Pasadena’s Glenarm Battery Project Targets 100 Megawatt-Hours of Energy Storage by Mid-2027

PASADENA — October 26, 2026. Pasadena’s municipal utility is moving forward with its first utility-scale battery energy-storage facility, known as the Glenarm Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). City officials marked the approach of construction in October and say the system is designed to provide 25 megawatts of power for four hours — an energy capacity of approximately 100 megawatt-hours.

Why utility-scale batteries matter

Batteries can store electricity and release it later when the grid needs power, such as during evening peak demand. Pasadena Water and Power says the lithium iron phosphate facility is intended to support reliable electricity service and the city’s goal of 100% carbon-free electricity. The facility will not create electricity on its own; it must be charged from grid resources.

Project financing and schedule

In June 2024, the City Council approved a plan involving Glenarm BESS, LLC for development and eventual utility purchase. The California Energy Commission has supported the project with up to $9.66 million through the Distributed Electricity Backup Assets (DEBA) program. The city projects completion by mid-2027.

Construction celebrations and grant decisions do not mean the battery is already providing full operational service. Detailed installation, connection, safety testing and commissioning must occur before the system can deliver on its planned capability.

What residents should check

The project may become part of Pasadena’s longer-term resilience strategy, but city materials do not claim it alone can guarantee uninterrupted electricity during every neighborhood outage. Consult official Pasadena Water and Power updates for changes in project timing or estimated benefits.

Official source: Pasadena City Manager’s October 15, 2026 newsletter and Glenarm BESS project information.

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