Policy Jan 14 2026

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SPEAKER_02: to a SMUD security person.

SPEAKER_02: Members of the public attending this meeting virtually who wish to provide verbal comments

SPEAKER_02: during the committee meeting may do so by using the raise hand feature in Zoom or by

SPEAKER_02: pressing star 9 while dialed into the telephone toll-free number at the time when public comment

SPEAKER_02: is called.

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SPEAKER_02: the public comment period.

SPEAKER_02: You may also submit written comments by emailing them to publiccommentatsmud.org.

SPEAKER_02: Written comments will not be read into the record but will be provided to the board electronically

Unknown: and placed into the record of the meeting if received within two hours after the meeting

SPEAKER_02: ends.

SPEAKER_02: Chief legal officer, please conduct the roll call.

SPEAKER_08: Director Herth?

Unknown: Here.

SPEAKER_08: Director Rose?

SPEAKER_02: Here.

SPEAKER_08: Director Herber?

SPEAKER_02: Here.

SPEAKER_08: All committee members are present.

SPEAKER_08: Also present are directors Fishman, Sanborn and President Tamayo.

SPEAKER_02: Item number one on tonight's agenda is board monitoring.

SPEAKER_02: Governance process GP5, election of the board president and vice president, GP6, role of

SPEAKER_02: the board president and GP9 board committee chairs.

SPEAKER_02: And this is an informational item.

SPEAKER_02: So basically all of us were asked to take a survey about how we think we're doing with

SPEAKER_02: these general principles.

SPEAKER_02: And here is the first one.

SPEAKER_02: Go to the next slide.

SPEAKER_02: And it looks like six of us feel that we're in compliance and one forgot to send in comments.

SPEAKER_02: All right.

SPEAKER_02: The next one is the role of the president, the board president.

SPEAKER_02: And you can see here, I'm not going to read all of this, but we expect, you know, our

SPEAKER_02: president to make sure everybody gets a chance to speak and meetings are run well.

SPEAKER_02: And even though he's the president, he doesn't get to tell Paul what to do.

Unknown: Actually, none of us do.

SPEAKER_02: So compliance score is six.

SPEAKER_02: That's high.

SPEAKER_02: So unless anybody has any comments, let's move on.

SPEAKER_02: The committee chairs shall preside over and facilitate committee meetings.

SPEAKER_02: And there are some specifics here about what committee chairs should do.

SPEAKER_02: And it looks like we have high compliance again with six scores.

SPEAKER_02: And do we have any public comment?

SPEAKER_02: Not on item one, no.

Unknown: Okay.

SPEAKER_02: All right.

SPEAKER_02: Item number two is the board work plan.

SPEAKER_02: And we'll have our president, Dave DeMaio, go through this one.

SPEAKER_05: Thank you, Chair Herber.

SPEAKER_05: So I'm just going to go over just a very brief thing about our next couple of months.

SPEAKER_05: Obviously one of the most important things that we have to do as a board is that we will

SPEAKER_05: be discussing and starting out with a closed session tomorrow, our discussion about recruiting

SPEAKER_05: a new CEO.

SPEAKER_05: And I expect that we're going to fill up some of our calendar with additional meetings as

SPEAKER_05: we need to further discuss it.

SPEAKER_05: And then also working with if we have a consultant or just working through the process of narrowing

SPEAKER_05: the field and eventually choosing somebody.

SPEAKER_05: So hopefully everybody is going to be able to stick around after our regular board meeting

SPEAKER_05: tomorrow and then we'll be getting information from staff.

SPEAKER_05: And I believe Eric Douglas will also help us in our initial discussion of the process

SPEAKER_05: that we're going to be following.

SPEAKER_05: So nothing set in stone and we can hopefully have some good ideas of how to move forward.

SPEAKER_05: And we have the advantage of all of us currently on the board participated in a very successful

SPEAKER_05: recruitment of our current CEO.

SPEAKER_05: So then we have what I think is actually a very timely discussion on the impacts of really

SPEAKER_05: artificial intelligence as far as being potentially very large loads being added.

