CPS Energy Scores $2.45 Million Federal Grant for Gas Infrastructure Upgrades
San Antonio, TX:
In a significant leap forward for energy infrastructure modernization, the local utility company CPS Energy has been granted a federal fund of $2.45 million. The grant, awarded by the Department of Transportation, is aimed at rejuvenating the city’s aging gas infrastructure spectrum, primarily located in a marginalized West Side community.
Funding to Enhance Service Quality and Safety
The utility made a successful application for this funding in 2023 to help replace a formidable five miles worth of steel gas pipeline within the community in question. “We are committed to upgrading infrastructure for our community which will help us continue to serve them with the reliable and safe service they expect from CPS Energy,” relayed Rudy D. Garza, president & CEO of CPS Energy.
Fulfilling a mission to bolster safety and performance metrics, the pipeline replacement project is estimated to reach completion by the end of 2024.
Grant Program Origin and Objectives
The grant program comes under the purview of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and has been facilitated via the Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization (NGDISM) – a groundbreaking initiative of its kind.
The funding scheme was put into motion after Congress passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in November 2021. The NGDISM program has plans to distribute scrutinized sums up to $200 million each fiscal year from 2022 to 2026.
The primary objectives of the grant are multifold, focusing on improving the natural gas system’s safety, protecting the environment, and reducing climatic impacts. It also aims to lend a hand to underserved and disadvantaged communities while stimulating economic impact and creating sustainable, well-paying infrastructure-related jobs.
A Positive Move towards Improved Safety and Enhanced Performance
This grant marks a significant stride aimed at safety upgrades and optimized performance for CPS Energy, which has consistently worked towards enhancing energy infrastructure across the region. The anticipated effect of these upgrades will not only enhance safety but also improve service reliability for the local community.
Notably, this stride towards energy infrastructure modernization aligns seamlessly with ongoing federal efforts to address infrastructure gaps, bolster energy security, and stimulate local economies. CPS’s grant reflects a broader national endeavor to ensure that attractive, community-centered investments are made in infrastructure safety, resilience, and performance across the nation.
Continuing to Serve Communities with Greater Efficiency
The receipt of this grant will empower CPS Energy to advance towards achieving a safer, more reliable, and environmentally responsible utility service for the community it serves. This opportunity to address aging infrastructure will ultimately contribute to an enhanced quality of life and operational efficiency for the people of San Antonio.
About CPS Energy
CPS Energy is a city-owned entity that provides electric and gas services in the San Antonio region. The company continuously aims at prioritizing its commitment to actionable environment-friendly projects, driving forward innovations within infrastructure, and maintaining community-centric approaches to service quality.
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With this grant, CPS Energy will continue its consistent strides towards ensuring a secure energy future by enhancing the reliability and safety of its gas pipelines.
