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SMUD electricity rates & savings

Understand your bill, compare rate plans, optimize EV charging, and model solar savings for SMUD customers. Gleam helps Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) customers find off-peak EV charging times, compare rate options, and optimize solar and battery usage.

Current rate plans

PlanTypeGood for
Standard / flat rateStandardHomes with steady usage across the day
Time-of-DayTime-of-use (TOU)EV owners who can charge overnight or on weekends

Published electricity rates

Rate tierPrice (est.)
Standard flat rate (est.)$0.17–$0.22/kWh
On-peak / peak (TOU or EV plan)$0.21/kWh
Off-peak / super off-peak$0.14–$0.15/kWh

Rates last verified: June 2026. Effective January 2026.

Official sources: Residential rates, Tariff sheet, and EV program.

Peak & off-peak hours

Peak · 5pm–8pm Monday–Friday only
Off-peak · All other hours including weekends/holidays

Illustrative timeline — exact windows vary by season and rate schedule.

Is the TOU or EV plan worth it?

If you can shift EV charging and flexible loads to off-peak hours, SMUD's TOU plan may lower your bill. Heavy peak-period usage (when rates are highest) can offset those savings.

Calculate charging, usage, and solar economics

Use rates published for SMUD to estimate home electricity use, EV charging, solar savings, or solar payback with rate inflation and EV impact.

Electricity usage →EV grid charging →Solar payback →Home solar savings →

Solar & net metering

Solar customers can generally combine net metering with eligible TOU plans — timing self-consumption vs export matters for savings.

Example EV charging savings

Typical EV: 11,000 miles/year (3,143 kWh)

ScenarioEst. annual cost
Charge during peak ($0.21/kWh)$675/yr
Charge off-peak ($0.14/kWh)$424/yr
Estimated savings (off-peak vs peak)$251/yr

Assumes 11,000 mi/yr, 3.5 mi/kWh, and 100% of EV charging at each rate tier. Real savings depend on your driving, charger, and schedule.

Utility notes

Municipal utility — lowest rates in CA (~50% below PG&E). EV owners get additional $0.015/kWh credit midnight-6am (requires DMV registration at same service address). Peak window is very narrow (5-8pm M-F only) — easiest TOU plan in CA to benefit from. No Base Services Charge restructuring issues like PG&E/SCE/SDG&E.

Frequently asked questions

What are SMUD's off-peak hours?

All other hours including weekends/holidays

When are peak electricity rates in California?

5pm–8pm Monday–Friday only

Can I switch SMUD rate plans anytime?

Most utilities let you change rate plans, but some TOU or EV schedules require enrollment, smart meters, or a minimum commitment. Confirm on your utility's website.

Is SMUD's time-of-use plan worth it for EV charging?

If you can shift EV charging and flexible loads to off-peak hours, SMUD's TOU plan may lower your bill. Heavy peak-period usage (when rates are highest) can offset those savings.

Related guides

When Is the Cheapest Time to Charge Your EV at Home? →How to Read a Time-of-Use Electric Bill →EV Rate Plan vs Standard Rate: Which Saves More? →

Personalize this for your home

If you're a SMUD customer, add your provider in Gleam, link your EV, and upload your bill. Gleam finds off-peak charging windows, rate plan savings, and solar opportunities based on your actual usage.

Get Started

Gleam is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by SMUD or any other utility company. SMUD is used descriptively to identify the service territory only. Rate information is for reference — always confirm current tariffs on your utility's official website before making billing decisions.