SPEAKER_05: So we want to talk about the opportunities and challenges associated with that.

SPEAKER_05: And then later on in February we're going to be talking about how we are in compliance

SPEAKER_05: with our mandate to have competitive rates and then good credit ratings and our usual

SPEAKER_05: things with the finance of our quarterly procurement.

SPEAKER_05: You'll notice in the work plan that there are a lot of blank spaces.

SPEAKER_05: So one reason for that is that staff is still working on things that we had put on the parking

SPEAKER_05: lot and then also some of the regular things that we talk about.

SPEAKER_05: So that will be populated.

SPEAKER_05: A lot of these blank spaces in the next few months will be populated by staff.

SPEAKER_05: But I also encourage the board to start thinking are there particular things that we want to

SPEAKER_05: continue to think about or learn about.

SPEAKER_05: We actually did a very good job of clearing out our parking lot last year.

SPEAKER_05: So thank you to the board and President Fishman for moving us along on that.

SPEAKER_05: One potential presentation in the parking lot I think was suggested by Director Rose.

SPEAKER_05: And I think you were interested in an update on fusion.

SPEAKER_05: I was wondering if you had something in particular in mind if something has changed.

SPEAKER_05: It's been a couple of years.

SPEAKER_05: Three and a half.

SPEAKER_05: Has it been that long?

SPEAKER_05: Yeah.

SPEAKER_05: Okay.

SPEAKER_05: Was there something in particular that you were aware of that we should get updated?

SPEAKER_05: I don't have an objection to it.

SPEAKER_06: I think just a general update on where things have progressed over the last three and a

SPEAKER_06: half years since we had an update last time.

SPEAKER_06: Last time they went through some, they sort of overviewed the different types of technologies

SPEAKER_06: and some predictions about the future.

SPEAKER_06: I know that there's been a lot of progress on Eider and there's been progress on Tridium

SPEAKER_06: development.

SPEAKER_06: So I think there's a fair number, a number of things that we could get an update with

SPEAKER_06: as we just want to continue to track it.

SPEAKER_06: That's for sure.

SPEAKER_05: All right.

SPEAKER_05: Were there any other subjects that folks wanted to put on the parking lot at this point?

SPEAKER_05: Director Fishman.

SPEAKER_04: And thank you.

SPEAKER_04: I think there was an article in the B Today that talked about the impact of climate change

SPEAKER_04: on rainfall and snowfall patterns and the long-term implications of that.

SPEAKER_04: The forecast was not new, right?

SPEAKER_04: We know we're going to see less snow, more rain, especially in the American River, Feather

SPEAKER_04: River watersheds.

SPEAKER_04: But maybe we can have somebody really do a deep dive into that forest and tell us what

SPEAKER_04: that means and when.

SPEAKER_04: I mean, at what point do we need to start seriously rethinking our reliance on the UARP

SPEAKER_04: or how can we adjust our reliance on the UARP to take advantage of the changes that are

SPEAKER_04: coming or how do we need to adjust to it?

SPEAKER_05: And then I'm wondering if you're open to that being maybe more expanded because we also

SPEAKER_05: have the effects of it's getting hotter, which affects our load, and then also the effects

SPEAKER_05: on water throughout the west and really weather patterns throughout the west.

SPEAKER_05: Do you think that would be a good context to include or is that?

Unknown: I'm open to all of that.

SPEAKER_04: I mean, I think we need to have that discussion too.

SPEAKER_04: But in particular, I mean, what can this board do now to set up the board that's going to

SPEAKER_04: be here in 20 years to deal with the real impacts of changing weather patterns on the

SPEAKER_04: UARP system?

SPEAKER_05: You don't think we're all going to be here in 20 years?

SPEAKER_02: I think you will be, Dave.

SPEAKER_02: Okay.

SPEAKER_02: I'm not counting on it.

SPEAKER_05: All right.

SPEAKER_05: Well, let's add your initial suggestion to that and maybe think about broader impacts.

SPEAKER_05: Anything else?

