The City of Pico Rivera recently partnered with Tripepi Smith to promote its innovative Power Choice program, a key initiative of Pico Rivera Innovative Municipal Energy (PRIME). Through a strategic marketing and outreach campaign, Tripepi Smith helped inform and educate residents about the program, increasing community awareness of this low-cost option for home solar and battery storage.

The partnership contributed to the City’s recognition with the prestigious Platinum Energy Action Award from the Gateway Cities Council of Governments. Pico Rivera stood out among 27 cities for its strong commitment to sustainability, with the Power Choice program playing a crucial role in this achievement. Additionally, the City received Gold designation from the national SolSmart program, recognizing the City’s leadership in improving access to affordable solar energy at the local level. Pico Rivera is the first City in California to receive this honor since 2023 and the first Gateway City ever to achieve the Gold level designation.

“Our partnership with Tripepi Smith was pivotal in helping us drive community awareness and education about the Power Choice program,” said Steve Carmona, City Manager of Pico Rivera. “Their team’s expertise in community outreach and communications has helped reinforce our City’s commitment to a greener future.”

“Tripepi Smith brought a fresh perspective and strategic approach to ensure our messaging about Power Choice resonated with the Pico Rivera community,” added Victor Ferrer, General Manager of the City of Pico Rivera’s Office of Sustainability. “Their tailored campaign not only helped boost attendance at our community workshop but also increased interest and engagement in the program across the board.”

Tripepi Smith’s marketing and outreach campaign enhanced program visibility and community involvement through a robust mix of social media content, direct mail campaigns, press releases and an interactive community workshop to educate residents and inspire engagement.

Senior Business Analyst Peter Johnson led the project, with key support from Junior Business Analysts Olivia Rizzuto and Ted Hwang, and the creative expertise of Graphic Designer Jenni Wechsler, Junior Graphic Designers Jessa Laboissonniere and Jenna Haubruge, Junior Videographer Christina Haverilla and Creative Director Kevin Bostwick. Together, they developed bilingual materials, a visually engaging mailer, and an educational video featuring former Mayor Andrew Lara to maximize community engagement.

“We’ve seen firsthand how sustained marketing and outreach efforts can make a difference for Community Choice Aggregation organizations, like PRIME,” said Peter Johnson. “By focusing on clear, consistent messaging, we were able to educate the community and bring PRIME’s innovative solutions to the forefront.”

As Pico Rivera continues to lead in energy efficiency, Tripepi Smith remains committed to helping the City share its story and drive impactful change in the community. This collaboration highlights Pico Rivera’s leadership in renewable energy and its commitment to an equitable, sustainable future.

About Pico Rivera Innovative Municipal Energy

Pico Rivera Innovative Municipal Energy (PRIME) is the City of Pico Rivera’s locally run power provider. Pico Rivera promotes power alternatives, resource conservation, and smart energy consumption. ​With a lofty goal of creating the most innovative, decentralized modern energy platform in the state, PRIME is determined to deliver smarter, cleaner energy programs for its customers, to promote the growth of cleaner energy opportunities, and stimulate local development. PRIME is equally committed to helping both the environment and the local economy. Learn more at poweredbyprime.org.

About Tripepi Smith

Tripepi Smith is a California-based marketing, technology and public affairs firm that serves for-profit, nonprofit and public agencies. Its unique mix of marketing and technology prowess provides a competitive advantage to agencies seeking to leverage the internet to achieve their communication goals. The firm provides full content creation services, including: ghost writing, collateral development, photography, video production, aerial imagery, search engine optimization, email marketing campaigns and website design and execution. Tripepi Smith’s diverse clients include: City of American Canyon, City of Calabasas, City of Culver City, City of Cupertino, City of Daly City, City of Grover Beach, City of Indian Wells, City of La Cañada Flintridge, City of Lake Forest, City of Livermore, City of Malibu, City of Napa, City of Palmdale, City of Paramount, City of Tracy, CalChoice Energy Authority, California Joint Powers Insurance Authority, Santa Clara County Fire Department, Costa Mesa Sanitary District, Rowland Water District, California City Management Foundation, Renne Public Law Group, West Coast Arborists, Scripps College, Blind Children’s Center and Climatec.