Pasadena Takes Important Step Toward Clean Energy Goal With 50-Megawatt Solar Deal

The Pasadena City Council has approved a 50-megawatt solar power agreement with Grace Orchard Solar III, LLC, advancing the city’s commitment to achieve 100% carbon-free electricity by 2030.

The 20-year contract with the NextEra Energy Resources subsidiary will provide power from a 170-megawatt solar facility near Blythe, California. Energy delivery is scheduled to begin in 2028.

The deal was negotiated through the Southern California Public Power Authority in partnership with the cities of Anaheim and Colton to reduce overall costs.

“The Grace Orchard Solar III project is another exciting addition to our growing energy portfolio,” said Pasadena Water and Power Interim General Manager David Reyes. “Together with the Pasadena City Council and the local community, we will be leaders in the clean energy transition.”

The agreement follows the city’s earlier approval this year of contracts for more than 120 megawatts of power and a utility-scale battery storage system. The new solar project will also replace energy from existing facility contracts set to expire in 2027.

Pasadena Water and Power, a community-owned utility, serves more than 65,000 electricity customers in Pasadena and provides water to nearly 38,000 households and businesses in Pasadena and neighboring San Gabriel Valley communities.

The project supports goals established by the Pasadena City Council through Resolution 9977, which mandates the transition to 100% carbon-free electricity sources by the end of 2030.