SMUD prepared for winter storm

SMUD prepared for winter storm

Report outages on SMUD app

SMUD is prepared for this week's winter storm, which is expected to produce precipitation and strong wind and gusts through the holiday.

When storms knock out power, SMUD works around-the-clock to restore electric service safely and quickly. Customers are encouraged to report outages on the SMUD appor at smud.org/outageswhere they can quickly and easily monitor the cause of the outage and see when power will be restored.

SMUD line crews, troubleshooters and other field personnel are ready to restore power to customers who may experience storm-related outages.

SMUD prepares for storms year-round by routinely maintaining its equipment and trimming trees around its lines, but severe wind and rain can blow branches into the lines causing storm-related outages.

Here are some tips our customers can use to prepare for storm season:

Preparing for a storm

Prepare a simple emergency kit. Be sure to include:

• fully charged cell phone and/or laptop and battery banks,

• flashlights,

• extra batteries,

• manual can opener,

• supply of water, and

• battery-operated device for news reports.

If the power goes out

• Check to see if the lights are out in neighboring homes - if so, it's likely a larger outage.

• Report the outage on the SMUD app, at smud.org/outagesor at 1-888-456-SMUD (7683)

If stormy weather knocks down a power line

• Stay away and call SMUD at 1-888-456-SMUD (7683) or 911 immediately.

• Assume the line is "energized" and stay away and warn others to do the same.

• Do not remove fallen tree limbs or other debris from power lines. Tree limbs and other objects can conduct electricity that can shock anyone coming in contact with them.

How SMUD prioritizes where crews will be sent during a storm

1. Public safety hazards (power lines down, poles down)

1. Hospitals and critical flood control pumps and organizations with large community impact

1. Areas with large numbers of customers out of power

1. Scattered, smaller outages

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 for its innovative energy efficiency programs, renewable power technologies and for its sustainable solutions for a healthier environment. In 2024, SMUD's power supply was about 62% carbon free, which is largely influenced by the weather and amount of hydroelectricity produced. SMUD's goal is to completely eliminate carbon in its electricity production by 2030 while maintaining reliability and keeping rates among the lowest in California - on average, 50% lower than its neighboring, investor-owned utility. For more information on SMUD's Zero Carbon Planand its customer programs, visit smud.org.