Summary
Pasadena Water and Power won approval for phased electric rate increases totaling roughly 22% compounded by March 2027 — the first comprehensive increase since 2016 — to fund grid upgrades and rising costs. The council committed to revisit whether the third phase is needed, and low-income customers get expanded bill assistance.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 5
- Last 30 days
- 1
Last discussed Mar 30, 2026.
Impact analysis
Average residential customers could see bills rise roughly $15 a month after all three phases; Caltech estimates a $2.6 million annual increase.
The utility's long-term financial stability and all customers relying on a reliable, hardened grid.
Ratepayers, particularly middle-class households and large institutional and business customers facing higher bills.
Mentions & discussions (5)
Pasadena’s Small Businesses Face $35.20 in Monthly Fixed Electric Charges Under October Rates – Pasadena Now
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City Council Meeting: - Mar 30, 2026
The council finalized an update to the city's electric utility rate ordinance on second reading.
City Council Meeting: - Mar 23, 2026
Pasadena Water and Power won approval for phased electric rate increases totaling roughly 22% compounded by March 2027 — the first comprehensive increase since 2016 — to fund grid upgrades and rising costs. The council committed to revisit whether the third phase is needed, and low-income customers get expanded bill assistance.
City Council Meeting: - Mar 2, 2026
Pasadena Water and Power wants three 7% electric rate hikes over the next year — the first big rate study since 2014. The council opened the hearing but put off the actual decision to March 23, and some members questioned the cost-of-service study's assumptions.
City Council Meeting: - Feb 24, 2026
The council set a March 2 public hearing on electric rate increases that could reach 21% over three years. Councilmember Madison also asked that solar feed-in tariff rates be addressed separately.
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