San Antonio, October 9, 2025
News Summary
POWERGEN 2026 will be hosted in San Antonio, Texas, where CPS Energy serves as the Host Utility. The event will focus on future power generation technologies and cleaner energy solutions, emphasizing sustainability and innovation in utility-scale projects. Attendees will engage in discussions about energy transition, grid reliability, and workforce development, with CPS Energy showcasing its extensive portfolio and community involvement.
San Antonio — POWERGEN 2026 will be held from January 20–22, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas, and CPS Energy will serve as the Host Utility for the event. The conference will focus on shaping the future of power generation with attention to cleaner, sustainable energy solutions.
Key announcement and event purpose
The conference dates and local host place San Antonio at the center of a national conversation about power generation technology, grid reliability, and the energy transition. The purpose of POWERGEN is to shape the future of power generation, focusing on cleaner, sustainable energy solutions. Hosting the event in a city where the host utility is headquartered provides direct visibility into utility-scale projects and community programs.
Host utility profile
CPS Energy is the largest municipally owned electric and natural gas utility in the United States, headquartered in San Antonio. The utility services over 970,000 electric customers and 390,000 natural gas customers in San Antonio and surrounding areas. CPS Energy employs thousands of professionals dedicated to energy service, and its portfolio and local workforce will be highlighted during conference programming and site visits.
What CPS Energy is focused on
CPS Energy is focused on meeting rising power demand while accelerating the transition to cleaner resources. CPS Energy’s energy portfolio includes solar, wind, energy storage, and optimization of thermal assets. CPS Energy aims to build a resilient, flexible, and sustainable energy future. Recent project and procurement activity is intended to enhance reliability while moving toward lower-emission resources.
Recent projects, storage and acquisitions
The Padua 1 battery storage project, connected to CPS Energy’s grid, is set to strengthen the utility’s reliability. In 2024, CPS Energy announced agreements for an additional 350 MW of battery energy storage capacity, including Padua 2 and Ferdinand, expanding the utility’s ability to balance variable renewable output and support grid needs. In related capacity moves, CPS Energy plans to acquire four natural gas power generation facilities from PROENERGY in Southeast Texas for $1.3 billion. The acquisition includes combined electric capacity of 1,632 megawatts and is aimed at enhancing reliability and affordability, and PROENERGY will continue to operate the plants, employing 25 workers through maintenance agreements with CPS Energy.
Local workforce and community engagement
The utility also emphasizes workforce development and community benefit. CPS Energy is involved in community benefits agreements, contributing funds to local activities and scholarships. Local employees with long service and varied roles are often visible in community-facing events. For example, Travis Hild, a Journeyman Serviceman with CPS Energy, shared experiences about his complex work preparing for the annual GrillsGiving celebration. Travis Hild has 18 years of experience with CPS Energy and began his career at 18 after advice from his grandmother. Travis has held various roles in the utility from Utility Worker to Distribution Serviceman and also coaches at the Texas Lineman’s Rodeo, illustrating career pathways within the utility.
Conference leadership and programming
Conference leadership noted the selection of CPS Energy as host reflects the utility’s size, portfolio diversity, and local ties. Desiree Hanson, President of Clarion Energy North America, expressed excitement about CPS Energy’s involvement, highlighting their leadership in clean energy and strong community ties. As part of the opening program, Rudy D. Garza, President & CEO of CPS Energy, emphasized the culture and innovation of San Antonio and the importance of the POWERGEN event, and Garza will deliver the Opening Keynote at POWERGEN 2026, discussing industry challenges and opportunities.
What attendees can expect
Attendees can expect sessions on technology adoption, storage integration, reliability planning, and workforce issues. Local projects and procurement actions will be used as case studies to explore operational and policy choices as utilities manage growing demand while integrating cleaner resources.
FAQ
When and where will POWERGEN 2026 be held?
POWERGEN 2026 will be held from January 20–22, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas.
Who will serve as the Host Utility for the event?
CPS Energy will serve as the Host Utility for the event.
What is the purpose of POWERGEN?
The purpose of POWERGEN is to shape the future of power generation, focusing on cleaner, sustainable energy solutions.
What is CPS Energy’s status among U.S. utilities?
CPS Energy is the largest municipally owned electric and natural gas utility in the United States, headquartered in San Antonio.
How many customers does CPS Energy serve?
The utility services over 970,000 electric customers and 390,000 natural gas customers in San Antonio and surrounding areas.
What workforce size and focus does CPS Energy have?
CPS Energy employs thousands of professionals dedicated to energy service.
What are CPS Energy’s energy goals and portfolio components?
CPS Energy is focused on meeting rising power demand while accelerating the transition to cleaner resources.
What technologies are in CPS Energy’s portfolio?
