In anticipation of normal weather, CPS Energy customers are expected to see lower utility bills this summer in comparison to last year when the area experienced record-breaking temperatures. Based on a normal summer forecast, the utility expects electricity bills to be about $22 lower per month from June through September. On average, residential use is expected to be a little more than 1,500 kilowatt hours (kWh) per month for a bill of $148 in comparison to more than 1,700 kWh and $170 last year.

To help customers lower bills even further, CPS Energy today kicked off an Energy Savers Challenge that encourages them to be as energy efficient as possible. The highlight of the challenge is the availability of 24,000 free CPS Energy Savers Home Manager systems on a first-come, first-served basis. Home Manager uses advanced technology to allow customers to remotely monitor and control their energy use through an online management portal. The system was created by Consert, one of CPS Energy’s New Energy Economy partners.

“Even though our customers pay the lowest rates among the top 10 largest U.S. cities, we know it’s still important for families to cut costs and save money. It’s good to know they have control when it comes to their utility bills,” said Shannon Albert, Senior Director of Call Center and Customer Billing. “At CPS Energy, we’re helping all of our customers, not just by providing energy saving tips but also programs that improve efficiency whether you live in a $30,000 or a $300,000 home.”

Energy efficiency is the key to lowering residential power consumption. Through CPS Energy Savers, customers can complete a do-it-yourself energy audit or request a professional energy evaluation. Once the audit is complete, customers can take advantage of rebates, and even low-interest financing, available to complete the recommended improvements.  For a limited time, the first 750 customers to use Energy Savers rebates to complete the recommended steps and achieve a 15 percent increase in energy efficiency may qualify for a $2,000 incentive.

For homeowners who have internet access and homes that are up to current electrical code, Home Manager may be the ideal option. The new offering is unique because it allows customers to see their current energy use and set up personalized programs for major energy users in the home. Customers can set the times and temperatures for their thermostat, set the times when they will need hot water, and even when they would like their pool pump to run. With Home Manager, customers may be able to save up to 10 percent on their heating and cooling costs.

“Consert’s system enables CPS Energy customers to have complete control of their home temperature at all times and greater control of their highest energy consuming devices,” said Consert director of marketing Tony Di Giosia. “Multiplied by thousands of customers, the result is the ability to save 250 MW during times of highest demand, which will help CPS Energy keep operating costs down, and in turn keep rates down for all customers.”

Other options for energy savings include CPS Energy Savers Smart Thermostat (formerly known as Peak Saver) and Casa Verde SA, a popular weatherization program for low-income customers that resumes next month.


CPS Energy is the nation’s largest municipally owned natural gas and electric utility, providing service to approximately 728,000 electric and 328,000 natural gas customers in the Greater San Antonio area. The utility offers the lowest rates among the top 10 largest U.S. cities, while ranking number 1 in wind-energy capacity among municipally owned utilities and number 1 in Texas for solar generation. For more information, visit www.cpsenergy.com.

“Consert’s system enables CPS Energy customers to have complete control of their home temperature at all times and greater control of their highest energy consuming devices,” said Consert director of marketing Tony Di Giosia. “Multiplied by hundreds of thousands of customers, the result is actionable load resources for CPS Energy during times of peak demand, which will help CPS keep operating costs down, and in turn keep rates down.”