How it works
100% of your tax-deductible contribution goes directly to pay the recipient's electric bill.
Customer testimonials
"Please let everyone know I am very thankful. Thank you to all who donate and are part of this program.I am a senior on a set income and with rent being so high, I barely have any money left."
I've always been able to pay my bills but this year has been different and difficult. Because of EnergyHELP, I can get back on track. “A thousand thanks,” to everyone involved.
Make our community brighter
By contributing to EnergyHELP, you're helping qualified customers who cannot pay their bill due to financial hardship and who are at risk of having their power turned off.
Look at the difference donors made in 2023:
customers received assistance
applied to customer electric bills
smud customers contributed to energyhelp
Sign up for EnergyHELP
Start helping your community today.
One-time donation
Customers and non-customers alike can contribute by sending a check, cashier's check or money order to:
SMUD Agency Desk, MS A104
Attn: EnergyHELP
PO Box 15830
Sacramento, CA 95852
Frequently asked questions
What are the recipient eligibility requirements?
Those who are eligible are:
- At risk of disconnection in the next few days.
- Enrolled in our low-income Energy Assistance Program Rate (EAPR).
- In need of funds up to $200 to prevent their power from being shut off.
How are recipients selected?
- A randomized list of eligible recipients is generated each morning.
- Based on the amount of funds available, some recipients from that list are contacted and connected with an agency partner for utility assistance.
What is the maximum amount a recipient can receive?
Those eligible can receive up to $200 in a 12-month period.
How is my donation money spent?
100% of your donation is used to pay the recipient’s electric bill. SMUD pays the charity partners for all administrative fees so that your donations can be used to help your neighbors in need.
Is there a digital payment option?
A digital payment option is not currently available. That option is under review.
Can I make a one-time donation?
Customers and non-customers alike can contribute by sending a check, cashier's check or money order to:
SMUD Agency Desk, MS A104
Attn: EnergyHELP
PO Box 15830
Sacramento, CA 95852
Why does SMUD use charity partners?
Because we operate as not for profit, we must partner with charities who can receive the EnergyHELP funds and work with our customers to pay their electric bills. We work with well-known trusted partners.
Who are the charity partners?
Donors can choose one of our six participating agency partners or allow SMUD to choose one to apply the donation.
All donated funds are distributed to SMUD customers in need through six charities:
- The Salvation Army
- Sacramento Food Bank Services
- Travelers Aid
- Folsom Cordova Community Partnership
- Community Resource Project
- Lao Family Community Development
These organizations were chosen through a competitive bid process and meet SMUD's strict requirements for experience with efficiently serving people in need throughout the Sacramento area.
What other services do the partners provide?
EnergyHELP recipients can connect with charity partners for other services to help them get on their feet:
- Food
- Clothing
- Childcare
- Job hunting
- Job training
- Housing
- Translation services
EAPR
If you’re looking for bill assistance, you may qualify
for our Energy Assistance Program Rate.