Pasadena Receives Charging Smart Silver Designation
The city utility earns recognition for its efforts to expand electric vehicle access and charging infrastructure.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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Should local utilities prioritize incentives for public charging and residential renewable energy?
Pasadena Water and Power has earned a Silver designation from the federally funded Charging Smart program for its work to accelerate electric vehicle adoption. The utility has also secured a cybersecurity recognition from the American Public Power Association.
Why it matters
The utility aims to expand electric vehicle opportunities and ensure reliable charging to support local air quality. Its cybersecurity designation reflects a broader goal of protecting essential water and power systems against digital threats.
Pasadena currently operates 162 public charging stations at 13 distinct sites throughout the city. Customers can also save an average of 20% to 30% on solar upfront costs through local utility rebate programs.
The players
Pasadena Water and Power
This municipal utility provides water and electricity services to residents and businesses in the city of Pasadena.
American Public Power Association
This national organization represents nonprofit, community-owned electric utilities and provides cybersecurity assessment services.
U.S. Department of Energy
This federal executive department is responsible for energy policy and funds initiatives like the Charging Smart program.
The details
Pasadena adopted nationally recognized best practices to accelerate EV deployment while improving accessibility for residents. Simultaneously, the utility's finance and administration unit earned a cybersecurity designation after an assessment of governance, incident response, and risk management.
Timeline
Oct. 28, 2026: The city utility receives official recognition for its EV and cybersecurity programs.
Nov. 5, 2026: The utility hosts a Solar Power and Battery 101 virtual workshop at 6 p.m.
Roadmap
Pasadena is actively following the deployment framework established by the U.S. Department of Energy's Charging Smart program to standardize its local EV infrastructure. This achievement positions the city's utility to better integrate decentralized energy resources alongside regional competitors.
Residents can utilize local rebates to lower the upfront costs of home chargers and solar installations by up to 30%. These programs also improve local access to the 162 public charging stations currently available across the city.
The takeaway
The city continues to incentivize the transition to clean energy through specific financial rebates and infrastructure support. Residents looking to reduce their energy costs should monitor the city's upcoming workshops for guidance on home battery and solar adoption.
What happens next
PWP will host a Solar Power and Battery 101 virtual workshop for residents on Nov. 5, 2026, starting at 6 p.m.
Further reading
For additional information on regional charging initiatives, visit the Electric Vehicles section.
More information
Learn more about local programs by visiting the Pasadena electric vehicle rebates and stations resource page.
Live Poll
Should local utilities prioritize incentives for public charging and residential renewable energy?
