SMUD Savings
Electricity deals for Sacramento
SMUD Savings is a Telegram group dedicated to helping Sacramento residents save on their Sacramento Municipal Utility District electric bills. SMUD is one of the most customer-friendly utilities in California, offering competitive rates, robust solar programs, and community-owned operation that prioritizes affordable power over profits. Our group shares time-of-use rate optimization, solar program updates, and efficiency strategies that can reduce your SMUD bill by 30–50%.
What You Get in This Group
- Time-of-use rate guides — detailed comparisons of SMUD's time-of-use plans with tips for shifting usage to off-peak hours during Sacramento's hot summers.
- Solar program alerts — updates on SMUD's solar programs including net metering, solar orientation incentives, and community solar options.
- Efficiency rebate tracking — notifications for SMUD rebates on heat pumps, insulation, smart thermostats, and Energy Star appliances.
- Summer savings strategies — specific tips for managing air conditioning costs during Sacramento's 100+ degree summer days when rates are at their peak.
How to Save 50% on SMUD Bills
SMUD's time-of-use rate plan is essential for Sacramento residents because summer air conditioning costs can be enormous in a city where temperatures regularly exceed 100°F. SMUD's peak hours (4 PM to 9 PM on weekdays) have rates 3–4 times higher than off-peak hours. By pre-cooling your home during cheap morning hours and allowing temperatures to drift up during expensive afternoon windows, you can save $30–$60 per month during summer. Our group provides smart thermostat programming guides specifically designed for Sacramento's extreme summer climate.
SMUD's solar programs are among the most generous in California. Net metering credits excess generation at the full retail rate, and SMUD's Solar Orientation incentive provides additional credits for properly oriented panels. For Sacramento homeowners, a 6–8 kW solar installation can eliminate electric bills entirely while generating annual surplus credits. Our group tracks SMUD's solar incentive changes and shares installer recommendations from verified members.
For Sacramento renters and homeowners who can't install solar, SMUD's efficiency rebate programs provide immediate bill relief. Heat pump installations receive rebates of $500–$1,500, and SMUD's whole-home weatherization program covers up to 50% of insulation and air sealing costs. For income-qualifying households, SMUD offers free energy audits and no-cost efficiency improvements. Our group shares rebate application guides and contractor recommendations.
Available in These Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. SMUD's default rate plan is time-of-use, with peak hours from 4 PM to 9 PM on weekdays. Off-peak rates are 3–4 times lower than peak rates. Pre-cooling your home during off-peak hours is one of the most effective ways to save.
Yes. SMUD provides full retail-rate net metering credits for excess solar generation. This means your solar panels can effectively eliminate your electric bill and generate surplus credits. Check smud.org/solar for current program details.
SMUD offers rebates for heat pumps ($500–$1,500), insulation (up to 50% of cost), smart thermostats ($50–$100), and Energy Star appliances. Income-qualifying customers can receive free energy efficiency improvements. Check smud.org for current offers.