A green leap forward
Council calls for one-third of all Pasadena electricity to come from renewable sources by 2015
By Joe Piasecki 03/19/2009
Pasadena City Council members on Monday unanimously approved a 20-year electricity resource plan that, among other things, calls for a sharp reduction in the use of coal-generated power and an increased reliance on renewable sources of energy, which now provide only about 8 percent of Pasadena electricity. Under the new plan, that number could be pushed as high as 15 percent by 2010, 33 percent by 2015 and 40 percent by 2020.
Ultimately, the city hopes to cut greenhouse gas emissions from power generation by 25 percent over the next 21 years.
To reach these goals, however, customers will see a slight increase in their monthly power bills. “The plan is very progressive and not without cost,” explained Councilwoman Margaret McAustin. “There is a 6 percent premium we’re expected to pay for becoming greener and reducing our reliance on coal.”
Taking out some of the sting, however, is the expectation that government regulation will continue to raise tax penalties for greenhouse gas emissions.
Council members also voted to increase the amount of electricity that Pasadena Water and Power produces locally. In 2014 the city will install a new generator, powered by natural gas, to replace the one currently located at Glenarm Street.
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