SMUD is making good progress on our journey to remove carbon emissions from our power supply by 2030 – and everyone here is playing a unique role in making it happen. Our new employee blog features the personal perspectives of employees from different disciplines and departments across SMUD, each sharing how their work connects to our 2030 Clean Energy Vision.
With our 2030 Clean Energy Vision, new generation resources are being added, smarter systems are being deployed across our grid and customers are getting involved like never before.
But all of that only matters if the power is safe and reliable for our customers. That’s where our team comes in.
As an apprentice 3.5 years into my 4.5-year electrical technician apprenticeship, I’m getting paid to learn. I have structured learning objectives and technical skills I must master. Then, every six months, those skills and objectives are tested. The expectation isn’t just progress – it’s growth and proficiency. It was scary to step into this role at age 43, with a family and obligations. Sometimes I get home and collapse into bed, completely exhausted, without even getting to say goodnight to the kids. But it’s worth the effort. This team, this position, has challenged me intellectually, increased my accountability and pushed my efficiency in ways that make me feel good every day. I’m honored and proud that this is how I get to serve the community.
As Electrical Technicians, we work on the equipment that protects SMUD’s assets, our customers and our coworkers. Every relay, switchgear, control system and protection scheme we touch plays a role in keeping the grid stable. Our job isn’t just installing equipment — it’s making sure it works the way it’s supposed to, when it matters most.
At the same time, we aren’t only working on new technology. We are also upgrading infrastructure — making it safer, more efficient and more dependable. We’re balancing modernization with reliability, innovation with accountability.
Our department exists to catch any problems before they ever see the grid. We have built processes that ensure every single wire is in place, every electrical path is complete and the system is functional, from end to end. The hours, stress, physical and mental demands are real, but we carry it knowing our work is helping make SMUD’s clean energy transition safe, reliable and seamless for our customers.
Then there’s the reality of emergencies. At any moment, priorities can change. A transformer issue, a protection problem or a system failure can pull us away from scheduled work instantly. We respond, make repairs and then go right back into complex projects without missing a step. There’s no pause button. Precision matters, especially under pressure.
Growing a skilled workforce isn’t instant. As I mentioned, it takes about 4.5 years to develop a journeyman through the apprenticeship program. That means my team’s journeymen mentor apprentices while still delivering high-level technical work protecting the grid. Training the next generation while maintaining the same level of precision, safety and accountability is real work – and it matters as much as the hardware itself.
SMUD’s clean energy future isn’t built only on solar panels, batteries and software. It’s built on people who care about the details, understand the consequences and take ownership of the important work we do every day. Behind every kilowatt is a team making sure it works — not just on paper, but in real life.
