CPS Energy
Encyclopedia
CPS Energy of San Antonio
, Texas
(formerly "City Public Service") is the United States' largest municipally owned utility company, with combined natural gas
and electric service. Fourteen percent of all utility revenues are returned to the City of San Antonio, and those revenues make up more than 20 percent of the City of San Antonio's annual operating budget. Acquired by the City in 1942, CPS Energy serves over 707,000 electricity customers and more than 322,000 natural gas customers in its 1566 square miles (4,055.9 km²) service area, which includes Bexar County
and portions of 7 surrounding counties. CPS Energy's diverse fuel generation mix, including nuclear power (35%), coal (34%), natural gas (15%) and renewable energy (16 percent), makes energy affordable and reliable for its customers.
In addition, a 15-member Citizens Advisory Committee serves as a liaison between CPS Energy and the citizens of San Antonio. Ten of the members are nominated by the 10 City Council members (one from each district), while the remaining five are chosen from applicants who are interviewed by the Board. The Board approves all 15 members, who must reside in the CPS Energy service territory and be customers of CPS Energy as well.
San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio is the seventh-largest city in the United States of America and the second-largest city within the state of Texas, with a population of 1.33 million. Located in the American Southwest and the south–central part of Texas, the city serves as the seat of Bexar County. In 2011,...
, Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
(formerly "City Public Service") is the United States' largest municipally owned utility company, with combined natural gas
Natural gas
Natural gas is a naturally occurring gas mixture consisting primarily of methane, typically with 0–20% higher hydrocarbons . It is found associated with other hydrocarbon fuel, in coal beds, as methane clathrates, and is an important fuel source and a major feedstock for fertilizers.Most natural...
and electric service. Fourteen percent of all utility revenues are returned to the City of San Antonio, and those revenues make up more than 20 percent of the City of San Antonio's annual operating budget. Acquired by the City in 1942, CPS Energy serves over 707,000 electricity customers and more than 322,000 natural gas customers in its 1566 square miles (4,055.9 km²) service area, which includes Bexar County
Bexar County, Texas
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,392,931 people, 488,942 households, and 345,681 families residing in the county. The population density was 1,117 people per square mile . There were 521,359 housing units at an average density of 418 per square mile...
and portions of 7 surrounding counties. CPS Energy's diverse fuel generation mix, including nuclear power (35%), coal (34%), natural gas (15%) and renewable energy (16 percent), makes energy affordable and reliable for its customers.
History
- 1917 - San Antonio Public Service Company formed; owned by American Light and TractionAmerican Light and TractionAmerican Light and Traction was founded in 1900 for the purpose for consolidating the utility industry's small, local power suppliers. By 1901, American Light and Traction owned and controlled over 40 gas producting plants, electric light and traction properties.-History:* 1900 - founded by...
- 1942 - City purchases SAPSCo for $34 million
Generation Sources
| Plant Name | Type | Rated Capacity | Year Completed | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Wing Solar Project Blue Wing Solar Project The 14 megawatt Blue Wing Solar Project is a solar photovoltaic power plant in San Antonio, Texas. The Blue Wing Solar Project covers 113 acres, has 214,500 solar photovoltaic modules, and is expected to produce more than 26 GWh of electricity per year. The solar facility is located near the... |
Solar-PV | 14MW | 2010 | Partner with Duke Energy | |
| South Texas Project Unit 1 | Nuclear | 1250MW | 1987 | $2.25 Billion | 40% Owner with NRG Energy NRG Energy NRG Energy, Inc. is an American energy company headquartered in West Windsor Township, New Jersey, near Princeton.-Electrical Power Generation Operations:... and City of Austin Austin Energy Austin Energy is the public utility providing electrical power service to a area including Austin, Texas and parts of the surrounding area in Travis and Williamson counties... |
| South Texas Project Unit 2 | Nuclear | 1250MW | 1988 | $2.25 Billion | 40% Owner with NRG Energy NRG Energy NRG Energy, Inc. is an American energy company headquartered in West Windsor Township, New Jersey, near Princeton.-Electrical Power Generation Operations:... and City of Austin Austin Energy Austin Energy is the public utility providing electrical power service to a area including Austin, Texas and parts of the surrounding area in Travis and Williamson counties... |
| Coal-Fired | 556MW | 1992 | |||
| Coal-Fired | 780MW | 2010 | $1 Billion | Design Capacity was 750MW, Analysis revealed capable of 780MW | |
| Coal-Fired | 486MW | 1977 | Decommission planned for 2018 | ||
| Coal-Fired | 446MW | 1978 | Decommission planned for 2018 | ||
| Natural Gas |
Governing Structure
CPS Energy is governed by a five-member Board of Trustees. The Mayor of San Antonio serves as an ex-officio member, for as long as s/he is the Mayor. The other four members represent the four geographical quadrants of the City, and must reside within the quadrant they represent. They are nominated by the remaining trustees, for a five-year term with eligibility to serve one additional term. The nominations must be approved by majority vote of the San Antonio City Council.In addition, a 15-member Citizens Advisory Committee serves as a liaison between CPS Energy and the citizens of San Antonio. Ten of the members are nominated by the 10 City Council members (one from each district), while the remaining five are chosen from applicants who are interviewed by the Board. The Board approves all 15 members, who must reside in the CPS Energy service territory and be customers of CPS Energy as well.