Low-income customers can take first step toward safer, warmer home this Saturday
The cold, rainy weather forecast for this weekend will be difficult for low-income families who can’t afford insulation and other energy-saving measures to keep their homes warm this winter. However, customers can take the first step to make their homes warmer and safer by applying for CPS Energy’s free Casa Verde program at a Community Programs Fair this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at South San High School, 7535 Barlite Blvd.
Customers will get an opportunity to apply onsite for Casa Verde, which offers qualifying customers an average of $5,000 of free insulation and other energy-saving improvements that help reduce energy bills.
“This Saturday’s programs fair provides a much needed opportunity for customers who are struggling to keep their families warm during the coldest time of the year.” said Maria Garcia, Vice President of Community Engagement. “The next two months will be difficult, especially with a colder than normal winter expected this year. We encourage customers to attend Saturday’s event to take the opportunity to apply for Casa Verde.”
“Before we got CPS Energy’s help with Casa Verde, it was difficult to keep our home warm during a cold front,” said Perla Cortez. “Cold air would come inside the house through broken windows. On top of that, we had no insulation. Now our four kids are happy to be living in a warmer home.”
Customers attending the programs fair must bring the following information to apply for Casa Verde:
- Copy of valid photo I.D. for applicant
- Proof of current income for all members living in home, ages 18 or older, or verification of unemployment
- Recent CPS Energy bill or account number
Casa Verde also provides a safer alternative for families taking desperate measures to heat their home with a kitchen stove – an unsafe practice that creates a dangerous fire hazard and puts families at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
“I know it’s not right, but I used my kitchen stove to try to keep my home warm. I was just hoping that carbon monoxide wouldn’t affect me,” said Amalia Gonzales “I encourage people in the same situation to apply for Casa Verde because it’s a safer way to stay warm. If you qualify, you should go for it.”
The event also will include FREE giveaways, winter safety tips and registration for community services from the following businesses/organizations:
HEALTH & WELLNESS OPTIONS
• Gonzaba Medical Group
• WellMed
• Community First
• San Antonio Food Bank
HOME & UTILITY RESOURCES
• CPS Energy –
FREE light bulbs,
safety demonstration
and more
• SAWS – Free shower
heads and aerators
Since 2009, CPS Energy has helped nearly 10,000 customers get improvements that include wall and attic insulation, weather stripping, caulking, and energy-efficient lights.
CPS Energy is the nation’s largest municipally owned natural gas and electric company, providing service to 756,000 electric and 334,000 natural gas customers in the Greater San Antonio area. The company offers the lowest rates among the top 10 largest U.S. cities and second lowest among the top 20, while ranking number one in wind-energy capacity among municipally owned energy systems and number one in Texas for solar generation. For more information, visit newsroomp.cpsenergy.com.
