CPS ENERGY OFFERS SAFETY AND ENERGY SAVING TIPS AS TEMPERATURES RISE

San Antonio, Texas – (July 10, 2020) – San Antonio and the surrounding area can expect triple-digit high temperatures throughout the weekend and into next week. The National Weather Service is encouraging those with outdoor plans to practice proper heat safety by drinking plenty of water and taking frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning.

“San Antonio finds itself in the heat of the summer months.  With temperatures expected to peak above 100 degrees over the next several days, we ask our customers to be mindful of their exposure to the heat,” said Rudy Garza, Chief Customer Engagement Officer for CPS Energy. “Please be safe and watch your children and your pets.  We offer these helpful tips to ensure you are protecting yourselves and watching your energy usage as we brace ourselves for a hot July!”

CPS Energy is also encouraging customers to protect themselves from the extreme temperatures by offering the following tips:

• Hydrate. Drink plenty of water even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Stay in air-conditioned areas, if possible.
• If you must be outside, take breaks often in shaded areas.
• Wear a hat, as well as lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible.

Customers should be aware of the signs of heat-related illness. Here are the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/pdf/Heat_Related_Illness.pdf

With a heat advisory in effect for the next several days, the state could see high energy use especially during the peak energy demand times of 3 p.m.- 7 p.m. During this time, CPS Energy urges customers to reduce energy usage, if safely possible. The utility is stressing that customers should ALWAYS make safety a priority during these extreme temperature days.  CPS Energy is offering these simple tips to stay cool and manage energy use.

• Set thermostats 2 to 3 degrees higher from 3-7 p.m.; set programmable thermostats to higher temperatures when no one is home. The optimum energy-saving temperature is 78 degrees.
• Use fans to feel 4 to 6 degrees cooler.
• Keep out the sun and hot air by making sure your windows and doors are closed tightly.
• Close blinds or drapes on windows that get direct sunlight.  Shade your outside AC units or condensers.
• Set pool pumps to run early morning or overnight; shut off from 4-6 p.m.
• Turn off and unplug non-essential lights and appliances.
• Avoid using large appliances (i.e. ovens, washing machines, etc.), especially during the peak demand hours of 3 – 7 p.m. Grill outside to avoid using in-home appliances.

Customers should utilize the City of San Antonio cooling centers. The centers are open and provide respite from the high temperatures. Cooling centers are observing COVID-19 precautions, including face coverings, screening, sanitation, and social distancing guidelines. City of San Antonio cooling center locations are located here. https://www.sanantonio.gov/gpa/News/ArtMID/24373/ArticleID/19155/

As a reminder, CPS Energy offers a variety of money-saving and general assistance programs to assist customers with their energy bills. The utility has also temporarily suspended disconnects and is waiving late fees for customers who take part in a company-sponsored payment plan.

For more information on energy and money-saving tips, customers can visit https://www.cpsenergy.com/en/my-home/savenow/energy-saving–tips.html.  Knowledgeable Energy Advisors are available to assist customers with tips and assistance programs. Customers can speak to an Energy Advisor by calling 210-353-2222.

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About CPS Energy
Established in 1860, CPS Energy is the nation’s largest public power, natural gas, and electric company, providing safe, reliable, and competitively-priced service to 860,934 electric and 358,495 natural gas customers in San Antonio and portions of seven adjoining counties. Our customers’ combined energy bills rank among the lowest of the nation’s 20 largest cities – while generating $8 billion in revenue for the City of San Antonio for more than seven decades. As a trusted and strong community partner, we continuously focus on job creation, economic development, and educational investment. True to our People First philosophy, we are powered by our skilled workforce, whose commitment to the community is demonstrated through our employees’ volunteerism in giving back to our city and programs aimed at bringing value to our customers. CPS Energy is among the top public power wind energy buyers in the nation and number one in Texas for solar generation.