CPS ENERGY WINS AWARD FOR NATURAL GAS OPERATIONAL AND SAFETY EXCELLENCE
May 23, 2024 (SAN ANTONIO) – The American Public Gas Association (APGA) presented CPS Energy with the APGA System Operational Achievement Recognition (SOAR) for excellence in operating its natural gas utility. Out of approximately 750 APGA members, CPS Energy was selected for SOAR level bronze by its peers on the APGA Operations and Safety Committee. The selection was based on demonstrated excellence in the four areas of system integrity, system improvement, employee safety, and workforce development.
“At CPS Energy we pride ourselves on delivering safe and reliable natural gas to our customers,” said Rudy D. Garza, President & CEO of CPS Energy. “This recognition would not be possible without the hard work of our more than 3,500 employees, which includes the over 250 employees on our gas team, who are devoted to operational and safety excellence. We are honored to be nominated alongside many prestigious public utilities.”
To achieve excellence in each of the four categories, the following must be met:
- System integrity: systems are performing safely and efficiently while effectively distributing reliable energy.
- System improvement: all system maintenance is up-to-date through self-improvement programs.
- Employee safety: must meet a number of areas of excellence including tracking of safety performance and the adoption of safety programs with accountability for each employee.
- Workforce development: focuses on training and development of all employees to increase retention within the organization.
“CPS Energy was highly rated in all four areas that are required of SOAR,” said Dave Schryver, APGA President and CEO. “CPS Energy consistently demonstrates a commitment to providing natural gas safely and efficiently to all those in their community and as such, serves as a model for all other natural gas utilities in the country. APGA is proud to recognize CPS Energy and is confident in their continued success.”
CPS Energy was one of twenty-five SOAR recipients recognized in 2024, joining the 51 previous SOAR award recipients. The utility also received recognition signifying CPS Energy’s commitment to excellence in operating a natural gas utility system. APGA will recognize CPS Energy at its Annual Conference in Traverse City, Michigan in July.
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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 930,114 electric and 381,379 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 $9 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.
About the American Public Gas Association (APGA)
APGA is the national association of municipally and publicly‐owned local distribution systems. There are about 1,000 public gas systems serving more than 5 million customers. These public gas utilities are not‐for‐profit retail distribution entities that are owned by, and accountable to, the citizens they serve. They include municipal gas distribution systems, public utility districts, county districts, and other public agencies that have natural gas distribution facilities.
