CPS Energy issues RFP for conservation and energy efficiency programs

March 2, 2021

by Paul Ciampoli
APPA News Director
March 2, 2021

San Antonio, Texas-based public power utility CPS Energy on March 1 formally launched a request for proposals (RFP) for conservation and energy efficiency programs to develop the next phase of its Save for Tomorrow Energy Plan (STEP).

CPS Energy said the severe impact of February’s historic winter weather storm in Texas demonstrates the relationship between year-round conservation and energy efficiency programs that enhance our community’s energy reliability.

The use of these programs contributed to material energy demand savings, which, when combined with action taken to stabilize the utility’s electric system, helped avoid a potential statewide loss of the power grid during the storm, it said.

Creating additional successful programs that are forward thinking is the goal of the RFP and CPS Energy “is moving quickly to improve the tools it uses to help customers proactively manage how they use energy,” the utility said.

STEP began in 2009 to empower customers to manage their energy through energy efficiency, weatherization, demand response and the adoption of both rooftop and community solar with a goal of saving 771 MW. This goal was achieved early and under budget in 2019 with 845 MW in energy savings.

In January 2020, the CPS Energy Board of Trustees and the City of San Antonio City Council extended the STEP Bridge program for an additional year with a target of 75 MW in energy savings. 

In January 2021, the City Council approved an additional extension until July 2022 to allow additional time to recover from COVID-19 related program impacts and continue gathering public and stakeholder input for FlexSTEP.

CPS Energy is expanding the focus of FlexSTEP to include both energy and demand savings in targets.

In or around the fall of 2021, CPS Energy plans to seek the CPS Energy Board of Trustees’ and the City of San Antonio City Council’s approval of FlexSTEP.

The deadline for receipt of proposals is April 30, 2021 and additional details on the RFP are available here.