issue 4 2014
LINEMEN RODEO TEAM See inside. I N T H I S I S S U E : E A R LY R E T I R E M E N T S P U R S O P P O R T U N I T Y • I N T E G R AT I N G S E C U R I T Y • N I N E T Y M I L E S T O F R E E D O M
Thanks a million! Pictured left to right are Christina Mercado, Melissa Pena, Belinda Ramos and Andrew Ramirez.
CPS Energy is a proud new inductee to United Way’s “Million Dollar Club.” Our employees, retirees and IBEW Local 500 members continue to make a critical difference in the community, not only through daily work performance, but through thousands of volunteer hours and monetary contributions to efforts like United Way. Through employees and retirees pledges, agency sponsorships and our annual golf tournament fundraiser, we were able to raise $1,002,058 for the 2014 United Way campaign this year. This is the first time in our history that more than $1 million has been donated — a vivid example of how deeply our employees and retirees care about the well-being of our neighbors in and around San Antonio.
EDITOR Vincent McDonald ART DIRECTION & DESIGN Barbara Burris Eduardo Flores
2 Early Retirement Spurs Opportunity by Tracy Idell Hamilton Retirement incentive program means new opportunities for advancement.
Michael Freberg Frank Jimenez PHOTOGRAPHY Roy Galvan Vincent McDonald Sam Taylor
AREA REPORTERS Donna Bailey
8 Integrating Security
Rebecca Baring Leona Boswell Pardo
byTracy Idell Hamilton Increasingly sophisticated challenges require integration, collaboration.
Gloria Calderon Madalena De Hoyos Elizabeth Engel Paula Ford Erica Gabriel Patricia Hansen Linda Gil Oralia (Lalie) Gomez
18 Ninety Miles to Freedom by Gary Chavez A UED Foreman’s harrowing journey blossoms into the American Dream.
Yvonne Gomez Katherine Hacker Patricia Hansen Patty Hight Sandra Huerta Katherine Jarzombek Eunice Lopez Veronica Martinez Christine Miller
23 CPS Energy Recognized for Lean, Green Fleet by Pam Maris Our company earned a Top 50 Green Fleet Award, placing 39th nationally.
Jo Ann Moreno Denae Myers Cindy Nieto Ronda Reisdorph Maria Sandoval Juanita Torres Michelle Trevino Rachel Van Der Knaap Bonnie Vines
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News Briefs Employee Spotlight Family Ties Welcome Aboard Up the Ladder/In Remembrance
14 Wellness 20 Scene 24 Anniversaries 28 Fond Farewells 48 Linemen Rodeo
Elizabeth (Patty) Ware LINES is produced by CPS Energy’s Corporate Communication Dept. Mail all correspondence to Lines, Mail Drop 11 02 01, P.O. Box 1771, San Antonio, Texas, 78296 or e-mail us at lines@cpsenergy.com.
Cover photo: CPS Energy linemen rodeo team: front row, left to right – Michael Compton, Danny Martinez, Gil Martinez and Chris Lyon; middle row, left to right – Travis Wiatrek, Rene Martinez and Juan Espinoza; back row – Frank Mata. See how they rodeo on page 48.
Early retirement
by tracy idell hamilton
Charles McNelly always managed people in his job as Heavy Crew Foreman, but now, as a Manager of Substation Electrical Construction, his management responsibility has been taken to the next level. “Now I’m dealing more with the business side,” said McNelly, a 28-year substation veteran. “I’ve been wage scale my entire career, and saw things with one set of eyes. Now when I help a foreman prep for a job, I’m also thinking about costs, timelines and the direction of the department.” McNelly is one of dozens of CPS Energy employees who have been promoted, hired full time or made a lateral move into a new area of the company in the wake of Voluntary Retirement Incentive Program, under which 280 employees chose to retire. A retirement incentive program was something employees had been asking for, said Group Executive Vice President Financial & Administrative Services Paula Gold-Williams. Leadership knew that a large-scale exodus, while potentially disruptive, could also, if carefully planned, create opportunities within the company. 2
“We wanted a way to reward employees who have been dedicated,” said Gold-Williams, “and also help those who want to grow and broaden their skills, and do that in an environment we could guide.”
When he first heard of the VRIP program, Charles McNelly didn’t think of it in terms of his own career growth.
Charles McNelly, newly promoted as Manager of Substation Electrical Construction.
CREATING OPPORTUNITIES McNelly admitted that when he first heard of the VRIP program, he didn’t think of it in terms of his own career growth. “I was thinking about how many people we would lose in our department,” he said. “We’ve known there were going to be a lot of retirements in the coming years, and then VRIP moved up the date for a lot of people.” But once those retirements took place, and management jobs opened up, McNelly didn’t hesitate to apply. “The first person I met in Substation was Billy Pool, the General Foreman of Construction. And I remember thinking, ‘What does it take to do that job?’ It was always in the back of my mind. I knew others would apply, but I wanted to get there.” When he spoke to Lines in October, McNelly had just completed a five day New Supervisor Management boot camp at CPS Energy University. “We were bombarded with information, but it was really helpful,” he said. “Honestly, I think every employee should to go through it, whether or not they’re going to be managers. The information on budgets, and on Human Resources, was really eyeopening. Chris Knox is a great teacher.”
