As part of its commitment to environmental stewardship, CPS Energy has created the Windtricity program as a way for its customers to purchase renewable energy for their homes or businesses. Windtricity customers agree to pay a little extra on their bills, which goes toward offsetting the higher cost of procuring wind-generated electricity. In this way, they further the continued development of clean sources of power.

Renewable energy is energy generated from natural resources.

There are several reasons why a customer should consider signing up for Windtricity:

- To support their environment
Customers who subscribe to Windtricity typically do so because of a personal commitment to the environment and a desire to take an active part in changing the world.  While it costs them a little extra, Windtricity customers know the expense is worth it.

- To lock in their fuel price
Customers that sign up for Windtricity under the 12 or 24 month contract options, get the benefit of a locked fuel and regulatory price for the term of their agreement. The fuel lock applies only to the portion of a customer’s usage on the Windtricity program, which can be anywhere from 10 to 100%. As fuel and regulatory charges are the most volatile parts on the bill, the Windtricity price lock gives customers protection against unexpected increases in energy costs and provides a better way to manage their energy budget.

- To be recognized as a "green" business
More and more businesses are realizing the benefits of “going green”. Environmental stewardship has become a key consideration when consumers choose where to spend their dollars. In recognition of this, CPS Energy has created the Windtricity Business Partners Program as a way to recognize businesses that contribute to the growth of renewable energy.

Windtricity Business Partners have earned recognition in CPS Energy’s advertising and promotional programs to include advertisements in local publications and commercials. CPS Energy also assists partners in signing up to become EPA Green Power Partners and joining the Department of Energy’s Green Power Partnership Program.

While wind may be free, capturing and transmitting the power from wind costs a lot of money. These costs include major investments in infrastructure for development of a wind farm site, the cost to build and maintain the towers and turbines, and necessary upgrades to the transmission network that moves the power to your home or business.

No. Like with any other source of power, wind energy is fed into the state’s electric grid from where it flows to where it is needed. We can’t say exactly where the energy your home or business uses is coming from. But we do know that by supporting the generation of clean wind power, we avoid having to depend on other sources like coal to generate the electricity we all use.

No. Windtricity does not require any changes to your existing electric service. Your power will continue to across the same distribution lines as your existing service.

Not likely. We have more than enough wind power for San Antonio with more on the way. As of January 2008, CPS Energy has contracts for 500 megawatts (MW) of wind generated electricity from three wind farms. That is enough to power approximately 100,000 to 150,000 homes.

As part of the site selection process, wind farm developers are required to conduct an environmental analysis of the impacted area. This study includes analysis of impacts on the landscape, wetlands, communication systems, land use, noise and birds. All necessary steps are then taken to avoid any disruption to the existing environment.

CPS Energy receives its wind energy from wind projects in two locations. The first project is Desert Sky, located in Iraan, Texas, which opened in 2000 and provides 160 MW of power. Our newest project is the Cottonwood Creek Wind Project, located near Sweetwater and Abilene, which provides 340 MW of power.

Like traditional sources of power, wind energy is transported over Texas’ existing network of transmission and distribution power lines.

Yes. When wind turbines are not generating power, CPS Energy relies on its traditional power resources to get customers the energy they need.

No. The costs of Windtricity are not deductible for federal income tax purposes.

Windtricity is open to any CPS Energy customer in good standing.