-energy plan of any large electric utility in the United States.

There are many reasons why we’re taking such an expedited route to decarbonization.

Sacramento’s poor air quality and the growing effects of climate change through drought and wildfires prompted us to act as quickly as we can. In the American Lung Association's “2020 State of the Air” report, Sacramento was ranked the sixth-most polluted city in the country based on days of unhealthy levels of air pollution in the ozone layer. The public health implications are real - the Sacramento region’s childhood asthma rates are  more than 20 percent higher than the national average. That’s unacceptable.

SMUD’s Zero Carbon Plan will focus both on proven and new clean technologies, new business models and partnerships, the remodeling and retirement of our natural gas plants, and regulatory and financial strategies. While SMUD is one of the greenest utilities in the country, we currently rely on natural gas for about half of our power generation. We plan to close two of our gas plants by 2025 and re-tool the others to operate on clean fuel.

At the same time, we’re committed to maintaining reliable, around-the-clock service while keeping any rate increases at or below the rate of inflation. As much as they support our clean-energy efforts, our customers tell us that affordable rates and reliable electricity are their top two priorities. We will not sacrifice either of those.

The electrification of buildings and vehicles is a key part of the Zero Carbon Plan. As SMUD’s power mix incorporates more renewable sources such as solar and wind, powering our homes, offices and cars by electricity will reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly. And we’ll have the infrastructure in place to support the plan and transition.

One of the biggest strengths of the Zero Carbon Plan is its flexibility. We’re not taking such a large step in any one direction that we can’t pivot if we need to, based on new technologies, customer preferences and market conditions. We know where we’re going, in other words, but our path is flexible. This plan gives us the adaptability to choose the best route.

We realize we can’t accomplish our ambitious undertaking by going it alone. We need the support of a wide range of players, including our residential and business customers, elected officials, local business groups, community leaders, technology companies, car manufacturers, solar companies, and more. We’re committed to full transparency and to making sure that all of our customers, including those living in historically under resourced communities, reap the full benefits of our effort.

I encourage you to visit CleanPowerCity.org to learn more about the Zero Carbon Plan and how you can stay participate and stay informed.

Together, we can lead the way to a cleaner, healthier, more sustainable future.