Unknown: I wanted to...

SPEAKER_06: Oh, I was thinking about it.

SPEAKER_06: No, I forgot now that you've said anything else.

SPEAKER_06: Oh, IRP.

SPEAKER_06: One of the things that are very...

SPEAKER_06: Well, it was my sort of number and priority this year, but now CEO's number of priorities.

SPEAKER_06: Number two priority is our integrated resource planning work.

SPEAKER_06: And I'm curious what the work plan for that looks like and if there's an intention of

SPEAKER_06: having...

SPEAKER_06: Well, if there's an intention of having discussions with the board throughout the year as that

SPEAKER_06: work progresses or is that the intention that it's going to be in 27, which I would

SPEAKER_06: sort of hope it would be sooner.

SPEAKER_06: So that's on my mind as being on the work plan.

SPEAKER_05: Funny you should ask that.

SPEAKER_05: Did you have anything to say?

SPEAKER_05: Yeah.

SPEAKER_00: In fact, you know, in fact, Director Rose, that's one of the discussion that we had with

SPEAKER_00: both President Tamayo and Vice President Kurt is to lay out the schedule.

SPEAKER_00: Let you know because we need to start the IRP process with Pollock by November next

SPEAKER_00: year so they can get it done.

SPEAKER_00: So we're kind of laying out what the items that we need the board to be informed about.

SPEAKER_00: And then really about...

SPEAKER_00: And then also about really what are the different topics that the board is of interest so that

SPEAKER_00: you can be educated about the IRP process and then really also about all the stuff that

SPEAKER_00: we need to discuss.

SPEAKER_00: So there'll be multiple sessions that we'll be working with the board in terms of polymemos

SPEAKER_00: and in terms of presentations to the board and then really kind of laying out what the

SPEAKER_00: impact the IRP is, what it is, what we have to look at and then the timeframe.

Unknown: Thanks.

Unknown: What's the timing?

SPEAKER_06: Is that something that's actively over the next month or two going to be doing?

SPEAKER_06: Yes.

SPEAKER_00: So what we're laying right now is laying out really all the topics that we need here and

SPEAKER_00: what the work scope of the IRP looks like.

SPEAKER_00: And then really about looking at the board schedule, you know, when there's a good time

SPEAKER_00: for us to...

SPEAKER_00: Logically for us to bring those deliverables to the board and then how much time does the

SPEAKER_00: board need to think about those and actually give feedback back to staff and about what

SPEAKER_00: additional stuff they need to collect, you know, for the IRP to make their decisions.

SPEAKER_00: Because this is a major one.

SPEAKER_00: It's the one that we're going to also have to file not only just the board and the public

SPEAKER_00: but also with the California Energy Commission as part of a five-year update.

Unknown: Perfect.

SPEAKER_06: Thank you.

Unknown: All right.

Unknown: Anything else from the board?

SPEAKER_05: So do we have any requests for public comment on this item?

SPEAKER_02: Yes, we do.

SPEAKER_02: David Wright from 350 Sacramento wanted to speak on item number two.

Unknown: Oh, sorry.

SPEAKER_03: That's for the next meeting.

SPEAKER_03: There's two meetings tonight, right?

SPEAKER_03: Oh, yes.

SPEAKER_03: Oh, okay.

SPEAKER_03: I'm sorry.

SPEAKER_03: I'm sorry.

SPEAKER_02: Dog on it.

Unknown: Okay.

SPEAKER_02: So you have nothing for the policy committee?

Unknown: Sure.

Unknown: Sorry.

Unknown: Now I've done it.

SPEAKER_02: Because we'll switch over to that as soon as you're done.

SPEAKER_03: I didn't realize that.

SPEAKER_03: Okay.

SPEAKER_03: We have a...

SPEAKER_03: We're all staying, right?

SPEAKER_03: Okay.

SPEAKER_03: Yeah.

SPEAKER_03: Yes.

SPEAKER_02: And then next I would ask if we have any virtual speakers?

Unknown: Yes, we do.

Unknown: John?

