Pasadena Water and Power Proposes Electric Rate Adjustments, Public Comment Period Open

Pasadena residents now have the opportunity to provide feedback on proposed changes to their electricity bills as Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) seeks to restructure its electric rates. The proposal, presented to the Pasadena City Council on March 2, follows a nearly two-year comprehensive rate study and public engagement process.

Why the Change is Proposed

PWP officials state the proposed adjustments are necessary to maintain and modernize the city’s electrical infrastructure. Rising costs for equipment and upgrades are impacting the long-term reliability of the local power grid. PWP General Manager David Reyes emphasized the demand for updated infrastructure funding due to increasing equipment costs .

What It Could Indicate for Customers

The proposed rate restructuring is based on electricity usage, rather than a uniform increase across all bills. PWP estimates a systemwide average increase of approximately 7%, but the actual impact will vary depending on individual household consumption. City officials anticipate that approximately 63,000 customers will experience either a bill decrease or an increase of less than $10 per month .

Rates Compared to Neighboring Utilities

If approved, Pasadena’s residential electric rates are projected to remain competitive within the region. As of February 2026 estimates, a household using 500 kilowatt-hours per month would pay less with PWP than with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Southern California Edison, Glendale Water and Power, and Burbank Water and Power .

Timeline and Public Input

If the City Council approves the proposal, the first adjustment could take effect in April 2026. Additional proposed 7% system average increases are scheduled for October 2026 and March 2027. The City Council is scheduled to close the public hearing and consider the item on March 23 .

Residents can submit comments online through the city clerk’s public comment portal, by calling the City Clerk’s Office, or by sending written correspondence to City Hall. PWP encourages customers to review the potential impact on their bills using an online estimator and to explore income-qualified assistance programs offering monthly bill credits to eligible residents .

Pasadena Water and Power’s Commitment to Clean Energy

The proposed rate adjustments come as PWP works towards sourcing 100% of Pasadena’s electricity from carbon-free resources by the end of 2030, as outlined in Resolution 9977. The Optimized Strategic Plan (OSP) approved by the City Council in December 2023 guides PWP’s efforts to achieve this goal while maintaining affordability, rate equity, stability, and reliability .