[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 167 (Thursday, November 3, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1993]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF THE 65TH ANNIVERSARY OF SACRAMENTO MUNICIPAL UTILITY 
                                DISTRICT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 3, 2011

  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Sacramento 
Municipal Utility District (SMUD), as the organization celebrates its 
65th anniversary. It is a great pleasure to recognize SMUD's dedication 
in keeping electricity rates affordable, providing customers with 
energy-efficient options, and supporting the deployment of renewable 
power. As SMUD's customers and employees gather to celebrate this 
milestone, I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring the key role 
the organization plays in the Sacramento region.
  SMUD was formed in 1946. In response to overpriced electricity, 
Sacramento voters opted to create a municipal utility district that 
would provide them with an alternative to investor owned power 
companies. This led to the formation of SMUD, a public utility company 
that measures success by how much money stays within the community 
through low rates, rather than going out to stockholders. SMUD has 
proven to be a success as their electricity rates are among the lowest 
in the state of California.
  Over the last 65 years, SMUD has become the nation's sixth-largest 
public electric utility, serving nearly 600,000 customers and a 
population of 1.4 million. Residential and business customer 
satisfaction surveys consistently rank SMUD as the top provider of 
electricity in California, as well as one of the best in the nation.
  SMUD is regarded across the nation as a leader in renewable energy 
and energy efficiency. In 2010, SMUD became the state's first large 
utility to have 20 percent of its power from renewable resources. The 
figure has since climbed to 24 percent and is expected to reach the 
state mandated 33 percent mark by 2020. Taking into account the 
hydroelectricity generated in SMUD's Upper American River Project, 
nearly 50 percent of SMUD's power comes from non-carbon resources. 
SMUD's energy efficiency programs have helped customers reduce their 
carbon dioxide emission by over 3 million tons since 1987. SMUD has 
also provided more than $495 million in energy efficiency loans since 
1990.
  SMUD is led by a forward thinking Board of Directors, an energetic 
executive team, and 2,000 hard working employees. They are united in 
their desire to offer the Sacramento Region affordable power and an 
excellent customer experience.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to Sacramento Municipal 
Utility District and their continuous commitment to providing the 
Sacramento Region with access to energy efficient programs, more energy 
choices, and affordable electricity. SMUD has contributed an immense 
amount to making Sacramento a better place to live, work, and do 
business. As SMUD's General Manager John DiStasio, Board President 
Renee Taylor, and others gather together to celebrate the 
organization's 65th anniversary, I ask all my colleagues to join me in 
honoring their outstanding work in providing the community with 
affordable electricity.

                          ____________________