159. The Cost of Powering San Antonio: CPS Energy CEO Rudy Garza on Potential Increasing Rates, Sustainable Growth, and Grid Demand

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine the realities behind CPS Energy’s record-setting proposed budget and the future of San Antonio’s energy infrastructure. As San Antonio and South Texas experience unprecedented growth, CPS Energy—the nation’s largest public energy utility—faces a host of challenges and opportunities in delivering reliable, affordable power to more than 1.4 million homes and businesses.Bob Rivard sits down with Rudy Garza, President and CEO of CPS Energy, for a candid conversation about the implications of a 15% budget increase, delayed rate decisions, and how ongoing investments in transmission, generation, and renewables are shaping the city’s energy landscape. Garza discusses balancing affordability with reliability, navigating political and economic pressures at City Hall, and adapting to new demands from advanced manufacturing and data centers.They discuss:• The drivers of CPS Energy’s $2.87 billion record budget and its proposed rate increase• How rapid population and economic growth in San Antonio are influencing energy needs• The transition away from coal, expansion of solar and wind, and the realistic prospects for reaching climate action goals• Challenges and strategies in building new transmission lines, including the Howard Solstice project and its impact on rural communities• CPS Energy’s approach to affordability programs and how the utility is working to protect ratepayers while meeting rising demand• The future role of battery storage, small modular nuclear, and new technologies in San Antonio’s energy portfolioThis episode provides an in-depth look at the interplay between politics, economics, and innovation at Texas’ largest municipal utility, exploring the decisions that will shape San Antonio’s future for decades to come.RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:▶️ #141. Why San Antonio Isn’t Running Out of Water — A Conversation with SAWS CEO Robert Puente – If the CPS Energy rate conversation caught your attention, don’t miss this deep dive into San Antonio’s water supply and infrastructure. Host Cory Ames sits down with Robert Puente, CEO of SAWS, to unpack how strategic planning, conservation, and upcoming investments are keeping the city ahead on water—despite fast growth and climate challenges.-- -- CONNECT📸 Connect on Instagram🔗 Join us on LinkedIn🎥 Subscribe on YouTubeSPONSORS🙌 Support the show & see our sponsorsTHANK YOU⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts⭐ Rate us on Spotify