Guest Opinion | David M. Reyes, General Manager, Pasadena Water and Power: Pasadena’s Clean Energy Future Is Taking Shape

Pasadena is a community that looks ahead and plans with purpose. Over the past several years, this outlook guided our work to address climate change, maintain reliable electricity, and support rate equity while firmly on the clean energy path. With the City Council’s landmark 2023 adoption of Resolution 9977, setting a goal for 100% carbon-free electricity by the end of the decade, Pasadena made a commitment reflecting community priorities and the urgency of the moment. Today, we are making steady progress.

Each year, Pasadena plans its operating budget with immediate needs and long-term community goals in mind. Our energy transition reflects the same approach and is aligned with Pasadena’s carbon-free goal. The City’s Optimized Strategic Plan is the roadmap transforming the Resolution 9977 goal into a clear, coordinated path forward, while keeping the lights on and rates stable. Results of these efforts are taking shape across our community, and the momentum is growing.

Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) has secured more than 200 megawatts (MW) of new renewable energy and 80 MW of battery storage totaling almost $1.2 billion in clean energy contracts, which puts us on track to meet the 100% goal by the end of 2030.

Pasadena is also preparing for a major expansion of local carbon-free projects. In the months ahead, PWP will move forward with planning for approximately 20 MW of municipal solar projects at City-owned properties. At the Glenarm Power Plant, a 25-MW battery energy storage system will store solar energy produced during the day and release it in the evening when household energy usage increases. The project received nearly $10 million in state grant funding. Construction is expected to begin later this year.

I’m pleased to share we are also exploring new technologies to support long-term energy needs like long-duration energy storage, rooftop wind pilots, solar paired with electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, and microgrids. State and federal grants are helping us test these technologies while reducing costs.

Residents and businesses continue to play a major role. In 2025 alone, Pasadena customers added more than 2.4 MW of rooftop solar, bringing the City’s total to more than 32 MW. More customers are installing batteries as well. These local investments help build the foundation for programs allowing customers to work together as a community energy resource during peak hours.

To support growing interest and to address sunsetting federal incentives, PWP recently launched its solar and battery rebate programs. Pasadena is one of only a few cities offering incentives for both solar and battery systems for residential and commercial customers, along with bonus incentives for income-qualified households. These programs reflect our commitment to help residents and businesses take an active role in their own energy use as we move toward our goals together.

A sustainable future also relies on a strong and modern electric grid. Pasadena continues to invest in upgrades across the system, including advanced meters, sub-transmission improvements, cable replacements, and expanded EV charging infrastructure. These projects increase reliability today and prepare the grid for additional renewable resources and electrification growth in the coming years.

Transparency and responsible planning remain central to every step as PWP carefully and proactively continues to deliver reliable and affordable service while meeting the City’s goals. Pasadena has long established itself as a leader in environmental stewardship. Let’s keep making progress with continued focus and intention.

We will continue to keep the community informed as we move ahead. I look forward to continuing our work together to build a carbon-free Pasadena. I encourage anyone who wants to learn more about all PWP programs and activities to visit PWPweb.com. I will also be available to connect with residents and business owners during the annual PWP Open House on Thursday, June 25 at the Jackie Robinson Community Center, 1020 N Fair Oaks Ave., from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.