Public Comment Period Now Open on Proposed Electric Rate Adjustments

Following a nearly two-year comprehensive rate study and public engagement process, Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) presented proposed electric rate adjustments at the Pasadena City Council meeting on Monday, March 2. The public comment period for the proposed adjustments is now open. The City Council is scheduled to close the public hearing and consider the item on Monday, March 23.

To leave a public comment, email CityClerk@CityOfPasadena.net, or send correspondence to the Office of the City Clerk at 100 N. Garfield Avenue, Room S228. For those in need of assistance, call the City Clerk's office at (626) 744-4124.

“To keep up with rising equipment and infrastructure costs and to continue upgrading the aging power grid, a rate adjustment is necessary to keep the PWP electric system reliable for years to come,” said PWP General Manager David Reyes.

Because the proposed adjustments will restructure rates, not simply increased across the board, PWP electric customers will experience different impacts depending on their usage. The majority of customers will see little to no change or even a decrease. Specifically, PWP is proposing a 7% system average rate increase, where approximately 63,000 customers will see either a bill decrease or an increase of less than $10.

Compared to neighboring utilities such as Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Southern California Edison, Glendale Water and Power and Burbank Water and Power, PWP would have the lowest residential electric rates when estimated as of February 2026 for a residential household using 500 kWh per month.

If Pasadena City Council approves the proposed electric rate adjustment, the increase could go into effect in April 2026 followed by two additional 7% system average increase in October 2026 and March 2027.

The proposed rate adjustment will impact PWP electric customers differently. PWP offers a bill estimator to see a personalized projection of what proposed rates would mean for your bill on the Proposed Rate Adjustment page. Electric customers are encouraged to take advantage of the PWP’s income-qualified assistance programs, which offer monthly bill credits and support for qualifying residents. Visit the Bill Assistance and Low Income Programs page for more information.