CPS Energy’s energy portfolio includes solar, wind, energy storage, and optimization of thermal assets.
What is CPS Energy’s broader aim for the energy future?
CPS Energy aims to build a resilient, flexible, and sustainable energy future.
What remarks were made by Clarion Energy leadership?
Desiree Hanson, President of Clarion Energy North America, expressed excitement about CPS Energy’s involvement, highlighting their leadership in clean energy and strong community ties.
What will CPS Energy leadership discuss at the conference?
Garza will deliver the Opening Keynote at POWERGEN 2026, discussing industry challenges and opportunities.
What local employee example was shared?
Travis Hild, a Journeyman Serviceman with CPS Energy, shared experiences about his complex work preparing for the annual GrillsGiving celebration.
What is known about Travis Hild’s career?
Travis Hild has 18 years of experience with CPS Energy and began his career at 18 after advice from his grandmother.
What roles has Travis Hild held?
Travis has held various roles in the utility from Utility Worker to Distribution Serviceman and also coaches at the Texas Lineman’s Rodeo.
What community programs is CPS Energy involved in?
CPS Energy is involved in community benefits agreements, contributing funds to local activities and scholarships.
What battery projects are associated with CPS Energy?
The Padua 1 battery storage project, connected to CPS Energy’s grid, is set to strengthen the utility’s reliability.
What battery storage capacity agreements were announced in 2024?
In 2024, CPS Energy announced agreements for an additional 350 MW of battery energy storage capacity, including Padua 2 and Ferdinand.
What power plant acquisition plans has CPS Energy announced?
CPS Energy plans to acquire four natural gas power generation facilities from PROENERGY in Southeast Texas for $1.3 billion.
What capacity does the planned acquisition include and what is its purpose?
The acquisition includes combined electric capacity of 1,632 megawatts and is aimed at enhancing reliability and affordability.
Who will operate the plants post-acquisition?
PROENERGY will continue to operate the plants, employing 25 workers through maintenance agreements with CPS Energy.
Key features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event dates and location | POWERGEN 2026 will be held from January 20–22, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas. |
| Host Utility | CPS Energy will serve as the Host Utility for the event. |
| Utility status | CPS Energy is the largest municipally owned electric and natural gas utility in the United States, headquartered in San Antonio. |
| Customers served | The utility services over 970,000 electric customers and 390,000 natural gas customers in San Antonio and surrounding areas. |
| Planned power acquisition | CPS Energy plans to acquire four natural gas power generation facilities from PROENERGY in Southeast Texas for $1.3 billion (1,632 megawatts). |
| Battery storage agreements (2024) | In 2024, CPS Energy announced agreements for an additional 350 MW of battery energy storage capacity, including Padua 2 and Ferdinand. |
Timeline
| Date/Time | Event | Status / Source |
|---|---|---|
| January 20–22, 2026 | POWERGEN 2026 will be held from January 20–22, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas. | Scheduled — Host: CPS Energy |
| 2024 | In 2024, CPS Energy announced agreements for an additional 350 MW of battery energy storage capacity, including Padua 2 and Ferdinand. | Announced — Expansion of storage capacity |
| Not specified | The Padua 1 battery storage project, connected to CPS Energy’s grid, is set to strengthen the utility’s reliability. | Connected — Date not specified |
| Not specified | CPS Energy plans to acquire four natural gas power generation facilities from PROENERGY in Southeast Texas for $1.3 billion. | Planned — Acquisition terms disclosed |
Statistics (visual)
Customers served
Storage and generation capacity (selected)
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
A Greener Future: Cities Commit to Bold Climate Action Plans
New Natural Gas Power Plants to Boost Southeast Texas Energy
Texas Developer Takes on Solar Power Challenges in South Carolina
North Texas: A Booming Hub for Innovation and Growth
Texas Faces Water Scarcity Challenges Amid Growth and Data Center Expansion
Carlo Acutis to Be Canonized as the First Millennial Saint
Developments for Data Centers in Texas
Texas Faces Clean Energy Investment Setbacks Amid Challenges
Challenges Mount for Texas Energy Fund as Natural Gas Development Stalls
Gilbane Building Welcomes New Vice President John Bonney
Additional Resources
- CPS Energy Newsroom: Travis Hild
- Wikipedia: CPS Energy
- Power Engineering: POWERGEN 2026 Conference
- Google Search: POWERGEN 2026
- Renewable Energy Magazine: CPS Energy Battery Storage
- Google Scholar: CPS Energy battery storage
- KSAT News: CPS Energy Acquisition
- Encyclopedia Britannica: CPS Energy
- PR Newswire: CPS Energy and PROENERGY Agreement
- Google News: CPS Energy PROENERGY agreement
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.
