HELPING OUT
A ordability assistance Council members also expressed concern over passing the increase along to customers. District 10 Coun- cil Member Clayton Perry voted to back the new fee, but he disapproved of the rate increase. Perry said he wants CPS Energy to operate more like a business, and while many businesses are raising prices due to pandemic-induced eco- nomic challenges, all customers will be a ected by higher energy bills. “Although CPS Energy has some of the lowest residential energy prices in Texas, our community is also made up of some of the most socio- economically challenged residents,” Perry said. “We continue to hear the same argument that this increase will only amount to a few dollars, but I’d argue that any increase can negatively impact individuals and families on a strict budget or a xed income.” Critics, including representatives of Recall CPS Energy—a coalition of local organizations and residents wor- ried about the utility’s policies and actions—said the rate hike and new fee will have a particularly negative e ect on low-income customers. “In voting to pass this rate increase, City Council has failed the people of
that the increases are necessary to help CPS Energy improve its services, infrastructure and sta ng levels. “I understand many folks have lost trust in CPS Energy. We will continue to work with our neighbors and CPS leadership to restore trust and ensure accountability,” Pelaez said. Courage, who also chairs the city’s Municipal Utilities Committee, said he did not take the rate and fee requests lightly, adding that he has frequently criticized both CPS Energy and the San Antonio Water System over vari- ous policies and decisions. Courage said the 2021 winter storm exposed vulnerabilities in the local power grid, and COVID-19 caused a domino e ect that included a $130 million-plus drop in total revenue for CPS since the pandemic’s start. “However, I felt the case for this increase was valid. CPS Energy has not requested a rate increase in over eight years, in part due to cutting costs and increasing e ciencies,” Cour- age said. “Had this rate request been denied, the nancial damages to your community asset could have been catastrophic. CPS would continue struggling to expand and upgrade its energy delivery system for a growing population," Courage also said.
San Antonio and especially the most vulnerable populations by not forc- ing CPS Energy to commit to making our rates more equitable through long overdue reform, despite public oppo- sition and increasing distrust of the utility,” the group said in a statement. O cials said customers who meet quali cations in the utility’s A ord- ability Discount Program could see their base rate increase o set by a $3.84 discount that CPS Energy is add- ing to the program. This would raise the total ADP monthly discount from $12.30 to $16.14, and program eligi- bility would be increased by about 14,000 customers, o cials said. CPS o cials are urging residents interested in the a ordability pro- gramto call 210-335-2222 or visit www. cpsenergy.com/utilityassistance. “We recognize the impact of an estimated ve additional dollars on the average ratepayer can pose a chal- lenge for the most vulnerable in our community, but CPS Energy and the city are adamant in our commitment to continue providing utility assis- tance for those in need,” Pelaez said.
CPS Energy Is bolstering its A ordability Discount Program by increasing eligibility by 14,000 customers to 65,000 total. It will also increase the total monthly discount to $16.14.
Current electric discount $8.55 per month Current gas discount $3.75 per month Current total monthly discount $12.30 Current total yearly discount $147.60 Planned additional electric discount $3.12 per month Planned additional gas discount $0.72 per month Planned additional total monthly discount $3.84 Planned additional total yearly discount $46.08
For more information, visit communityimpact.com .
SOURCE: CPS ENERGY COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
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NORTH SAN ANTONIO EDITION • FEBRUARY 2022
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