CPS Energy Board Approves Contract For Rudy Garza To Serve As President and CEO

by Paul Ciampoli
APPA News Director
September 8, 2022

The Board of Trustees for San Antonio public power utility CPS Energy has voted to approve a contract for Rudy Garza to serve as President & CEO for the utility, effective immediately.

The board previously voted to enter 30-day contract negotiations with Garza during a special Board meeting on August 23, 2022.

Garza’s 3-year contract runs through January 31, 2026, and includes a 2-year extension option, at a salary of $655,000. There is no incentive or bonus pay.

While Garza served as Interim President & CEO for 10 months, he led the company to the approval of the first rate case in 8 years, approval for the next phase of energy efficiency and conservation programs, and discussions with the Board of Trustees and the Rate Advisory Committee on future power generation planning.

Garza has more than 25 years in the utility industry and has served as a leader in both the public and private sectors. Garza has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas in Austin and a Master of Business Administration from the University of North Texas.

Garza is the first Hispanic leader to serve as President & CEO of the utility.

Before his Interim President & CEO role, he served as Chief Customer & Stakeholder Engagement Officer for the company.

Garza joined CPS Energy in 2012 and previously served as Senior Vice President of Distribution Service & Operations where he oversaw the maintenance and construction activity of the electric distribution system and has also served the company in the role of Vice President of External Relations.