February CPS Energy bills soon; excessive costs of winter storms not included

SAINT ANTHONY – CPS Energy customers are not expected to see huge additional costs of fuel or energy acquired from the winter storm when the February 2021 bills are released from Monday, the company reported on Friday .

“CPS Energy is currently assessing the validity of the additional costs of fuel and energy acquired since the winter storm and is not currently transmitting them to customers,” a press release said.

CPS Energy CEO Paula Gold-Williams told managers during a special meeting Monday afternoon that CPS “accumulates” costs, but 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 additional $ 200 million. Gold-Williams said CPS would pursue regulatory assistance and help from elected officials to prevent customers from taking on that burden.

Announcements

The utility suspended billing customers on Feb. 19 to confirm that energy bills, at the time, did not include any rate changes or fuel adjustment costs related to the winter storm and to ensure that billed usage is based on actual meter readings and not estimates.

Electronic and paper invoices will begin to be issued on Monday. Depending on a customer’s billing cycle, it may take until Saturday, March 13 to send a customer’s delayed invoice. As a result, customers can receive their February bill next to their March bill.

The company said a team of energy advisors is willing to work with customers to discuss their bills and help them with payment agreements. No late fees will be charged to customers for their February invoices or in the event that a customer is on a payment plan, according to the press release.

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

Announcements

“We know our community is concerned about their bills and we want them to know that we are here to help and protect them. We are assuring customers that their February bills are accurate and do not currently include weather-related expenses. extreme nor the energy costs acquired, ”Gold-Williams said. “While we must pay and will pay all legitimate and justified costs, our CPS Energy team will continue to strive to maintain our commitment to affordability.”

Automatic payment was restored on February 26th. Customers who want to stop automatic payments can cancel the automatic payment by Managing My Account or by calling the utility at 210-353-6110.

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