Solar energy leadership in Pico Rivera earns Gold Designation through Solsmart program
In a significant stride towards sustainability, the City of Pico Rivera has been awarded the SolSmart Gold designation, marking it as the first Gateway City in California to receive this distinction since 2023. This recognition comes as a testament to Pico Rivera's commitment to promoting renewable energy and reducing barriers to solar energy development.
The SolSmart program, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, provides no-cost technical assistance to local governments aiming to make it easier to adopt solar energy. Pico Rivera's achievement is primarily due to its best practices in streamlining and improving access to affordable solar energy.
One of the key best practices implemented by Pico Rivera is a streamlined solar permitting process. The city has simplified and expedited the process to reduce costs and barriers for solar installation. This could involve shortening approval times, reducing fees, or introducing online application systems to facilitate easier access for residents and businesses.
Another significant move was the adoption of renewable energy policies. The city council passed resolutions supporting renewable energy technologies and skilled electrical work related to solar installations. For instance, they adopted a “Renewable Energy Skilled and Trained Electrical Policy,” emphasizing the importance of qualified personnel handling solar projects.
Pico Rivera's efforts also extend to community engagement and support. City council activities and resolutions demonstrate a focus on integrating solar and renewable energy into community development, with plans for parks and general plan updates that incorporate sustainability components.
The city's solar initiatives and permitting improvements have been publicly recognised through presentations and awards by SolSmart, indicating transparent communication and leadership promoting solar energy adoption in the community.
Pico Rivera's Power Choice program, offered through Pico Rivera Innovative Municipal Energy (PRIME), played a major role in achieving the Gold status. Participants in the program enjoy long-term bill savings and benefit from emergency backup power during outages. The program provides Pico Rivera residents and businesses with access to solar energy and battery storage systems, offering no upfront costs and no credit check required.
The city's leadership in sustainability and innovation has not gone unnoticed. Pico Rivera was also selected for the Energy Action Platinum Award among 27 cities within the Gateway Cities region. This award is the highest distinction recognizing energy efficiency.
With Dr. Monica Sánchez sworn in as Pico Rivera Mayor on December 15, 2021, and Erik Lutz as Mayor Pro Tem, the city continues to reorganize its leadership to drive sustainable change.
Although the article does not provide information about the other cities that competed for the Energy Action Platinum Award, Pico Rivera's achievements serve as an inspiration for other cities to follow suit in promoting renewable energy and fostering a more sustainable future.
To learn more about the Power Choice Program and to sign up, visit PoweredByPrime.org.
- The City Council of Pico Rivera, in its continued support for renewable energy, passed resolutions to prioritize environmental-science, acknowledging the importance of qualified personnel for solar projects.
- The local government of Pico Rivera, in an effort to promote sustainability, has been recognized by the SolSmart program for streamlining and improving access to affordable solar energy, particularly through a simplified solar permitting process.
- As a testament to its commitment to renewable energy and sustainability, Pico Rivera has been awarded the SolSmart Gold designation, marking it as the first Gateway City in California to receive this distinction since 2023.
- City initiatives such as the Power Choice program, offered through Pico Rivera Innovative Municipal Energy (PRIME), have provided residents and businesses with access to solar energy and battery storage systems, offering no upfront costs and no credit check requirements.
- The SolSmart program, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, provides no-cost technical assistance to local governments, helping them make it easier to adopt solar energy and reduce barriers related to development.
