CPS Energy is preparing to test a new emergency alert system to notify customers of major or system-wide outages or energy emergencies. The test will take place on Thursday, May 26 and will involve all of the utility’s residential and commercial customers. All customers will receive a message called a CPS Energy Alert at their current phone numbers and/or e-mail addresses on file with their accounts. The alerts will be sent during various times of the day but most customers will receive only one message.

Through the test notification, CPS Energy will be able to evaluate this system and determine its efficiency.  Meanwhile, customers can verify whether the contact information they have provided the utility is the most effective method for them to receive emergency notifications in the future. Customers can choose to receive outage notifications through an alternate contact such as a mobile phone or work e-mail address. Customers also may choose to add a text message number (provider charges may apply per the customer’s plan) to their CPS Energy Alert preferences, or they may elect to opt out of the system completely.

Through CPS Energy Alert, customers will be notified only when system-wide outages, likely the result of major storms or extreme temperatures, are possible. They also may be provided with instructions for actions that can be taken during a major outage event. In most cases, alerts will be informational -- customers will not be asked to respond or return the call or e-mail.

Earlier this year, many CPS Energy customers lost power when sustained cold weather caused a spike in electrical demand across the state at a time when multiple power generating units were offline. This alert system is designed to improve CPS Energy’s ability to provide customers with information during similar outage events.  Alerts will not be used for messages related to billing, service connection or disconnection, localized outages or non-emergency communications.

Customers who currently pay their bills online through CPS Energy’s Manage My Account may change their alert preferences through their online account. Customers who are not Manage My Account users or who prefer to speak with a representative to update their alert contact information should call CPS Energy’s dedicated number for alert preferences at
(210) 353-2255.