Guest Opinion: David Reyes | Your Voice Matters: Join the Conversation at EngagePWP.org

As the General Manager of Pasadena and Water and Power (PWP), I’m asking the community to participate in one of the most critical conversations that we have as your utility – electric rate setting. PWP is conducting an electric rate study to evaluate how best to maintain reliable, affordable service while preparing for the city’s long-term energy needs. Like utilities across the country, we are navigating rising costs driven by several key factors, including aging infrastructure, grid modernization needs, and investments in new technologies such as Advanced Metering Infrastructure. Additionally, the cost of energy across all sources has been steadily increasing.

The upcoming electric rate study is a critical step in ensuring that PWP can continue to deliver high-quality service while responsibly planning for the future. As a community-owned utility, we are committed to transparency and collaboration throughout this process.

To encourage public input, we’ve launched a new online engagement hub at EngagePWP.org. This platform builds on a series of recent outreach activities, including our first annual open house, participation in local community events, commercial customer outreach, and other activities where we connected directly with customers. The engagement hub provides a space for residents and businesses to learn more about our services, programs, upcoming events, and most importantly, a space to share their input.

While the electric rate study addresses a broad range of operational and financial needs, it also supports Pasadena’s long-term sustainability goals.  Pasadena has long been a leader in environmental stewardship with a strong track record in conservation, clean energy, and innovation.

More than a decade ago, the City Council voluntarily adopted a goal to achieve 40% renewable energy by 2020, ahead of California’s 33% by 2020 mandate. This early action laid the foundation for Pasadena’s continued leadership in clean energy. Since 2018, PWP has exclusively invested in carbon-free energy sources, and we remain committed to expanding those efforts. In 2023, the City Council took another bold step by setting a policy goal to source 100% of Pasadena’s electricity from carbon-free sources by the end of 2030.

Next up, we’ll expand the engagement hub to include the public comment period for the Optimized Strategic Plan (OSP), which is the guiding document to achieve the 2030 goal while optimizing affordability, rate equity, stability, and electric reliability.

Through EngagePWP.org, our goal is to ensure that the voices of all PWP customers are reflected in the decisions we make. Community feedback will help guide program design and shape future offerings, ensuring they remain accessible, effective, and aligned with the City’s values.

Having served the Pasadena community for over 12 years, I’ve seen the impact of public input firsthand. The most effective solutions come from listening closely to the people we serve. That’s why your voice matters during this important process.

Visit EngagePWP.org to learn more and share your perspective. Together, we can continue building a reliable, inclusive, and sustainable energy future for Pasadena.

David Reyes is General Manager of Pasadena and Water and Power