Every day, more and more people are acknowledging that our climate is changing. In Sacramento, the Sacramento Municipal Utilities District (SMUD) is moving forward with its 2030 Zero Carbon Plan to eliminate greenhouse gases from their power supply by the end of the decade.
One major step toward this goal is helping local multifamily residential properties fully upgrade to modern, energy efficient and carbon-free spaces. SMUD’s Multifamily Program will not only bring the Sacramento region closer to this 2030 goal, but will also work to help property owners and managers deliver increased comfort for residents, lower carbon emissions, and positively impact the environment throughout the region.
“SMUD has supported the multifamily segment for years by offering incentives that encourage property owners to upgrade their multifamily properties,” says Leah Pertl, supervisor of commercial delivery, advanced energy solutions at SMUD. “It used to be all about energy efficiency, but in 2019 we expanded our mission to also cover carbon reduction. This program is helping transform multifamily properties through lower carbon emissions, increased environmental benefits and improved safety by offering a holistic suite of measures ranging from gas-to-electric upgrades and energy efficiency to electric vehicles and electric vehicle chargers.”
Sources of emissions
Today, many local multifamily properties still rely on inefficient gas-powered heating and cooling systems, water heaters and stoves, and older buildings often have outdated insulation and window housings. Modern versions of these items are not only less expensive to maintain, but they are also safer and more efficient. Induction stoves, for example, cook food faster, are easier to clean and are much safer than gas stoves. They are also far more energy efficient than either gas or standard electric models, making them the obvious choice to reduce greenhouse emissions for multifamily properties.
One source of emissions that multifamily property owners might overlook are the vehicles their tenants drive every day. These vehicles produce much of the greenhouse gas that impacts the environment. The availability of charging and the practicality of being able to charge their cars at home is becoming an important part of a tenant’s decision on where to live. SMUD has incentives to help assist multifamily property owners with the installation of electric vehicle chargers.
Getting with the program
The Multifamily Program makes it easy for property owners and managers to get involved. All they need to do is complete an online interest form or send an email and a SMUD Multifamily Program Advisor will contact them within five business days. The advisor will then evaluate the property for potential upgrades and programs and verify conditions on the ground before working with the property owner to apply for applicable incentives from local, state, or federal programs – and in many cases, to stack these incentives together. The assessment and project development assistance are free, and the advisor also tracks all document submissions and reviews installed equipment for optimal energy savings.
The Multifamily Program also partners with SMUD's Energy Assistance Program Rate (EAPR) for qualifying low-income tenants. An additional 25% in equity incentives may also be available for properties that meet the following criteria: half or more of the tenants are receiving this rate or are a qualifying nonprofit organization.
Participating properties also benefit from the Tenant Engagement Plan, which educates residents about new energy-efficient upgrades and electric vehicle infrastructure through on-site educational events and apartment visits. Tenants also learn about other SMUD programs and receive energy saving tips to help reduce their usage and save on their electricity bills.
“We’re helping multifamily properties build the steps to success with electrification,” says Pertl. “The goal is to modernize buildings and help residents and owners support their own initiatives.”
For more information on SMUD’s Zero Carbon Plan and its customer programs, visit smud.org/CleanPowerCity.
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.
