CPS ENERGY TO CLOSE BRAUNIG AND CALAVERAS LAKES DURING FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND
UTILITY PROVIDES UPDATE ON NEW POSITIVE COVID-19 EMPLOYEE CASES AND SAFETY MEASURES
As a reminder, CPS Energy offices will be closed on Friday, July 3, 2020 in observance of the Fourth of July holiday. Additionally, in accordance with the action by the City and County to close parks for the Fourth of July weekend to reduce the spread of COVID-19, CPS Energy announced today that Braunig and Calaveras lakes, along with their nearby parks, will also be closed to the public. The lakes and parks will close Thursday, July 2, 2020 at 8 p.m. and will reopen on Monday, July 6, 2020 at 6 a.m. The recent increase in the amount of COVID-19 cases in Texas has resulted in many popular recreational areas across the state to act by closing or limiting access.
“This is a challenging time for our community. Our continuous message to our employees is that we have to stay vigilant and keep our focus on protecting our families, fellow co-workers and community. It’s important for their health and safety, as we also have the critically essential job of providing energy to the Greater San Antonio area,” said Rudy Garza, Chief Customer Engagement Officer, CPS Energy. “We understand this decision to close the lakes and parks will affect many people who had planned on enjoying them, however, the health and safety of our community is our focus and, consistent with City and County action, closing the lakes and park will help to slow the spread of the pandemic. We ask everyone to please be safe this weekend and observe social distancing practices and utilize facial coverings as they celebrate the Fourth of July holiday with their immediate families.”
CPS Energy update on positive employee COVID-19 cases
As the number of positive COVID-19 cases in the community surge, the utility is also seeing an increase in the number of employees testing positive for COVID-19 as well. As of today, Thursday, July 2, 2020, 38 employees have tested positive. As part of the utility’s process, extensive contact tracing and notification of coworkers and customers is performed. Additionally, deep cleaning of facilities where these employees were during the last 2 weeks has also been completed. CPS Energy also tracks the number of employees being self-quarantined by the company as a precaution, and that number is 244 employees. Out of an abundance of caution, these employees are asked to self- quarantine to keep our employees and customers safe. Personal information about these employees, including specific health data of the employees, will not be disclosed in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Facial coverings required by customers at walk-in payment centers
In accordance with the City and County orders, the utility is requiring all employees, customers, contractors, and visitors to wear a face covering when they are unable to keep six feet distance from others when they are in a CPS Energy facility or workplace, including customer payment centers. CPS Energy’s new COVID Health & Safety Policy is posted in each facility and has been communicated with all employees. This policy has also been posted on the CPS Energy website. The utility asks customers who do not feel well or who have tested positive for COVID-19, to utilize the multiple, convenient ways customers can interact with the utility without visiting a walk-in center. To pay bills by phone, customers can call (877) 257-1172. To mail a payment, customers can include their bill and payment to CPS Energy, P.O. Box 2678, San Antonio, TX 78289. Additionally, Energy Advisors are available at 210-353-2222 to speak with customers 24/7/365.
CPS Energy Advisors are ready to assist customers
CPS Energy also continues to remind the community about resources available to them to help with payment assistance. Energy Advisors are currently proactively calling customers to ensure they are aware of these assistance programs and resources. In addition to the temporary suspension of disconnects, and the waiving of late fees on unpaid balances for customers who participate in a company-sponsored payment plan, CPS Energy has a variety of money-saving and general assistance programs available for customers. For more information on these programs, visit https://cpsenergy.com/assistance or call 210-353-2222 to speak to an Energy Advisor.
