We’re rolling out some new concepts for our energy plans, in addition to pushing forward with the plans we already have in place. Here is what you need to know about what’s coming up. (Don’t forget to take our surveys—we really want to hear your thoughts!)

Flexible Path

Flexible Path is a strategic approach we’re using to discover, explore and implement new power-generation solutions over the next 20 years and beyond. Its framework is helping us conceptualize how to transition to newer power-generation technologies while attempting to balance security, safety, reliability, resilience, the environment and affordability.

In its formation, Flexible Path included an extensive education and public-comment program that involved customers; businesses; civic leaders; educators and administrators; associations and chambers; environmentalists; credit-ratings agencies; and other interested stakeholders.

FlexPOWER Bundle

In July, we announced another step in our Flexible Path: FlexPOWER Bundle. FlexPOWER Bundle is a blended energy approach through which we will consider adding more incremental capacity such as solar farms, energy-storage systems and buying power from a gas unit.

Like its predecessor, FlexPOWER Bundle will be accompanied by a new round of public engagement with stakeholders. Helpful information is posted online, including the addition of a new survey tool located at cpsenergy.com/flexpath. While it is very short, it will provide good preliminary feedback. Periodically, we will provide your responses to the survey.

Save for Tomorrow Energy Plan (STEP)

The STEP program was designed to reduce our community’s demand for electricity by 771 megawatts (MW), which is equivalent to the output of a large power plant, by the end of 2020. The estimated cost of the program was initially estimated at $849 million.

Customer participation has been so successful that STEP will exceed its original MW reduction goal by the end of this year, and it is expected that San Antonio will reduce its electricity demand by more than 800 MW, at a cost that is 15% less than originally forecasted.

FlexSTEP

With the first initiative nearing a successful completion, we announced in July we will be reaching out to the community to solicit input on FlexSTEP, the next generation of energy-management programs. Seeking feedback from customers and key stakeholders, we will use the information gathered to update, design and create programs and services that meet everyone’s needs.

We will host focus groups, working sessions and stakeholder meetings to ensure that we hear all points of view. Additionally, helpful information is posted online, including the addition of a new survey tool located at cpsenergy.com/flexpath. We are proud that our commitment to energy conservation and investment in the San Antonio community is a model for other utilities in Texas, and we look forward to continuing to provide secure, safe, affordable, reliable, environmentally responsible and resilient energy for our customers.

Our Goals for the Future

As we build our path for the future, we understand we need to stay flexible to continuously meet the needs of our community. Our goals include:

• Integrate new and emerging technologies such as battery storage and electric vehicles
• Continue to expand our solar and wind resources
• Add more programs and services like energy efficiency and demand response

Years ago, we started the process to reduce our coal and gas use and increase our renewables. By 2040, we are predicting even larger decreases in older technologies and exponentially larger increases in newer and cleaner technologies.

Your Thoughts

We’re always interested in hearing what you think about our energy plans—especially FlexPOWER Bundle and FlexSTEP—so we created two quick surveys to easily document your thoughts. Click here to take them.