SAN ANTONIO — Many of us are wondering if the power will stay on this summer if the heat rises to extreme levels. Hot temperatures are already straining the Texas grid, but CPS Energy says they are ready to respond.
Thursday, the utility is expected to unveil its summer readiness efforts. Every year, ERCOT sets a deadline for utilities around the state to issue their summer preparedness. The cutoff point was Saturday and CPS Energy confirmed it met that deadline.
In a press release, the utility says all transmission systems and generation units are fully compliant. CPS Energy has taken several steps to prepare for reliable power plant operation this summer including conducting power plant and equipment systems checks. They also include servicing power plant cooling systems and reviewing power plant summer operating procedures.
Emergency supplies such as utility poles and transformers are in stock to ensure quick service restoration in the case of an outage, CPS Energy said. The utility has also enhanced its system for prioritizing outage and performing unplanned infrastructure work to resolve critical issues.
During the press conference Thursday, they are expected to expand on those efforts. This will include customer billing assistance options and tips to save energy during the summer months.
The press conference is expected to take place at 9:30 a.m. Thursday at the CPS Energy headquarters.
Tuesday, the heat index set records, reaching 117 degrees. The heat index Thursday was also expected to be high, in the range of 105-110 degrees.
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