Pasadena Begins Supplying Wind Power Under New Clean Energy Agreement

Pasadena has launched a major clean energy initiative with the activation of the upgraded Wind Resource II facility, which is now supplying renewable electricity under a long-term agreement with CalWind Resources, Inc. The move marks a significant step toward the city’s goal of achieving 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2030—one of the most aggressive municipal climate targets in California.

City officials said the initiative reflects Pasadena’s commitment to sustainability, grid reliability and customer affordability. The 10-year Power Purchase Agreement, approved by the City Council in 2024, enables the 20-megawatt Tehachapi-based facility to deliver approximately 60,000 megawatt hours of clean energy annually. The wind-generated power is expected to provide consistent, emission-free electricity during evening and overnight hours, helping to stabilize the grid and complement daytime solar production.

“This milestone demonstrates Pasadena’s leadership in pursuing innovative renewable projects that help ensure environmental responsibility and grid reliability,” said David Reyes, general manager of Pasadena Water and Power. “We are grateful to our City Council for their vision and to our community for its support in guiding Pasadena toward a 100 percent carbon-free future.”

The agreement with CalWind Resources expands Pasadena’s renewable energy portfolio, fulfills California Renewable Portfolio Standard requirements, and advances the city’s climate goals outlined in Resolution 9977. That resolution accelerates the state’s carbon-free timeline by 15 years and sets a precedent for municipal decarbonization efforts nationwide.

CalWind has supplied short-term energy to Pasadena since 2024, but the new deal positions the city to better navigate transmission constraints, market volatility and resource scarcity. Pasadena Water and Power continues to actively procure renewable resources to meet both state and local mandates while maintaining electric reliability and affordability.

The community-owned utility serves more than 65,000 electricity customers and delivers water to nearly 38,000 households and businesses in Pasadena and neighboring San Gabriel Valley communities. Operated by the city as a nonprofit public service, Pasadena Water and Power is dedicated to serving residents and advancing environmental stewardship.