February CPS Energy invoices soon; excessive winter storm costs not included

SANTO ANTÓNIO – CPS Energy customers are not expected to see large additional loads of fuel or energy purchased from the winter storm when the February 2021 bills are released starting on Monday, the utility said on Friday.

“CPS Energy is evaluating the validity of additional fuel and the energy costs purchased from the winter storm and is currently not passing it on to customers,” said a press release.

CPS Energy CEO Paula Gold-Williams told administrators during a special meeting on Monday afternoon that CPS is “accumulating” costs, but she estimated that natural gas suppliers want $ 800 million for the fuel they sold CPS during the crisis, and the state’s grid operator, Electric The Texas Reliability Council (ERCOT) wants an extra $ 200 million. Gold-Williams said that CPS will seek regulatory assistance and help from elected officials to prevent customers from carrying that load.

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The concessionaire suspended customer billing on February 19 to confirm that the energy bills did not, at the time, include any tariff changes or fuel adjustment costs related to the winter storm, and to ensure that the invoiced usage is based on actual meter readings and not estimates.

Electronic and paper invoices start to be released on Monday. Depending on a customer’s billing cycle, it can take up to Saturday, March 13, for a customer’s overdue bill to be sent. As a result, customers can receive their February invoice next to their March invoice.

The utility said a team of energy consultants is ready to work with customers to discuss their bills and help with payment arrangements. No late fees will be charged to customers for their February accounts or if a customer is on a payment plan, the press release said.

The dealership said it is also reviewing the accounts of customers that were most affected by the February 2021 extreme winter storm and hopes to provide useful credits in those cases. The company’s credit plan will be announced in the next 30 to 45 days.

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“We know that our community is concerned about their accounts and we want them to know that we are here to help and protect them. We are assuring customers that their February accounts are accurate and do not currently include expenses with fuel and purchased energy related to extreme weather conditions, ”said Gold-Williams. “While we must and will pay all justified and legitimate business costs, our CPS Energy team will continue to strive to maintain our commitment to accessibility.”

AutoPay was reinstated on February 26. Customers who wish to stop automatic payments can cancel AutoPay through Manage My Account or by calling the utility at 210-353-6110.

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