CPS ENERGY’S OFFICES, BRAUNIG AND CALAVERAS LAKES CLOSED DURING LABOR DAY WEEKEND
UTILITY PROVIDES UPDATE ON NEW POSITIVE COVID-19 EMPLOYEE CASES AND SAFETY MEASURES
SAN ANTONIO, Texas – (September 1, 2020) – As a reminder, CPS Energy offices will be closed on Monday, September 7, 2020, in observance of Labor Day. During this closure, customers can report natural gas or electric emergencies by calling 210-353-HELP (4357) or 1-800-870-1006 anytime. Social media channels will be monitored for urgent issues. CPS Energy Customer Service Centers will resume operations at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 8, 2020.
Additionally, per City and County executive orders to close parks during Labor Day weekend to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, CPS Energy’s Braunig and Calaveras lakes, along with nearby parks, will also be closed. The lakes and parks will be closed from Friday, September 4, at 5 p.m. until Tuesday, September 8, 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.
“Safety remains a top priority for CPS Energy. We will remain vigilant to protect our community,” said Rudy Garza, Chief Customer Engagement Officer, CPS Energy. “Closing the lakes and parks during this holiday weekend is aligned with Bexar County and City of San Antonio executive orders. We understand the park is a popular destination for long weekends, but it is important to take proactive measures to protect the health and safety of our customers and employees. Our focus is continuing to provide the critically essential electric and gas service we all need during this pandemic. While our COVID-19 numbers continue to trend in a positive direction in San Antonio, we ask that our community remain focused on safety this holiday weekend by observing physical distancing, using facial coverings when out and about, and practicing proper handwashing to protect themselves, families, and friends. We hope everyone has a safe and happy Labor Day Holiday weekend.”
CPS Energy update on positive employee COVID-19 cases
The utility is also seeing cases of COVID-19 among employees. As of today, September 1, 2020, 101
CPS Energy employees have tested positive. The utility performs extensive contact tracing to help stop the spread of the virus and performs notification of coworkers and customers in a manner consistent with all privacy requirements. Additionally, deep cleaning of facilities where positive employees were during the last two weeks is conducted if necessary.
CPS Energy also tracks the number of employees being self-quarantined by the company as a precaution, and that number is currently 64 employees. Out of an abundance of caution, these employees are asked to self-quarantine to keep other employees and the utility’s customers safe. Personal information about these employees, including specific health data of the employees, is not disclosed per applicable laws and regulations.
Facial coverings and verbal health screening required for customers at walk-in payment centers
In accordance with City and County orders, the utility is requiring all employees, customers, contractors, and visitors to wear a face-covering when in a CPS Energy facility or workplace, including customer payment centers. The utility is also conducting a verbal health screening of any visitor to their facilities. Although the verbal screening is mandatory, an optional temperature check will be available to those who are interested. All screenings will be conducted by medical professionals. This action is essential to protect the health and safety of everyone who enters the facility.
CPS Energy’s new COVID-19 Health & Safety Policy is posted at facilities for employees and customers to review. This policy has also been posted on the CPS Energy website. Customers who do not feel well, who have tested positive with the virus, those awaiting test results or who have been potentially exposed are asked to utilize other convenient ways to 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 make them 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 cpsenergy.com/assistance or call 210-353-2222 to speak to an Energy Advisor.
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