Pasadena to Begin Underground Cable Replacement Project
Pasadena Water and Power will upgrade five miles of aging electrical infrastructure to support long-term carbon-free goals.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Utilities
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Pasadena Water and Power is set to begin replacing five miles of subtransmission cables on October 19, 2026. This $73,180,000 initiative will upgrade critical infrastructure between the Santa Anita and Glenarm receiving stations.
Why it matters
The project modernizes aging grid components and increases capacity to support the city's goal of reaching 100% carbon-free electricity by 2030. Internal power generation will maintain grid stability while the lines are de-energized during the work.
The utility has allocated $73,180,000 for the project, which includes a significant $43,952,000 investment for cable purchases. Copper accounts for 75% of those material costs, a figure impacted by the 50% federal tariff on copper that began August 1, 2025.
The players
Pasadena Water and Power
This community-owned utility provides water and electricity services to residents and businesses within the city of Pasadena.
Glenarm Power Plant
This critical facility serves as a major node for internal power generation and houses the utility's high-capacity generating units.
The details
Crews will work weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to remove old cables and install higher-capacity lines. Throughout the approximately six-month de-energization period, the city will rely on internal generation, including the 71-megawatt GT-5 unit at the Glenarm Power Plant, to ensure continuous service for residents.
Timeline
October 19, 2026: Construction on the underground cable project begins.
Summer 2027: The city expects the project to be completed.
Market Landscape
This project aligns with Pasadena's 100% carbon-free electricity goal for 2030 by modernizing infrastructure to handle future renewable energy integration. It positions the municipal utility to remain independent while meeting aggressive state-level sustainability mandates.
Residents should expect localized traffic controls near the construction corridor, with each affected location seeing closures for one to two days. The city anticipates no customer service outages despite the lines being de-energized for six months.
The takeaway
Replacing aging infrastructure is a critical step for cities aiming to update their electrical grids for future energy demands. Residents living near the Santa Anita and Glenarm corridor should prepare for brief, periodic traffic disruptions over the coming months.
Further reading
For more information on ongoing infrastructure improvements, visit Pasadena Utilities.
More information
View full project information and updates on the municipal website.
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Do you trust your local utility to manage infrastructure upgrades without causing service disruptions?
