CPS Energy and AACOG Partner to Better Serve San Antonio

The Utility Will Coordinate Air Quality Data Collection Activities, Previously Handled by the Agency and Funded by the State

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CPS Energy

Jul 20, 2017, 06:00 ET

SAN ANTONIO, July 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- CPS Energy has agreed to further partner with the Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG), ensuring air quality data collection remains active at a half-dozen air monitoring stations across San Antonio and the surrounding area. While State funding for this work was recently eliminated, the new agreement between CPS Energy and AACOG will help both organizations keep up their efforts to effectively monitor San Antonio's air quality.

CPS Energy will use an outside vendor to collect ozone and weather data from six stations in Bexar, Comal and Guadalupe counties currently maintained by AACOG. By combining the six stations with the two stations the vendor currently maintains for CPS Energy, the region will get efficiencies while still maintaining the quality and integrity of the data. Finally, CPS Energy has committed to installing a ninth monitoring station before next summer.

"CPS Energy has been fiscally balanced for 157 years, while also being environmentally conscious. As a testament to that, we are pleased to be part of this air quality solution, working creatively with AACOG to reach this agreement," said CPS Energy President & CEO Paula Gold-Williams. "Each and every day we serve our community by providing electric and gas service, so providing a solution to something as important to our community as air quality makes perfect sense."

This is the latest initiative by CPS Energy to serve the community's energy needs on environmental issues. The company previously announced it will deactivate a coal plant in 2018 and also has installed an extensive amount of renewable energy in comparison to many of its industry peers. The City-owned utility has more than 1,000 megawatts (MW) of wind power, 500 MW of solar capacity and 460 MW of energy efficiency and conservation, all of which contribute to its optimal generation / supply diversity.

Diane Rath, Executive Director of AACOG, further commented. "This is really a big step for the region and it demonstrates CPS Energy's commitment to air quality. AACOG looks forward to this partnership with CPS Energy for our long-range planning and improving the air quality for the region."

AACOG's Natural Resources Department addresses air quality issues in the region by bringing together stakeholders from all interests – government, industry, business, and residents – to develop air pollution reduction plans that benefit our quality of life. AACOG's air quality and outreach programs complement its technical work by increasing knowledge of and encouraging participation in pollution reduction measures.

AACOG is a voluntary association of cities, counties and special governmental districts serving the Alamo Area/State Planning Region 18, which covers 13 counties across 12,582 square miles with approximately 2.5 million residents. AACOG's mission is to enhance the lives of all residents of the Alamo Area by working in mutual respect and partnership with all levels of government, the business sector, and the community at large to meet regional challenges and to create regional strengths. For more information on AACOG's work on air quality, visit www.aacog.com or call (210) 362-5200.

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.

SOURCE CPS Energy