San Antonio, December 3, 2025
CPS Energy has strengthened its winter preparedness by increasing its energy capacity to 11,444 megawatts, effectively doubling the capacity needed for peak demand. The utility has also invested in smart technologies and infrastructure improvements to bolster reliability and minimize outages during extreme weather. These enhancements include deploying smart switches and implementing vegetation management strategies to ensure uninterrupted power supply for its customers during winter conditions.
San Antonio Utility CPS Energy Enhances Winter Preparedness with Capacity Upgrades
San Antonio, Texas – CPS Energy has successfully finalized its winter readiness preparations, markedly increasing its energy capacity to 11,444 megawatts (MW). This significant upgrade positions the utility more than adequately to handle the record peak demand of 5,346 MW experienced during the extreme weather event on January 16, 2024.
Enhanced Energy Capacity
The utility’s enhanced energy capacity of 11,444 MW effectively doubles what is necessary to meet the previous peak demand, showcasing a strong commitment to ensuring reliability throughout challenging winter conditions.
Advanced Grid Reliability Measures
In its efforts to bolster grid reliability, CPS Energy has invested in approximately 1,300 smart switches, known as reclosers, across its service area. These advanced devices play a critical role in quickly isolating and restoring power during temporary faults triggered by severe weather, ultimately limiting the number of affected customers and improving restoration times.
Infrastructure Resiliency Enhancements
CPS Energy has taken significant steps to enhance the resilience of its infrastructure by implementing insulation, temporary enclosures, thermostats, temperature sensors, heating equipment, and heat tracing to its piping systems at plants. These enhancements are designed to ensure optimal unit performance in the cold while adhering to the established requirements set forth by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT).
Vegetation Management and Emergency Preparedness
As part of its proactive strategy to prevent weather-related outages, CPS Energy has committed to trimming 1,000 miles of tree vegetation that may encroach upon its infrastructure. Additionally, the utility has conducted thorough inventory checks to guarantee that it has sufficient materials on hand for emergency situations.
Compliance and Customer Engagement
CPS Energy has formally submitted its Declaration of Preparedness for winter weatherization to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and a Weather Emergency Attestation to the Texas Railroad Commission (RRC). These documents outline the utility’s compliance with seasonal preparedness inspections and maintenance of critical infrastructure. Moreover, CPS Energy is encouraging customers to update their emergency contact information while also offering valuable winter energy savings tips on its website.
Background
Since its establishment in 1860, CPS Energy has grown to become the largest public power, natural gas, and electric company in the nation, servicing over 970,000 electric and 390,000 natural gas customers in San Antonio and the surrounding areas. The utility’s history represents a robust investment in infrastructure resilience, including over $20 million allocated to weatherization efforts following the prolonged freeze that impacted Texas in 2011.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is CPS Energy’s current energy capacity?
- CPS Energy’s total energy capacity is now 11,444 megawatts (MW), more than sufficient to meet the record peak demand of 5,346 MW experienced on January 16, 2024.
- How has CPS Energy improved grid reliability?
- The utility has invested in nearly 1,300 smart switches, known as reclosers, throughout its service area. These devices enhance grid reliability by quickly isolating and restoring power during temporary faults caused by extreme weather.
- What measures has CPS Energy taken to enhance infrastructure resiliency?
- CPS Energy has implemented infrastructure insulation, temporary enclosures, thermostats, temperature sensors, heating equipment, and heat tracing to piping systems at its plants to improve unit performance during winter conditions.
- How is CPS Energy managing vegetation to prevent outages?
- The utility is on schedule to trim 1,000 miles of tree vegetation that encroaches on its infrastructure to mitigate weather-related outages.
- What steps has CPS Energy taken for compliance and customer engagement?
- CPS Energy has submitted its Declaration of Preparedness for winter weatherization to ERCOT and a Weather Emergency Attestation to the Texas Railroad Commission. The utility encourages customers to update their emergency contact information and offers winter energy savings tips on its website.
| Key Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Energy Capacity | 11,444 MW, sufficient to meet record peak demand of 5,346 MW on January 16, 2024. |
| Smart Switches Installed | Nearly 1,300 reclosers to enhance grid reliability by isolating and restoring power during faults. |
| Infrastructure Resiliency Measures | Implementation of insulation, enclosures, thermostats, sensors, heating equipment, and heat tracing at plants. |
| Vegetation Management | Scheduled trimming of 1,000 miles of tree vegetation to prevent weather-related outages. |
| Compliance and Customer Engagement | Submission of preparedness declarations to ERCOT and RRC; encouragement for customers to update contact information and access energy savings tips. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
San Antonio and Austin Brace for Storms Amid Cold Front
CPS Energy Prepares San Antonio for Winter Challenges
San Antonio Enhances Energy Security with Mobile Generators
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
