CPS Energy Unveils Ambitious Plan for Additional Wind Energy Acquisition

CPS Energy's Latest Wind Energy Initiative

CPS Energy has announced a significant initiative as part of its Vision 2027 generation strategy: the issuance of a request for proposal (RFP) to acquire up to 400 megawatts (MW) of additional wind energy. This marks the largest endeavor of its kind from the utility company in over ten years and demonstrates a commitment to diversifying its energy sources to better serve the growing needs of the San Antonio community.

The RFP aims to secure wind energy through one or more Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), contributing to CPS Energy's broader strategy to enhance its energy portfolio sustainably. According to Rudy D. Garza, President and CEO of CPS Energy, “Increasing wind capacity is good for customers and strengthens our diverse and sustainable energy portfolio.” He emphasized the importance of balancing the grid and maintaining a reliable energy supply, highlighting that while wind energy cannot replace baseload sources such as natural gas and nuclear energy, it plays a crucial role in the energy mix.

Currently, CPS Energy manages approximately 1,067 MW of wind generation, making it the second-largest purchaser of wind energy in Texas. The new RFP follows a recent agreement with Avangrid that added an impressive 160.8 MW of wind power to its existing portfolio. With the potential addition of 400 MW, CPS Energy’s wind generation capacity would reach a total of 1,467 MW, bolstering its commitment to clean energy solutions.

The strategy aligns with the utility’s Vision 2027 plan, which includes retiring 2,541 MW of older generation capacity ahead of 2030. The proactive energy transition sees CPS Energy adding substantial capacity since 2023, with 1,735 MW of natural gas, 113 MW of wind, 480 MW of solar, and 50 MW of energy storage already incorporated into its generation mix. Moreover, the company has contracts in place for an additional 254 MW of solar power and 470 MW of energy storage.

CPS Energy’s latest RFP is designed to accept proposals for projects with a capacity of 20 MW or greater. Interested bidders have until 5 p.m. Central Time on August 29, 2025, to submit their proposals via the designated Power Advocate Portal. The timeline for this RFP includes crucial milestones such as the opening of the portal for registration and questions—the portal will be accessible from July 31, 2025.

This initiative also supports the City of San Antonio's Climate Action Adaptation Plan (CAAP), which aims for carbon neutrality by 2050 and sets intermediate targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 71% by 2040. It signifies CPS Energy's role as a community leader and its ongoing efforts to address climate change while catering to energy needs effectively.

CPS Energy, established in 1860, is the largest public power, natural gas, and electric company in the U.S., serving over 950,000 electric and 389,000 natural gas customers across San Antonio and nearby counties. Known for offering competitively priced services and generating substantial revenues that benefit the City of San Antonio, CPS Energy continues to invest in job creation, economic development, and educational initiatives as part of its commitment to the community. The ongoing emphasis on renewable energy, especially through wind initiatives, positions CPS Energy as a leader in the transition toward a sustainable energy future not only in Texas but also across the nation.