San Antonio residents are facing financial strain due to high energy bills following recent cold weather, while CPS Energy offers assistance programs.
- CPS Energy customers are reporting bills exceeding $300 after Winter Storm Fern.
- The utility company attributes higher bills to increased energy use during colder temperatures.
- CPS Energy offers several programs to help customers manage bills, including payment plans and affordability discounts.
SAN ANTONIO — Many CPS Energy customers are grappling with unexpectedly high energy bills in the wake of Winter Storm Fern, which brought colder temperatures to the region in recent weeks. One customer who visited a CPS Energy service center on Thursday expressed frustration over a bill exceeding $300, according to a report from local news.
The customer, who wished to remain anonymous, said she felt compelled to pay the full amount immediately, stating, “I had to pay it in full because I can’t afford to get behind, or pay a little bit of this because if it all catches up to you, and when it catches up to you, they’re going to turn it off.” She added that despite reports of a strong economy, she is not experiencing it firsthand, particularly with the added burden of a significantly higher energy bill.
“When I hear that it angers me, it upsets me because I’m a real person. I’m not a rich person. I’m on a monthly income. I live paycheck to paycheck by the grace of God,” she lamented. “We can’t afford to even save because you’re trying to stay alive and live your life. That’s what upsets me. And I know I’m not the only one!”
Understanding Higher Bills and Available Assistance
Milady Nazir, with CPS Energy, confirmed that colder temperatures, such as those experienced during Winter Storm Fern, typically lead to increased energy consumption. “We do see higher energy use with colder temperatures such as the ones that we experienced during Winter storm Fern,” Nazir said.
However, CPS Energy offers several resources to help customers manage their energy costs. Nazir emphasized the importance of conservation, particularly during peak hours. “Conservation is really important. During Winter Storm Fern, we were asking the community to conserve between 6 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. because we have a color coded conservation system, and during those times we ask customers to set their thermostat at 68 degrees,” she explained. “If you do what you can to conserve during those hours, it really makes a difference to your bill.”
Beyond conservation efforts, Nazir highlighted the availability of customer support programs. These include a fixed payment plan, which allows customers to pay the same amount each month to avoid unexpected spikes, as well as an affordability discount program, senior waivers, and military waivers. The Casa Verde assistance program can also help customers weatherize their homes to improve energy efficiency, Nazir added.
Customers can access these services by visiting a CPS Energy service center, calling the utility, or applying online. CPS Energy also provides the “My Energy portal,” which allows customers to track their energy usage in real-time, monitoring costs every 15 minutes.
What This Means for You
If you are a CPS Energy customer struggling with a high bill, it’s important to know that assistance is available. Proactive steps like adjusting your thermostat during peak hours and exploring the utility’s various assistance programs can help mitigate financial strain. Regularly monitoring your energy usage through the My Energy portal can also provide valuable insights and prevent future surprises. Don’t hesitate to reach out to CPS Energy directly to discuss your options and find a solution that fits your needs.
Customers can find more information about assistance programs at https://www.cpsenergy.com/en/my-home/customer-assist-programs.html?ptlinks and https://www.sa.gov/Directory/Departments/DHS/Financial-Assistance/Utility-Assistance.
