U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY SELECTS CPS ENERGY TO RECEIVE FEDERAL FUNDING TO INCREASE RESILIENCY AND RELIABILITY
October 24, 2023 (SAN ANTONIO) – The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) selected CPS Energy to receive approximately $30.2 million to enhance the utility’s ongoing efforts to maintain grid reliability and resiliency. The DOE funds will advance CPS Energy’s Community Energy Resiliency Program, focused on grid innovation such as installing microgrids to sustain the evolving needs of customers and businesses in the south and southwest portions of San Antonio. This federal fund includes a required CPS Energy matching commitment of $30.2 million for an approximate combined total investment of $60.4 million.
“By leveraging this federal funding, CPS Energy will have more resources to deploy and grow the grid infrastructure with innovation in disadvantaged communities of the city. CPS Energy is eager to launch this landmark initiative as a community-owned utility,” said Richard Medina, Chief Energy Delivery Officer. “We are proud to be one out of a handful of public power utilities selected as recipients of smart grid grants. This grant is a testament to our innovative efforts, and we look forward to the work we get to do to provide our community with reliable and resilient power.”
“Extreme weather events fueled by climate change will continue to strain the nation’s aging transmission systems, but President Biden’s Investing in America agenda will ensure America’s power grid can provide reliable, affordable power,” said U.S Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “Today’s announcement represents the largest-ever direct investment in critical grid infrastructure, supporting projects that will harden systems, and improve energy reliability and affordability—all while generating union jobs for highly skilled workers.”
The conditionally approved funds are part of the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program provided through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and administered by DOE’s Grid Deployment Office. The GRIP program leverages federal and private investments to ensure that communities across the nation have a reliable grid that’s prepared for extreme weather while also delivering affordable, clean energy and creating robust local opportunities for economic investment and jobs.
This federal grant supports CPS Energy’s efforts to create resilient, reliable, affordable energy while supporting sustainability. As part of the proposal, CPS Energy will invest in innovative grid technology to manage the growing energy demand and further enable efficient grid management. The investment will also support renewable efforts, such as adding microgrids, solar, and battery storage in the southern portion of the city.
CPS Energy will continue to work with the DOE on the final approval process. CPS Energy plans to complete the Community Energy Resiliency Program in five years.
To learn more, visit the Grid Deployment Office’s website.
###
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.
