SMUD Looks at Rate Increase, Snow Decrease

Touting the fact that its rates have increased only twice in the last 17 years, the Sacramento Municipal Utility District announced that it plans a 7.6 percent increase effective in 2008. The increase is attributed to a mix of renewables commitments, investments in energy efficiency, higher natural gas costs to feed its traditional power plants, and a solar surcharge. The increase is set for public comment in June. It's also been a stressfully dry year for the muni's hydropower. According to staff, the water content to feed SMUD's system is down to 46 percent of normal. While that translates into a $33 million loss for the muni in power sales, SMUD has hedging contracts that are expected to absorb the costs this year. The muni also approved a new transmission line to an Apple Computer site in Elk Grove. The 1.1-mile line for 69 kV is set to hook up with a server farm intended to allow more music uploads for Apple iPod users.

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SMUD Looks at Rate Increase, Snow Decrease

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