Stay comfortable and save money as temperatures rise
SMUD has enough power resources for the heat wave
As the mercury rises in Sacramento, residents are seeking ways to stay comfortable in their homes without breaking their budget. While SMUD customers enjoy some of the lowest rates in California, air conditioning needs can drive customer usage and bills during these hot summer months, so SMUD is offering tips on how to stay comfortable in your home while also saving money.
It’s easy to keep energy use in check without giving up cooling comfort. One of the easiest ways to save is to pay attention to when you are using energy. Energy rates are cheapest during off-peak hours before 5 p.m. and after 8 p.m. That means customers can save by minimizing energy use during the week between 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Another easy step is to prevent your home from heating up, which can reduce immediate cooling costs and help save on long-term costs from wear and tear on cooling equipment.
SMUD has more energy-saving solutions on its website and offers additional tips to save:
• In the summer, use fans and close blinds on windows that get direct sun.
• Swap out light bulbs for LEDs.
• Change your air filter and clean your HVAC unit.
• Use a programmable/smart thermostat to help control HVAC use.
• For every 2 degrees that you turn up your thermostat, you can save 5-10 percent on cooling costs.
• Avoid using multiple large appliances at the same time, especially during peak hours.
• On hot days, BBQ outside or use small cooking appliances like crock pots and microwaves to help keep your house cool.
• Pre-cool your home before 5 p.m.
• Customers can get customized tips, manage their bills and set up alerts on the website.
About SMUD
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 more than 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. SMUD’s power supply is on average about 50 percent carbon free and SMUD has a goal to reach zero carbon in its electricity supply by 2030. For more information on SMUD’s Zero Carbon Plan and its customer programs, visit smud.org.
