CPS ENERGY PREPARED FOR INCOMING STORM, POSSIBLE POWER OUTAGES

According to the National Weather Service, there is a risk for severe thunderstorms over most of our service area tonight and through Thursday morning.  CPS Energy is actively monitoring weather conditions and will have crews and staff on standby should the storm result in power outages for customers.  

“Depending on the severity, the incoming weather could impact our infrastructure,” said Darrell Clifton, Vice President of Construction & Maintenance Services at CPS Energy. “Severe weather can result in tree branches falling on our power lines or other infrastructure damage as well as vehicle accidents that can cause power outages. We will work around the clock to restore all outages as quickly and safely as possible.”

Customers are encouraged to use CPS Energy’s interactive Outage Map for virtually real-time outage information. A helpful tutorial video is located at the Outage Center. The new map refreshes every 5 minutes to provide users with an improved experience.  

Customers are also asked to always be prepared for inclement weather by following these tips:

• Report your outage online with your smartphone or tablet or by calling (210) 353-HELP (4357). 
• Be prepared. Keep all mobile devices, battery-powered LED lights, flashlights, batteries and other important items available for an unexpected power outage. 
• Always have an emergency plan for where you will go should you have an extended outage, especially if you rely on medical equipment or have special health conditions.
• Stay informed. Check out the outage map and refresh for current outage updates. Also, follow our Facebook and Twitter sites for status updates. If possible, seek local TV or radio station weather reports. 
• Stay away from downed power lines and report them to CPS Energy. Do NOT attempt to move or drive over the lines. Treat them as if they are live. Even in an outage, power lines can carry an electric current strong enough to cause injury.  
• In the event of a power outage keep the refrigerator door closed as much as possible. Refrigerated food should be safe for up to 4 hours.
• Discard any perishable foods that have been above 40°F for more than 2 hours. Visit the U.S. Food & Drug Administration website to learn how to keep food safe at fda.gov.
• If your neighbors have power and you do not, check your breakers. 
  • Tripped breakers account for about 20% of service calls.

With the risk of possible flooding, CPS Energy is asking customers to please be patient as crews navigate any road closures or adverse traffic conditions in their effort to restore power quickly and safely. Drivers are reminded to Move Over or Slow Down for stopped utility vehicles on the side of the road, per State law. Please help keep our crews safe.