A message from District 7 Councilman Justin Rodriguez

Justin Rodriguez (photo)

District 7 Councilman

Dear Friends,

After many weeks of listening to the residents of District 7 over the proposed CPS Energy rate increase, and after a lengthy day of discussion at Council, we voted this week to approve a 3.5% rate increase that becomes effective Sep. 1. Significantly, this was less than the 5% that CPS was requesting. In addition, I was able to negotiate the compromise to make the new rates effective after the high-demand peak summer months.

As a city-owned utility that looks to the City for revenue, CPS Energy has been a leader in renewable energy, is number one in the country in customer service and maintains energy rates that are some of the lowest in the country. In fact, CPS had not raised rates on residential customers for 17 years. Despite that, I simply could not concede the higher rate request -- although arguably justified -- because of the economic difficulties our working families are facing today.

My office will continue to work with CPS to promote increased home energy efficiency throughout District 7 and the city of San Antonio. Notably, a sizable portion of the new rates will go toward CPS's efforts to expand our investment in renewable sources of energy such as wind and solar power. Also, protections remain in place for our seniors and those on fixed incomes through CPS's R.E.A.P. program. For more information, please call CPS at (210) 353-2222.

Warmest Regards,
P.S. Go Spurs Go!

Justin Rodriguez

District 7 Councilman