It looks like the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) will be raising their prices in the next two years. Unfortunately, this is no small increase. They’re planning to raise rates as much as 4.75 percent in 2020, and 4.5 percent in 2021. The last time we received an increase this large was in 2010, when rates when up by 5.5 percent.
According to SMUD’s website, the increase comes from the need to make improvements for wildfire mitigation, increasing capacity to serve more customers, making upgrades to their existing systems, and investing in renewable energy systems.
What This Means for HVAC System Owners:
SMUD says their rates will still be the lowest in the stat even after the increase. While that’s reassuring to know, it won’t change the fact that Sacramento residents may have to reassess how they use their energy.
The best way to combat the raise is by reducing your dependence on their energy. Simply using your HVAC system less is one way to achieve that, but there are ways to do it without losing your comfort:
- Improve efficiency with devices like smart thermostats, which can adjust your temperature for you.
- Make improvements to your home’s efficiency by sealing leaks and reinsulating your attic.
- Start switching to solar energy. You can start off with something as simple as a solar pool heater or attic fan, and then gradually make your way to installing a complete solar energy system.
For more advice on saving money on your electrical bills, contact Sierra Pacific Home & Comfort, Inc. today.