Solar Energy Leadership Recognized for Pico Rivera with Solsmart Gold Designation
On December 15, 2021, Pico Rivera underwent a change in leadership, with Dr. Monica Sanchez being appointed Mayor and Councilmember Erik Lutz as Mayor Pro Tem. This change marked a new era for the city, as it embarked on a mission to promote renewable energy and sustainability.
Fast forward to April 24, 2025, and Pico Rivera has made significant strides in its commitment to a greener future. The city was awarded the Gold designation from the SolSmart program, a national initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Energy that aims to help local governments make solar energy adoption easier.
Pico Rivera stood out among 27 competing cities in the region for its leadership in sustainability and innovation. The city's achievement is primarily due to its Power Choice program, offered through the Pico Rivera Innovative Municipal Energy (PRIME) initiative. This program provides residents and businesses with access to solar energy and battery storage systems, with no upfront costs and no credit check required.
The Power Choice program was successfully promoted through a strategic partnership with Tripepi Smith. Targeted marketing and outreach campaigns were implemented to educate residents about low-cost solar and battery storage options. This increased community awareness, boosted participation in workshops, and enhanced overall engagement with the program.
As a result, participants in the Power Choice program enjoy long-term bill savings and benefit from emergency backup power during outages, thanks to the Tesla Powerwall installed at their homes.
The Gold designation from SolSmart is a testament to Pico Rivera’s effective leadership and successful community-driven efforts to expand solar energy use affordably and sustainably. This national honor highlights the city's strong commitment to sustainability and clean energy growth, making Pico Rivera the first city in California since 2023 and the first Gateway City ever to earn this Gold level designation.
In addition to the Gold designation, Pico Rivera was also honoured with the 2025 Energy Action Platinum Award and the 2024 Energy Action Platinum Award, the highest distinction recognising energy efficiency and sustainability.
If you're interested in joining Pico Rivera's renewable energy revolution, visit PoweredByPrime.org to learn more about the Power Choice Program and sign up. Together, we can create a more sustainable future for all.
- The local government of Pico Rivera, led by Mayor Dr. Monica Sanchez and Mayor Pro Tem Erik Lutz, has been proactive in promoting renewable energy and sustainability.
- The city council's mission to foster renewable energy use has been reinforced by the city's partnership with Tripepi Smith, focusing on targeted marketing and outreach campaigns to increase community awareness.
- Pico Rivera's Power Choice program, offered under the Pico Rivera Innovative Municipal Energy (PRIME) initiative, has been a key factor in the city's achievements in the field of environmental-science and sustainable energy.
- The program, which provides residents and businesses with access to solar energy and battery storage systems at no upfront cost and no credit check required, has led to substantial bill savings for participants and reduced the city's reliance on traditional energy sources.
- Pico Rivera's commitment to renewable energy and sustainability has been recognized on a national level, with the city receiving the Gold designation from the SolSmart program in 2025, as well as the 2024 and 2025 Energy Action Platinum Awards, the highest distinction for energy efficiency and sustainability.
