Just about everything we do is dependent on a steady, reliable supply of electricity. It’s hard to think of a single aspect of our lives that would not be negatively affected by an unreliable energy grid, but there is a downside to all of this: traditional ways of generating power are bad for the planet.
That’s why SMUD, which has provided electricity to the Sacramento region for 75 years, developed its 2030 Zero Carbon Plan, which outlines an aggressive goal to reduce the environmental impact of its operations while maintaining low prices and reliable service. And it all starts with making energy used by Sacramento area businesses as green as possible.
“Our goal is to reach zero carbon emissions in our power supply by 2030, which is the most ambitious goal of any large utility in the United States,” says Erik Krause, director of customer experience delivery at SMUD. “It’s a bold target, and a goal that is essential for us to achieve to keep the local economy strong and to protect our community. Most energy is actually used in the commercial sector, which is why we are so committed to a carbon-free future for our local businesses.”
SMUD is a community-owned, not-for-profit organization, so it has a strong link to the local community. Because of this unique relationship, the utility always keeps the public interest as its top priority. One of the key elements of the Zero Carbon Plan is helping local businesses and nonprofits pivot away from older technologies and practices that may be more harmful to the environment.
SMUD supports companies in switching from gas to electric technologies, using more solar and wind energy to replace gas-powered plants, and encourages businesses to work with partners and suppliers with green practices. “We’re even switching our own utility vehicles to electric and away from gas, and our goal is to have a fully electrified fleet by 2030,” Krause says. “We’re already attracting national and global interest from other utilities wanting to emulate our approach to eliminate carbon from our power supply.”
The good news is that almost 90% of SMUD’s transition to zero carbon can be accomplished with current technology but meeting the zero-carbon goal will require additional innovation. Larger pilot programs to improve energy storage, including storing solar electricity for use during peak times, are on the horizon. Some pilots are already in the works, but all of them will be underway in the next two years so that SMUD can hit its goals by 2030 – if not before.
While pollution is a global concern, it is especially relevant to the Sacramento area, which has some of the worst air quality in the United States. There are many reasons for this, including a unique geographical location that causes emissions to “pool” in the air and frequent wildfires that blanket the region with thick smoke for several months a year.
“In short, we're looking to eliminate all fossil fuel generation from our portfolio while ensuring that we continue to offer affordable and reliable electricity for all customers,” Krause says. “It's not just good for air quality and the environment, but for the people who live here through better health outcomes and quality of life.”
As the nation’s sixth-largest, community-owned, not-for-profit electric service provider, SMUD has been providing low-cost, reliable electricity to Sacramento County for 75 years. SMUD is a recognized industry leader and award winner for its innovative energy efficiency programs, renewable power technologies, and for its sustainable solutions for a healthier environment. For more information on SMUD’s Zero Carbon Plan and its customer programs, visit smud.org/CleanPowerCity.
