Civic Activist and State Energy Advisor Michael Picker Files for SMUD District 5

By Michael Picker

Michael Picker has experience in and is committed to providing clean energy to our community while working to protect families and business from increased costs.

"Sacramento ratepayers need a strong advocate to help steer a clear path through enormous changes in the energy world," Picker said. "As owners of our utility we need to make sure that we can obtain clean energy to power our community and protect families and businesses from cost increases."

As the Senior Advisor to Governor Jerry Brown on Renewable Energy Facilities, Picker steers statewide efforts to develop sustainable energy projects. Picker helps bring California closer to our goal of providing 33% of electricity from renewable sources while creating jobs and attracting private investment into the state.

Picker initiated the renewable energy development work in 2009 with the Schwarzenegger administration. Focusing on strategic planning and coordinating interagency teams of local, state and federal officials Picker helped secure permitting and approval for large-scale solar, wind, and geothermal power plants as well as transmission projects delivering sustainable power to California communities.

"I know our community well and worked successfully with Sacramento municipal and business leaders during my years as chief of staff for Mayor Serna," Picker said. "As District 5 SMUD representative, I will make sure our investment in renewable power sources, energy efficiency programs, and environmental stewardship is a good value for the money we spend."

Michael served as Sacramento Mayor Joe Serna's chief of staff from 1991 to 1998, working to revitalize Sacramento's downtown businesses and neighborhoods as well as to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety throughout the city center. He also served as Deputy California Treasurer under Phil Angelides. He is a 37-year resident of Sacramento and has lived in SMUD District 5 in Midtown for 30 of those years.