Tell SMUD: Clean Power for the People

SMUD operates five fossil fuel plants with no plans to shut them down

These gas-fired plants are adding to our already unhealthy air as well as harming public health in nearby communities that already suffer from pollution and poverty: Coin Estates, Colonial Village and North Highlands.

By 2040, SMUD will still emit 1,000,000 metric tons of global warming pollution each year

SMUD uses accounting techniques to inaccurately claim they will be “net zero carbon” by 2040. In reality, SMUD must phase out the burning of fossil fuels entirely in order to avoid the worst effects of climate change.

More reading:
SMUD’s integrated resource plan
Physicians, Scientists and Engineers for Healthy Energy’s interactive power plants map tool
Our responses to SMUD’s most frequently made claims

Meanwhile, SMUD actively discourages rooftop solar

SMUD is also making it harder for members of our community to be a part of the climate solution by adding solar panels to their home or business. SMUD is discouraging rooftop solar by:

  • Pushing to keep solar off of new homes
  • Pushing a proposal to tax solar panels on homes and businesses
  • Preventing renters from easily accessing solar

More reading: How SMUD is actively discouraging solar

We are in a climate crisis. SMUD needs to do more to lead the way.

SMUD’s current plan to burn fossil fuels beyond 2040 while penalizing residents who wish to do the right thing is the wrong path for Sacramento.

SMUD does many good things for the environment and consumers. Now they must rise to the climate crisis.

Almost thirty years ago, SMUD closed down the Rancho Seco nuclear power plant and helped put rooftop solar in the hands of everyday consumers.

It was a pioneering move, and it worked. Solar energy, previously used only on off-grid homes in rural areas, became a source of clean, local power in an urban environment. SMUD was recognized around the world for its innovative leadership.

Today, SMUD has strong programs to encourage energy efficiency and electrification. Their energy rates are among the lowest in the state. But they have lost their way with respect to taking the steps necessary to avert the worst affects of climate change. And their current hostility to rooftop solar is behind the times. 

More reading: background on the Rancho Seco plant closing

SMUD: Be A Clean Energy Leader!

Stop burning fossil fuels

SMUD must commit to closing down its natural gas power plants by 2030, in accordance with the City of Sacramento’s recent Climate Emergency Declaration. Other utilities in places like Los Angeles have already made similar commitments.

More reading: Sacramento Climate Declaration & Los Angeles’ plans to close their power plants

Help more people to make and store solar energy at home and at work

Nearly 24,000 Sacramento area homes, apartment buildings, parking lots, schools and businesses have rooftop solar. This covers almost 4% of SMUD customers. It is a good first step but only a start. Through Net Energy Metering, rebates, streamlined permitting, and promoting the new solar homes law, SMUD should help tens of thousands more do the same, using Sacramento’s year-round sunshine to reduce air pollution, lower energy bills, and generate more reliable electricity.

More reading: A blueprint for how SMUD can become the utility of the future

You can help...Take action today!

Sign the petition to SMUD. Then spread the word by sharing this link: https://www.solarrights.org/BeaCleanLeaderSMUD

Have your organization or business endorse the campaign by completing the form at this link.

Learn more about volunteering. Schedule a short call with our campaign coordinator to figure out other activities you can help with.  

Consider donating. Even $5 or $10 will help us cover costs like printing and supplies. 

Contact Mireille Benajji at mireille@solarrights [dot] org to learn more. Thank you for getting involved!