Pasadena Water and Power

Pasadena Water and Power. It is a municipal utility owned by the City of Pasadena, providing integrated electricity and water services to residents and businesses within the city. Established in the early 20th century, it operates independently from investor-owned utilities like Southern California Edison and is governed by local officials. The department manages a complex portfolio of power generation assets, water treatment facilities, and distribution networks to ensure reliable service.

History

The utility's origins trace to the Progressive Era, with the City of Pasadena acquiring local water rights and establishing a public electric light plant in 1906. This move was part of a broader municipalization trend in Southern California, exemplified by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. Key early infrastructure included the Devil's Gate Dam, completed in 1920, which expanded local water storage capacity. The Great Depression saw expansion through New Deal projects like the construction of additional reservoirs. Post-World War II growth necessitated investments in new power plants and connections to major regional systems like the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. The 1970s energy crisis and subsequent California electricity crisis of 2000–2001 prompted significant shifts toward energy efficiency and renewable energy procurement.

Services and operations

The department provides retail electricity and potable water to over 65,000 customers in Pasadena. Its electric power distribution system is interconnected with the California Independent System Operator grid, allowing for power exchanges and purchases. Water supply operations involve sourcing from a blend of local groundwater, imported water from the Colorado River via the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, and recycled water for irrigation. Key operational divisions handle customer service, utility billing, emergency response, and outage management. The utility also administers numerous public benefit programs, including low-income assistance and energy conservation rebates.

Infrastructure

Electric generation assets include the Glenarm Power Plant, a natural gas-fired facility, and the Electra Hydroelectric Project. The utility also holds ownership shares in several regional power plants, such as the Intermountain Power Project in Utah. The electrical grid comprises over 800 miles of distribution lines and dozens of substations. Water infrastructure features the Jones Water Treatment Plant, the Eaton Wash Groundwater Recovery Facility, and the Mesa Storage Tank. A vast network of pipelines, including connections to the Colorado River Aqueduct and the State Water Project, ensures supply reliability. The Arroyo Seco watershed and local spreading grounds are critical for groundwater recharge.

Governance and organization

The utility is a department of the City of Pasadena and operates under the policy direction of the Pasadena City Council. The council appoints the Pasadena Municipal Services Committee, which reviews rates, capital projects, and major policies. Day-to-day management is led by a General Manager who reports to the City Manager. Financial operations are overseen by the Pasadena Finance Department, with rates set through public hearings. The organization is funded through customer charges and revenue bonds, not local taxes, and its budget is approved annually by the Pasadena City Council.

Environmental and sustainability initiatives

The department has committed to ambitious goals, including sourcing 100% renewable energy for electricity by 2030, surpassing mandates from the California State Legislature and the California Air Resources Board. Major projects include expanding local solar power through the Pasadena Solar Program and purchasing wind power from facilities like the Mojave Desert's Terra-Gen projects. Water initiatives focus on water conservation, recycled water expansion for customers like the Brookside Golf Course, and habitat restoration in the Arroyo Seco. The utility also promotes electric vehicle adoption by installing public charging stations and offers incentives for energy-efficient appliances and water-efficient landscaping.

Category:Water supply companies of the United States Category:Electric power companies of the United States Category:Companies based in Pasadena, California Category:1906 establishments in California