Pasadena’s Clean Energy Roadmap Pulls Into Focus With Strategic Plan Update

Pasadena is pushing ahead with its ambitious goal to eliminate fossil fuels from its power grid by 2030, building on early successes that have already put the City ahead of state clean energy targets.

The Pasadena Water and Power Department reports it has achieved 40% renewable energy generation, surpassing California’s target of 38.5%, as the City moves toward its goal of 100% carbon-free electricity envisioned by Resolution 9977.

The resolution, which declared a climate emergency in Pasadena, serves as the cornerstone of the City’s clean energy commitment.

Officials will present their progress Monday on a three-phase strategic plan that lays out key steps and future decision points to best position the City to meet Resolution 9977’s goals.

The plan was developed by consultant Energy and Environmental Economics, Inc., an industry leader in clean energy policy that has advised major California regulatory agencies including the Energy Commission, Public Utilities Commission, and Air Resources Board.

Local clean energy advocates stress that the plan’s timing and pace are crucial.

“It’s imperative that we not wait until the perfect plan,” said Cynthia Cannady of Pasadena 100, a coalition of local nonprofit and nonpartisan organizations advocating for the City to stop using fossil fuels including coal, natural gas, and oil for electricity generation.

“There are actions that the City can take now, like facilitating local private investment in solar and batteries, and introducing the public to smart ways to reduce our demand for electricity.”

The plan’s development process, launched after the City Council’s approval of a two-year contract with Energy and Environmental Economics in March 2024, begins with a “Preparatory Studies” phase to identify the broadest possible set of options for meeting Resolution 9977 objectives.

A second “Portfolio Development” phase will use traditional electric sector planning models to evaluate various portfolios, including potential changes to the Glenarm Power Plant.

The final phase will analyze cost impacts and develop a draft Optimized Strategic Plan.

According to the report, the initiative builds on earlier progress, including the City Council’s unanimous approval in December 2023 of a 25-year Power Integrated Resource Plan, which requires safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible electricity at competitive rates.

Community engagement has been extensive, according to the PWP, with officials holding six Technical Advisory Panel meetings, two Municipal Services Committee updates, an Environmental Advisory Commission briefing, and a Citywide Zoom meeting.

“I am hopeful that the OSP will be a practical plan and timeline for using all the tools available to achieve our City’s goal,” Cannady said.

“In addition to contracts with distant electricity suppliers that our City has always relied on, this means public, commercial and residential solar and batteries right here in Pasadena, including community solar so apartment dwellers can get the cost benefit of solar. This also means technologies and policies to reduce demand and optimize the functioning of the local grid.”

The initiative supports Pasadena’s Urban Environmental Accords, specifically Action 1 (Renewable Energy), Action 2 (Energy Efficiency), and Action 3 (Climate Change).

The public can provide feedback via email at WPD_IRP@CityOfPasadena.net or by calling (626) 744-4005.

The staff report indicates no formal action is required at Monday’s presentation.