Dear San Antonio City Council Members, Mayor Nirenberg, and CPS Energy Executives,

We are writing you today with an earnest plea. On January 13, 2022, a rate increase was voted upon and approved. This rate increase is going to affect CPS customers who by March, should see a 3.85% increase on their monthly energy bill(s). We ask you who voted for this increase, to rescind your votes and hold CPS Energy accountable.

Some of you might remember the impact that the Energy Crisis of 2021 had on the citizens of San Antonio during the snowstorm of 2021.
During this time, how many of you went without power during the snowstorm last February? How many of you were forced to put your non-perishables outside in order to keep them fresh because the outside temperature was lower than that of your freezer/refrigerator in your home(s)? How many of you were forced to ration your necessities such as toilet paper because you had no way to go to the store to buy more? How many of you had to bury a loved one who unfortunately succumbed to the extreme conditions of the storm? How many?

Tens of thousands of San Antonians went without power for days on end. Tens of thousands(and possibly more) of San Antonians had to collect dirty snow from outside and boil it due to the lowered water pressure which was a result of the power outage(s). Tens of thousands(and possibly more) of San Antonians worried about how they were going to get their next meal because they were trapped at home.

Although to some of you, a rate increase for customers seems acceptable, you must consider that a majority of CPS Energy customers could use that money for necessities or for bills that they are already behind on. Your reason for approving the increase was due to the fact that there had not been an increase in 8 years. Thinking about San Antonians and Texans in general, the only increase that should be approved is that of minimum wage. Prices continue to climb while San Antonio's population continues to grow yet, the minimum wage in Texas has remained at a mere $7.25 since 2008.

CPS Energy must take responsibility for its inaction and its inability to ensure that San Antonians were safe during the crisis. CPS Energy had the opportunity to weatherize the electric grid that would have only cost thousands compared to the millions that they now owe. It is CPS Energy's duty to provide for their customers, not to take. It is also the duty of city leaders to take care of the people of their city. With this approval, CPS Energy has taken from their customers, and city leaders(who voted for the increase) chose to take care of CPS Energy over the very people who voted them into office. 

Therefore, we humbly plea with you, the leaders of San Antonio, to see reason and consider rescinding your votes for the rate increase approval. CPS Energy needs to be held accountable. CPS Energy should consider giving their employees(including the executives) who make $50,000 or more annually, pay cuts for the coming months, and even further if it is required. Or find another way. The People of San Antonio should not have to incur the responsibilities that so rightfully belong to CPS Energy.

We hope you will do right by San Antonio.