CPS ENERGY SUNSETS SAVE FOR TOMORROW ENERGY PLAN’S SOLAR REBATES AS PROGRAM TRANSITIONS TO NEXT PHASE OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION PROGRAMS

Applications for current rebate program accepted until December 16

September 13, 2022 (SAN ANTONIO) – As CPS Energy moves ahead with its new energy efficiency and conservation program for customers, it is sunsetting its current solar rebate program towards the end of this year. The transition comes after the previous award-winning Save for Tomorrow Energy Plan (STEP) exceeded its energy savings goal of 771 megawatts by more than 200 MW and achieved the success early and under budget. Solar rebates were one of almost 20 STEP programs.

Customers planning to install rooftop solar have a final opportunity to submit their rebate application before the current solar program expires on December 16, 2022. Completed rebate applications must be successfully submitted in the CPS Energy solar portal by 11:59 p.m. CST.

While most of CPS Energy’s solar rebate offerings are ending, they will remain available for small businesses, non-profits and schools. Future residential solar rebates will include options for low-to-moderate income customers, per CPS Energy’s commitment to its Board of Trustees and the San Antonio City Council which both approved the new energy efficiency and conservation program earlier this year.

In the next phase of STEP, CPS Energy plans to increase participation for low-to-moderate income customers with educational campaigns on the benefits of solar, and creation of a taskforce with the local solar industry to address barriers for this customer group. CPS Energy also will work with the local industry to address predatory sales tactics.

The existing solar rebate program has supported the adoption of solar in Greater San Antonio since the launch of STEP in 2009. As the cost of solar has declined over the years, the rebate has become a smaller part (less than 10%) of the cost of installing a system; thus, signaling that the traditional solar rebate program has served its purpose. 

The Environment Texas Research & Policy Center’s report Shining Cities: The Top U.S. Cities for Solar Energy recognized San Antonio as a “Solar Superstar.” This designation is for cities that have 100 or more watts of solar PV capacity installed per capita. Solar capacity in San Antonio increased 39% since 2020 alone.

For more information, visit CPS Energy’s FAQ page on the company’s website, cpsenergy.com.

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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 more than 907,526 electric and 373,998 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 80 years. As a trusted and strong community partner, we continuously focus on job creation, economic development, and educational investment. 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.