CPS Energy Set to Assist More Customers with Bill Payments After Rate Increase
SAN ANTONIO — In response to the hardships faced by thousands of San Antonians who struggle to pay their monthly utility bills, CPS Energy is striving to extend its reach of assistance.
The Impact of the Rate Increase
Controversial protests and debates marked the end of 2023, as CPS Energy proposed a rate increase of 4.25%. Despite backlash, the San Antonio City Council approved the energy company’s request for rate hikes, generating an additional $85 million in revenue for CPS Energy.
As a result, since February, electric and gas customers are paying an average of $4.45 more per month. This is in addition to the $175 million in past-due bills owed by customers to CPS Energy.
Addressing Energy Burdens
According to estimates, approximately 60,000 San Antonians have severe energy burdens — spending more than 6% of their income on powering their homes. However, CPS Energy’s CEO, Rudy Garza, reassures customers that the energy company’s primary objective remains the same: keeping the lights on and gas flowing.
The energy company also acknowledges the unintended consequences of the rate increases and is actively working on mitigation strategies. “Our customer team will continue to work towards getting folks on payment plans to ensure that we minimize the implications of this rate increase,” Garza asserted.
Community Outreach and Support
Apart from ensuring the upgrade of aging infrastructure, CPS Energy is focusing on expanding its Affordability Discount Program. The program is a joint endeavor with over 200 nonprofits to identify and assist customers in need. The energy company aims to register an additional 15,000 households into this program.
CPS Energy’s outreach teams are actively present at community events, providing customers with the necessary information and helping them initiate the application process for assistance. The teams also reach out on a door-to-door basis, especially targeting neighborhoods qualifying for the income census tract.
Utilizing the Residential Energy Assistance Partnership (REAP) Scheme
One of the significant avenues of aid for CPS Energy’s customers is the Residential Energy Assistance Partnership (REAP) funding. The company has set aside over $13 million for this purpose. Through the REAP program in the last year alone, CPS Energy was able to assist 17,000 families.
CPS Energy is encouraging struggling customers not to hesitate in seeking help. “We know it’s scary, but we work with people every single day who are going through very similar things that you’re going through, and we know how to help you“, stated KJ Feder, the Senior Director of Community Engagement and Corporate Responsibility at CPS Energy.