Tuesday, April 21, 2026

City, PUSD Highlight Joint Push for Solar Expansion and Clean Energy Goals by 2030

By ANDRÈ COLEMAN, Managing Editor

Pasadena city and school officials highlighted a growing partnership on clean energy initiatives Monday during a joint meeting, outlining plans to expand solar power, improve energy efficiency and collaborate on long-term sustainability goals.

Leaders from the Pasadena City Council and the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) stressed the importance of working together to meet ambitious targets, including the city’s goal of achieving 100% carbon-free electricity by 2030.

Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) officials presented a wide-ranging overview of programs aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including investments in solar energy, battery storage and energy efficiency. The city has committed $20 million toward an initial phase of municipal solar projects at multiple sites, including libraries and utility facilities.

“Partnering with PUSD is going to be really helpful to meeting our goals and challenges,” PWP General Manager David Reyes told officials, noting that collaboration will be key to scaling renewable energy efforts across the city.

School district officials outlined their own sustainability plans, including a proposed first phase of solar installations at 12 campuses, primarily in parking lots, with a projected capacity of about 6.25 megawatts. The projects are expected to move through planning in 2026, with construction anticipated in 2027.

PUSD has already seen financial benefits from earlier solar investments. District officials reported approximately $566,000 in savings in 2024 from existing solar sites, though they noted the district could have saved more by owning the systems outright rather than entering into third-party agreements.

Officials said future projects will prioritize district ownership of solar infrastructure, allowing the district to reinvest savings into operations and educational programs.

Councilmembers underscored the broader benefits of the partnership, including reducing pressure on city infrastructure and accelerating progress toward climate goals.

“Every megawatt of energy that you either produce or store is a megawatt of energy that we don’t have to produce or store,” Councilmember Rick Cole said, encouraging exploration of rate structures that incentivize school-based energy generation.

Beyond environmental benefits, officials also pointed to workforce development opportunities tied to the expansion of clean energy projects. District representatives said they are exploring partnerships that would connect students with training and careers in emerging energy industries.

Community members who spoke during public comment largely supported the collaboration, while urging officials to ensure equity, protect existing infrastructure and expand local hiring opportunities.

The meeting also served as a broader demonstration of coordination between city and school leaders, who described the joint effort as essential to meeting both climate and community goals.

“We can’t do it alone,” Reyes said, adding that residents, institutions and public agencies will all play a role in achieving the city’s clean energy targets.