CPS Energy : STRONG WINDS AND FREEZING PRECIPICATION RESULT IN POWER OUTAGES

UPDATE 8:45 A.M.
A cold front is moving through CPS Energy's service territory bringing cold air, strong winds and a wintry mix of precipitation and sleet causing some power outages. As of 8:45 a.m., windy conditions continue to cause challenges for the company's electrical infrastructure resulting in 7 outages affecting more than 700 customers.

'So far the windy conditions have been our biggest challenge and we're continuing to monitor our power lines for any ice buildup,' said Rick Maldonado, Senior Director of Customer Reliability. 'As the precipitation continues to collect on the roads, it can hinder our restoration efforts. We ask our customers to bear with us as we carefully and safely make our way to restore power to those affected.'

CPS Energy offers the following tips during power outages:
• Report your outage online at www.cpsenergy.com/outage, for additional winter safety tips click here.

• Customers can stay up-to-date on outages on Facebook and Twitter or online at www.cpsenergy.com/outage. Customers can also report outages online or by calling 210-353-2222 and can sign up for Energy Alerts at cpsenergy.com through Manage My Account.

• Avoid downed power lines! Treat all wires as if they are 'live' (energized). Report damaged lines to CPS Energy call 210-353-HELP (4357), immediately.

• Keep at least one light turned on to help you realize when power has been restored.

• Keep refrigerator or freezer doors closed to maintain the unit's temperature. The USDA says a refrigerator will keep food safely cold for up to four hours if unopened. Discard refrigerated, perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, soft cheeses, milk, eggs, leftovers, and deli items if the power has been out for more than four hours.

• Use caution when driving, as traffic signals may be disrupted.

And as always, customers are asked to keep safety as a priority. CPS Energy is offering the following safety tips.

• Do not use a natural gas stove as a heat source for your home.
• Ensure that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.
• If using a natural gas space heater, open a nearby window at least 1-inch to ventilate the room and lower the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Keep flammable material away from any natural gas appliances such as water heater or stove.

Established in 1860, CPS Energy is the nation's largest public power, natural gas and electric company, providing safe, reliable, and competitively-priced service to 804,000 electric and 343,000 natural gas customers in San Antonio. Our customers' combined energy bills rank among the lowest of the nation's 20 largest cities - while generating $7 billion in revenue for the City of San Antonio for more than seven decades. As a trusted and strong Community partner, we are continuously focused on job creation, economic development and educational investment. Powered by our skilled employees, our investment in the community is demonstrated through our employees' volunteerism in giving back to our city and programs aimed at bringing value to our customers. 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 cpsenergy.com.