Unknown: Hello, this is John.

SPEAKER_01: Can you hear me?

Unknown: Yes.

Unknown: Good evening, Chairperson, committee members and board members.

SPEAKER_01: Happy New Year.

SPEAKER_01: I think Mr. Fishman had a great suggestion regarding the item for the parking lot because

SPEAKER_01: I agree that with climate change, we're going to have less snowpack and how is that going

SPEAKER_01: to affect electricity generation?

SPEAKER_01: And also regarding that, I think long-term, maybe 10 years in the future, we won't be

SPEAKER_01: a summer peaking utility anymore.

SPEAKER_01: We will be a winter peaking because of the increased load from generating heat in the

SPEAKER_01: winter electrically.

SPEAKER_01: And lastly, I have another suggestion for the parking lot.

SPEAKER_01: I think it would be great to have a presentation by one or more companies regarding bi-derivative

SPEAKER_01: directional charging so we can use the storage and EV batteries to help with peak demand

SPEAKER_01: loads.

SPEAKER_01: I know there's a company here, the North American headquarters is located in Gold River.

SPEAKER_01: Their name is Sig Energy.

SPEAKER_01: Of course, we have other California companies that do this like Enphase and other companies

SPEAKER_01: that do these bi-directional charging right now.

SPEAKER_01: That would be just another suggestion for the parking lot.

SPEAKER_01: Thank you very much and have a good evening.

SPEAKER_02: Thank you for your comment.

SPEAKER_02: Are there any more speakers virtually?

Unknown: No, there are not.

Unknown: Okay, thank you.

SPEAKER_05: So I do have a question for the board members.

SPEAKER_05: His suggestion for some kind of informational thing on the status of bi-directional, I mean,

SPEAKER_05: you know, the Oakland to grid.

SPEAKER_05: I feel like we had one not that long ago and they came and said, we can do bi-directional

SPEAKER_06: charging and didn't have any technical details.

SPEAKER_06: Yeah, I recall that.

SPEAKER_05: Okay.

SPEAKER_09: Well, and I think, didn't we just get a memo saying that there were some issues with one

SPEAKER_09: of our projects on bi-directional too?

SPEAKER_09: I thought that was, yeah, that was Twin Rivers, right?

SPEAKER_09: So I mean, I would kind of, I like the idea because I feel like I'd like to know what

SPEAKER_09: R&D we've been doing, how it's turning out in addition to what the technology, how it's

SPEAKER_09: evolving.

Unknown: There's another reason why I'm going to distribute tech this year because I really want to find

SPEAKER_09: out what the latest and greatest stuff is.

SPEAKER_09: So I would support that.

SPEAKER_09: I would also, just thinking about this, somebody told me yesterday that apparently Florida

SPEAKER_09: is putting down roads that charge cars.

SPEAKER_09: And of course the cars have to be chargeable by the road.

SPEAKER_09: But in the long-term parking lot, I think it'd be very interesting to know if those

SPEAKER_09: cars are coming and if there are places in Europe that are literally, as you drive over

SPEAKER_09: the road, you're getting your car charged.

SPEAKER_09: So that's another thing that's coming I'd like to learn about in the future.

SPEAKER_09: But it's not in the short term.

SPEAKER_09: I think it would be maybe a next year thing.

Unknown: All right.

SPEAKER_05: So maybe sort of a question mark about that particular subject and if staff could get

SPEAKER_05: back to us about whether it seems like there's enough to really update us on.

SPEAKER_05: So thanks.

SPEAKER_05: All right.

SPEAKER_05: I think that does that end the public comments then?

Unknown: Yes.

Unknown: All right.

Unknown: We'll hand it back to you, Director Hermer.

SPEAKER_02: Okay.

SPEAKER_02: The last item on the agenda is to provide a summary of committee direction.

Unknown: Okay.

SPEAKER_08: The following items will be added to the board parking lot.

SPEAKER_08: First is a general update on fusion and how things have progressed.

SPEAKER_08: Second the impact of climate change on the snowpack and how it will affect our Europe

SPEAKER_08: operations going forward.

