Thank you for your interest in SMUD's Summer Solutions research pilot! This website is intended to give you further information on how SMUD and their research partners can help you lower your summer electricity bills. In return, participants in this study will be providing us with important information on how SMUD can best partner with small businesses to reduce peak loads and prevent electrical outages. 

If you pay the SMUD bill for a small office, restaurant or retail business in an eligible zip code, you can sign up to be one of just 100 small business customers for this 4-month experimental program, which will run from June through September 2008. (see zip code list)

The purpose of the project is to find ways in which SMUD and small business customers can work together to reduce peak demand and lower electricity bills. When you reduce your peak electricity demand, it benefits SMUD and their customers by reducing the risk of blackouts. In addition, reducing demand during the highest-priced peak hours will lead to reduced rates for everyone. 

In this pilot, SMUD is offering two program types that will benefit you directly when you reduce peak load on critical days -- when electricity supply is low or demand is high. You can choose the program option that you feel best suits your business's needs. (see participation options)

In exchange for helping us with this research, SMUD will provide your business with:

• $120 cash
• a free digital thermostat - a $200 value (optional)
• personal help with efficiency and load reduction strategies
• the opportunity to save money on your 2008 summer electricity bill
• SMUD rebate and program information
• Official display placards from SMUD recognizing your participation in this community effort to save energy and help keep the power flowing during the summer peak hours

(see more details about these benefits)

We will consider this experiment a success if:

• peak loads and electricity bills are both reduced by at least 5%
• at least 80% of all participants are happy with the process and results of this research
• we develop a better understanding of small business electricity needs and issues

Due to overwhelming interest in this pilot, are no longer taking new signups from office and retail customers, and there are just a few spots left for interested restaurants. Those of you who have already signed up will receive a Customer Participation Agreement from SMUD in the first week of April. Once we receive your signed Agreement, we will contact you to schedule a site visit.

If at any time you have questions about your participation in this pilot, please contact Josh Rasin or Karen Herter for more information.