CPS ENERGY PREPARED FOR POSSIBLE SEVERE WEATHER, OUTAGES

SAN ANTONIO, Texas – July 24, 2020– According to the National Weather Service, severe weather is expected to impact the San Antonio region this weekend. As threatening weather churns in the Gulf of Mexico, forecasts suggest pockets of heavy rain in the area on both Saturday and Sunday.  CPS Energy is actively monitoring weather conditions to ensure teams are ready should the storm result in power outages within their service territory.  The utility has already started preparations by ensuring supplies, resources and equipment are ready to respond quickly and safely.  

As with any rain storm, the potential of lightning is possible, which can strike transformers, utility poles, power lines and other equipment, possibly resulting in a power outage.  Strong winds can cause tree limbs to contact power lines or result in power lines swaying into each other, also provoking outages.  Winds can also limit the use of bucket trucks to reach high lines. If winds are above 30 mph, safety protocol requires linemen to climb poles to make repairs, which could slow restoration efforts.

Watch this video to learn how CPS Energy’s Energy Management Center prepares for power outages. Additionally, more helpful power outage videos can be found here.

CPS Energy is asking customers to be prepared for these types of severe thunderstorms by following these tips:

• Stay informed. Check out the new 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. 
• Report your outage online with your smartphone or tablet or by calling (210) 353-HELP (4357). 
• Customers can engage the utility through their social media channels to report significant damage in their neighborhood.
• Be prepared. Keep all mobile devices, flashlights, batteries and other important items available for an unexpected power outage. 
• Stay away from downed power lines and report them to CPS Energy by calling, 210-353-4357. Do NOT attempt to move or drive over the lines. 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.

The utility reminds drivers about a  law that went into effect on September 1, 2019. The law requires motorist to Move Over or Slow Down for stopped utility vehicles on the side of the road.

For additional safety tips, please visit their website.