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CPS ENERGY PREPARES FOR SEVERE WEATHER, OFFERS ENERGY SAVING AND SAFETY TIPS AS FREEZING TEMPERATURES APPROACH

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(San Antonio, TX) – February 10, 2021- Tonight, a cold front will push across our region, causing temperatures to dip into the 30s. Thursday, there are chances for showers and even thunderstorms as an upper-level disturbance moves over the region, according to the National Weather Service. As we head into the weekend, much colder conditions are expected as an arctic airmass moves into the CPS Energy service territory covering the Greater San Antonio area.

While it’s too early to say what kind of impact the wintry precipitation will have on CPS Energy’s equipment or the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) grid, CPS Energy is monitoring the weather and temperature, and crews are preparing to respond to customers in need and any reports of power outages.

“We are monitoring the weather and temperature, and our skilled crews are prepared to respond to all reports of power outages,” said Rudy Garza, Chief Customer Engagement Officer. “With freezing temperatures and drizzle expected, we see increased potential for outages due to ice building up on our power lines and tree limbs increasing downed power lines. Our teams in the field and on the phones are standing by ready to help.”

Extreme cold weather conditions across the state could also require additional measures to ensure sufficient power generation capacity. CPS Energy is proactively asking their customers to take note and implement some low-cost energy-saving measures. Although electric demand is expected to be well below CPS Energy’s capacity, customers can help minimize the impact on the Texas grid.

CPS Energy is also reminding customers to be mindful of their energy use to avoid higher than expected energy bills. The utility is offering energy-savings tips to help customers manage energy usage.

  • Set thermostat setting between 68 – 70 degrees.
  • Keep doors and windows closed to minimize hot air from escaping the home.
  • Wear warm, comfortable clothing to help stay warm indoors instead of adjusting the thermostat.
  • Run ceiling fans in reverse to help bring down warm air near the ceiling.
  • More energy-saving tips can be found at cpsenery.com/tips.

With safety a priority, CPS Energy offers tips to help customers stay safe.

  • Never use a stove/oven as a space heater. Using the stove or range to heat your home can produce dangerous carbon monoxide gas.
  • Test smoke alarms to verify they are working in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every floor.
  • Test or install carbon monoxide alarms in a central location outside sleeping areas.
  • Keep flammable liquids and spray cans at least three feet from heating equipment.
  • When using a natural gas space heater, leave a window open a couple of inches for proper ventilation.
  • Have your natural gas appliances serviced and repaired by professionals. Keep areas around your gas water heater or furnace clean, uncluttered, and free of flammable materials.
  • For additional safety tips, please visit cpsenergy.com/safety.

Additionally, the National Weather Service urges area residents to take care of the 4 P’s –people, pets, plants, and pipes.  It is recommended that outdoor water pipes be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly.

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