What is Pasadena’s newest power source? PWP recently signed a long-term agreement to buy a six megawatt share in the High Winds generation facility in Solano County in Northern California. 

As opposed to electricity generated by fossil fuels, green power uses natural resources, such as wind, solar and biomass, which are abundant and result in little or no emissions.  In addition to the High Winds contract, PWP buys renewable energy from hydroelectric facilities in Azusa and at Hoover Dam.

The High Winds plant will include 81 state-of-the-art Vestas V80 windmills, lining the ridgetops of the Montezuma Hills. Because of a creative arrangement with the supplier, Pasadena will receive power on a continuous basis, independent of wind patterns. We will be able to rely on this power 24 hours a day, seven days a week and making it much easier to predict expenses and plan our citywide supply – even during the peak periods of summer. 

The cities of Anaheim, Azusa, Colton, and Glendale are also participating in the project. These cities, including Pasadena, all operate electric utilities and are members of the Southern California Public Power Authority (SCPPA). Working through SCPPA, the cities jointly negotiated contracts for a total of 30 megawatts of the project output, which is a significant amount compared to their individual shares. By working together with its neighboring utilities, Pasadena now enjoys wind energy at a lower price based on a larger quantity, which means savings to Pasadena customers.

With its 328-foot tall windmills capturing faster winds at higher elevations, the plant will produce150 megawatts of power and is so far the largest project of its kind in California.  Currently, the green power offered by PWP is comprised of 100% wind power, and is available for an additional energy charge of $0.025 per kilowatt-hour.

To learn more or to sign up for this green power option, you can send a request online or call PWP at (626) 744-4005 or (626) 744-6970 (PWP AnswerLine) for more information.  There is also more information about green power on our website.