CPS Energy’s commitment to aggressively pursue clean energy solutions and boost San Antonio’s economy is becoming a reality. The utility, in partnership with Mayor Julián Castro, unveiled its New Energy Economy initiative last June. Along with creative energy planning, the initiative focuses on creating jobs and local manufacturing as well as enhancing funds for local education.

The utility’s premier partners have begun implementing their commitments to San Antonio. Recent developments include the following:

• A signed memorandum of understanding has now been converted into a finalized contract with Summit Texas Clean Energy (STCE). STCE will provide the utility with 200 megawatts (MW) of clean-coal electricity. Utilizing integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) along with 90 percent carbon capture technology; the first-of-its-kind plant will be located just outside of Odessa, Texas. Carbon capture will be used for enhanced oil recovery in the West Texas Permian Basin. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2012 and be completed in the second half of 2015. STCE is expected to create 1,500 to 2,000 West Texas construction jobs in addition to opening a customer relations office in San Antonio by June 2012.
  
• A revised purchase power contract has been signed with SunEdison that will bring approximately 30 MW of renewable solar energy. As part of the revision, CPS Energy will provide about 60 percent of the long-term capital for development of the project by prepaying for a portion of the anticipated electrical output. SunEdison will utilize these funds to reduce the interest cost of the project. This uniquely structured contract, a first in the solar industry, will ultimately provide CPS Energy ratepayers with more than $32 million in energy savings over the next 25 years. Construction has already begun on the first phase of the project on almost 200-acres of land owned by San Antonio Water System and home to the Dos Rios Water Recycling Center. SunEdison will build two approximately 10 MW solar installations at this site with the third solar farm to be located in Somerset, Texas. All three solar facilities are expected to be online by the summer of 2012.
  
• Greenstar™, a manufacturer of LED streetlights, will move to a new manufacturing space in the Alamo Downs area. Initially, the company will employ 38 people in its San Antonio location.  At the end of September, the first shipment containing 100 LED lights was delivered to CPS Energy.  A total of 25,000 LED streetlights will be installed throughout the city over the next several years.
  
• Consert relocated its corporate headquarters from North Carolina to San Antonio and has hired 30 local employees and has 18 more positions posted on its website. At the end of November, Consert had installed its innovative energy management technology in 212 homes in the San Antonio area with more being installed each week. The remaining systems are on schedule to be completed in early 2012.
  
• Cold Car USA continues to actively seek a manufacturing facility site in San Antonio. In November, Cold Car USA delivered its first all electric refrigeration truck to Ft. Collins, CO.
  
• Today is the deadline for request for proposals on what may become the largest solar development in Texas. CPS Energy is seeking a partner to develop up to 400 MW of solar energy and bring a manufacturing facility to San Antonio. RFPs are due at 2 p.m. CST.

For more information on the New Energy Economy, visit cpsenergy.com and search those keywords.