San Antonio electric utility answers the call for assistance to restore power in Florida

SAN ANTONIO, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- True to their People First philosophy, CPS Energy, the natural gas and electric energy provider for San Antonio, quickly responded to a request from Jacksonville Electric Authority (JEA) to assist with power restoration efforts. CPS Energy team members will travel half-way across the country to join other utilities in a tremendous effort to bring normalcy to those affected by Hurricane Irma.  

"Our response exemplifies our commitment to people and now extends to restoring a community in need," said Paula Gold-Williams, CPS Energy President & CEO. "In the spirit of helping our neighbors, we are proud to have been asked to support the restoration efforts. It's great when others recognize our employees' valuable skills and strong work ethic in restoring power safely, just as they do for the neighborhoods throughout San Antonio whenever there is a need."

Today, 58 crew members, including 38 overhead construction personnel, 6 utility workers and 8 fleet support caravanned out of San Antonio in 28 vehicles comprised of 12 bucket trucks, 3 pole setting trucks and other support equipment. The team plans to drive to Moss Point, Mississippi to rest for the night before continuing to a staging area in Jacksonville, Florida where they will receive instructions regarding their assignment.

CPS Energy is no stranger to providing mutual aid after devastating hurricanes. Recently, crews assisted Victoria, Texas where Hurricane Harvey left thousands without service.  Also in 2016, they were called to help JEA another time when Hurricane Matthew hit Florida.

CPS Energy is prepared to provide assistance for up to three weeks. For updates on our restoration efforts, follow our social media channels.

About CPS Energy:

CPS Energy is celebrating its 75th year of City of San Antonio ownership. Established in 1860, we are the nation's largest municipally owned natural gas and electric company, providing safe and affordable service to 804,000 electric and 343,000 natural gas customers in Greater San Antonio. With our AA+ credit rating, one of the best in the industry, we offer best in class reliability and some of the lowest rates among the top 10 largest U.S. cities. We recognize our role as a community partner and are continuously focused on job creation, economic development and educational investment. Powered by our people, our investment in the community is demonstrated through our employees' generosity in giving $1.1 million to United Way. We are also committed to investing in clean energy. CPS Energy is among the top public power wind energy buyers in the nation and number one in Texas for solar generation. For more information, visit newsroom.cpsenergy.com.

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SOURCE CPS Energy