CPS / ENERGY

Making Energy Affordable, Reliable, and Fair for San Antonio

Right now, most San Antonians get their power from just one source—CPS Energy, the city-owned utility. While this setup has some benefits, like stable pricing and local control, it also limits competition. That means we don’t always get the best prices, and there’s not much room for innovation or new ideas.

To keep energy costs down, increase options, and make our power system more sustainable, it’s time to think outside the box. Here's how San Antonio can take charge of its energy future:

1. Give People More Power to Choose Their Power

• Open up the energy market: Right now, CPS Energy controls everything from making electricity to delivering it to your home. San Antonio could explore options to allow other companies to come in and compete—just like in other parts of Texas. That could mean better service and lower bills.
• Let customers pick their provider: Just like you can choose your cell phone or internet company, residents should be able to pick who supplies their electricity. More choices mean more control and better deals for consumers.

2. Don’t Put All Our Eggs in One Basket—Use Multiple Energy Sources

• Though not always a fan favorite, more solar, wind, and geothermal power: San Antonio has lots of sunshine and is close to major wind energy areas. Let’s consider using that to our advantage by investing in renewable energy. Again, many may not be a fan of this route, but it should be considered.
• Community solar programs: These are solar projects shared by many residents—especially helpful for folks who can’t install panels on their roof.
• Wind power partnerships: Work with wind farms in West Texas to bring more clean energy to San Antonio.
• Explore geothermal energy: This is a steady, always-on energy source that could be part of our future energy mix.
• Store extra energy for later: Batteries and other storage systems can hold onto solar or wind power until it’s needed—like during cloudy days or when the wind isn’t blowing. This helps reduce blackouts and makes the whole system more reliable.

3. Create Local, Neighborhood-Based Energy Solutions

• Build microgrids: These are small energy systems that power a specific area—like a neighborhood or business district. They can run on solar or wind and work even if the main power grid goes down, which is a big help during storms or emergencies.
• Start solar co-ops: These let groups of households team up and share a single solar system. That way, even if you can’t afford your own panels, you can still benefit from clean energy and lower bills.

4. Work Together with Neighboring Cities and Communities

• Share renewable energy with nearby areas: By teaming up with nearby towns and cities, we can all benefit from wind and solar farms and build a stronger, more reliable power grid.
• Buy clean energy in bulk: San Antonio can partner with others to buy large amounts of renewable energy at discounted rates—kind of like a group discount. This saves money and supports clean energy growth.

In Plain Terms: Why This Matters

San Antonio doesn't have to be stuck with just one option when it comes to electricity. By opening up the market, expanding our energy choices, and using more renewable resources, we can:

• Lower your power bills
• Give you more control over where your energy comes from
• Reduce the chance of blackouts or power failures
• Create cleaner, greener energy for our future

When we diversify how we get and use energy, we protect ourselves from high costs, system failures, and outdated technology. It’s about giving people options, savings, and security—now and for the future.