Guest Essay | David M. Reyes, General Manager, Pasadena Water and Power: Pasadena’s Community Pride Shines at PWP 2nd Annual Open House

– This is the third in a series to share updates on the carbon-free community we’re building together. –

Thank you to everyone who joined Pasadena Water and Power on Thursday, June 25 for our second annual Open House. I am grateful that so many of you chose to spend part of your evening with us. Your participation created a warm and welcoming atmosphere that carried through every conversation.

Throughout the evening, our staff had the opportunity to speak with many of you about rooftop solar, battery storage, electric vehicles, and home energy and water conservation. The strong interest in these programs and the thoughtful questions you shared reflect how deeply Pasadena residents care about the future of our community. Your engagement continues to shape how we design our programs and how we communicate about the work ahead.

In earlier op-eds, I emphasized our dedication to transparency, reliability, and steady progress on Pasadena’s clean energy goals. These goals are rooted in the values we share as a community. They reflect the pride Pasadena takes in shaping a healthier and resilient future. The conversations at the Open House affirmed that our clean energy transition is an important part of who we are as a city and something residents continue to enthusiastically support.

Several major initiatives are now moving forward that build on this progress. Construction will begin soon on a utility-scale battery storage system at the Glenarm plant. This project will strengthen our local grid and support greater use of renewable energy in the years ahead. Later this year, we plan to host solar education workshops and offer new opportunities for customers to learn about clean energy programs and conservation tools.

We remain committed to open communication and meaningful engagement. We will continue to provide access to information, listen to community feedback, and create opportunities for residents and businesses to participate in the discussions that guide our work. Your involvement is essential to ensuring that our programs remain responsive and aligned with community needs.

Thank you again for making our second annual Open House such a success. Your presence, your questions, and your ongoing partnership keep Pasadena moving forward and help us build an energy future that reflects the shared identity and values of our community.

David M. Reyes is the General Manager of Pasadena Water and Power, the city’s utility.