SMUD presents Watt’s Cooking student cooking competition

SMUD presents Watt's Cooking student cooking competition

Where flavor meets clean energy!

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - SMUD is excited to partner with Cosumnes River College to present the inaugural Watt's Cooking competition, empowering local students to develop their culinary skills while spotlighting the benefits of clean, energy-efficient induction cooking technology.

On Tuesday, May 5, powerful F-150 Lightning trucks will light up the stage by powering 16 state-of-the-art induction stove tops - fueling a high-stakes cook-off where student teams from across the region will showcase their culinary talents! Local high schools will go head-to-head, demonstrating the next generation's passion for cooking and sustainability.

Celebrity chefs Patrick Mulvaney (Mulvaney's B & L), Randall Selland (Selland's Group), Billy Ngo (Kru), Brad Cecchi (Canon), Jessica Brown (Caribe Azul Catering) and Meghan Phillips (Honey) will be on hand to judge the dishes and share expert tips.

WHAT: Watt's Cooking
Student teams of 3-4 compete and learn firsthand about energy-efficient induction cooking

WHEN: Tuesday, May 5, 2026
(media availability from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)

WHERE: Cosumnes River College, Center Pkwy., (Parking Lot E)

WHO: Nearly 200 high school students cheer on peers, celebrity chefs, SMUD Board President Dave Tamayo, Cosumnes River College President Dr. Edward Bush

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.