SPEAKER_08: And that topic may be expanded to include other weather impacts.

SPEAKER_08: And then staff will get back to the board on whether there's enough to update the board

SPEAKER_08: on vehicle to grid advancements.

SPEAKER_08: Great.

Unknown: Thank you.

SPEAKER_02: All right.

Unknown: I want you all to know that the finance and audit committee will begin at the conclusion

SPEAKER_02: of this meeting.

SPEAKER_02: There will be a brief pause while staff stops the recording for the policy committee meeting

SPEAKER_02: and starts the recording for the finance and audit committee meeting.

SPEAKER_02: Thank you.

Unknown: I apologize.

Unknown: Are we completely shut off now?

SPEAKER_05: Not completely.

SPEAKER_02: What do you want me to say?

SPEAKER_05: Yeah.

SPEAKER_05: I'm sorry.

SPEAKER_05: I completely ignored this note that I had asked for a reminder.

SPEAKER_05: So we do need to think about having a workshop or retreat for the board.

SPEAKER_05: I'm pretty sure we want to wait until after we've selected and onboarded a new CEO because

SPEAKER_05: we're going to be having a lot of discussions prior to that.

SPEAKER_05: But I wanted to just raise the idea that I think it might be worthwhile to have that

SPEAKER_05: sort of thing sometime in the new, once we've settled on a new CEO.

Unknown: I think it's a great idea.

SPEAKER_02: And I don't want to wait until after we've picked the CEO.

SPEAKER_02: There might be some benefit to gain from getting a little closer before we go through this

SPEAKER_02: crazy process.

SPEAKER_02: But that's me.

SPEAKER_05: Actually, my thinking is that, and I understand that, I believe there's probably a number

SPEAKER_05: of things that we'll be discussing as far as what our priorities are as a board and

SPEAKER_05: what an organization in that we may have quite a few discussions related to that, just as

SPEAKER_05: part of our discussion about what we're looking for in a CEO.

SPEAKER_05: And I think that that would...

SPEAKER_05: We're going to have some, I think, fairly in-depth discussions about what our expectations are.

SPEAKER_05: And that's why I think it was suggesting that we wait for a more general retreat until afterwards.

SPEAKER_05: But welcome to other thoughts.

Unknown: All right.

SPEAKER_09: I would just say for myself, the beginning part of the year is just so busy already.

SPEAKER_09: It's just really hard to squeeze into the thing, and now we've got a CEO search.

SPEAKER_09: So if we can do a July or after, that would be a lot easier on me.

SPEAKER_09: We can try, but the schedules are going to be, I think, extremely difficult to arrange.

SPEAKER_09: It's going to be hard enough, as it is, to find all these meetings for the CEO search.

Unknown: Because the CEO search, I mean, candidly, right, it will take a month or two to sign

SPEAKER_06: contracts.

SPEAKER_06: They'll have to go out and they'll start doing their work.

SPEAKER_06: It will take only six months, right, if it's similar to last time.

SPEAKER_06: My inclination, I'm not sure, but my initial inclination is to probably wait to do it until

SPEAKER_06: after we have a new CEO.

SPEAKER_06: But I can certainly be swayed.

SPEAKER_06: That's just my initial thought, though.

SPEAKER_06: For a border retreat, I think there might be room to do some sort of session where we

SPEAKER_06: sort of sit down with Paul and have sort of like a wrap-up discussion, something like

SPEAKER_06: that.

SPEAKER_06: But I know that's, I don't know if that's even critical.

Unknown: That's my thoughts.

SPEAKER_06: Well, it's not out of the question, but I think as we go through the recruitment process,

SPEAKER_05: the need to have, if we need it more, broad, we can decide to do that.

SPEAKER_05: Yeah, you're right.

SPEAKER_06: Scheduling is something that we usually just schedule six months out.

Unknown: All right.

Unknown: Okay.

Unknown: I'm ready to move on.

SPEAKER_05: Thank you very much, Rudy.

Unknown: Now, this is the end of the public.