“In the past, we had ten different training areas, and they were all very siloed,” said Director of Organization Change and Development David Hagen. “Also, training was just one more thing management had to do, and they often weren’t trained specifically in the best way to train others.” Now, he said, through the university model, which has been successfully used by giants like FedEx and Motorola, “there are very clear training processes that ensure training is aligned to companywide goals and that training is designed to help close performance gaps.” VRIP has created “a domino effect,” he said, as mid-level and higher vacancies are being filled internally, opening up entry level positions. That means CPS U has also added more
VRIP has created a domino effect, as mid-
management boot camp classes, to train those who are moving up. In the new Supervisor Management class, Hagen said, new supervisors learn about CPS Energy’s behavioral principals, the business planning process, safety and compliance requirements, and how to navigate human resources. This month, CPS University began a pilot “Is management for me?” class, which would allow employees thinking of making a move into management to better understand what is required and expected of managers. “The hope is this class would allow people to make a more informed decision,” said Hagen. The class will be a regular course beginning next year. Gold-Williams said she hopes even those employees who weren’t directly affected by VRIP are thinking about their own careers, and where they might want to go.
level and higher vacancies are being filled internally, opening up entry level positions.
PROFESSIONALIZED TRAINING Knox is one of a handful of professional trainers at CPS U, which was created in August 2013 after studying best practices at other companies. The goal was to ensure training across CPS Energy is better integrated, relies on best practices and remains closely aligned with the company’s overall strategy and business plan.
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“I really encourage people to take ownership of their careers,” said Paula Gold-Williams.
TAKING CHARGE OF YOUR CAREER “I really encourage people to take ownership of their careers and take advantage of opportunities,” like VRIP, job rotations, development teams and other developmental possibilities. She especially wants employees to think about jobs in other areas of the company – something President and CEO Doyle Beneby also encourages, who points out that in his own zigzagging career path, he made many lateral moves to learn different aspects of the utility business. “We have someone now in legal, who recently asked, ‘What might I do in another area of the company?’” Gold-Williams said. “Those are the kind of conversations CPS Energy’s leadership is encouraging.” Fernando Lopez said he sees his move from Journeyman Lineman at the Southwest Service Center to Outside Services Overhead Inspector for the Electric Department at Jones Avenue as lateral, even though he’s moved from wage scale to a salaried position. “The overtime is gone,” he said. “That’s something to get used to.” So is overseeing contractors, to make sure their work is up to CPS Energy’s standards. “Whether it’s a ten pole job or a 400 pole job, I have to sign off on every one,” Lopez said. 4
He said he’d never really thought he’d do anything in his career other than be a Lineman. “I worked hard every day, and worked with a great group of guys out there,” he said. “It’s like a family. Once a Lineman, always a Lineman.” And while he acknowledged that it’s been a challenging adjustment – except for the part where he’s now out of the harsh elements – Lopez said the training by Mike Williams, the senior inspector at Jones Avenue, has been top notch. “Our bosses are really good,” he said. “We’ve all done line work, so everyone is experienced.” Outside Services Manager Mike Mosel, Lopez’ new boss, said four of the five new positions opened up as a result of VRIP. They were posted internally and externally, but all were filled internally.
“They all came from EDS Overhead Department,” Mosel said. “We’re able to utilize their field experience to make sure CPS Energy is getting a good product from our contractors.” While Lopez said he’s still settling into his new position, McNelly is already thinking about the future. “I just turned 48. I have a minimum of seven years left here at CPS Energy,”
“I’m already thinking, ‘What can I do to prep our workforce for the future ?’” he said. “Several previous managers only stayed in this position a couple years. I have the opportunity to help our department really make some strides. I’m already thinking, ‘What can I do to prep our workforce for the future?’”
Fernando Lopez, below right, after his recent move to Outside Services Overhead Inspector.
NEWS BRIEFS No rate increase for 2016 President & CEO Doyle Beneby has recommended to CPS Energy’s Board of Trustees that the company cancel a scheduled 5.25% rate increase planned for 2016. Canceling the increase is possible, he told the board, thanks to millions in savings through lower debt, strong wholesale market sales, the early retirement program, strong investment returns on our pension investments (which means less in company contributions), plus improvements at the South Texas Project nuclear plants, which will result in savings over the next several years. Beneby specifically credited employee hard work and support as well as the executive team’s commitment to efficient management, all of which have helped put CPS Energy in optimal financial health.
More solar on more rooftops with expanded distributed generation programs
We will begin with a relatively small pilot of the program, with an eye toward expansion if it is successful. In addition to that pilot, we have also released our first request for proposals for a one megawatt Community Solar project, which would allow customers who cannot install solar on their own roofs to buy a share of a larger system and reap the benefits. We have also agreed to extend our rebate program through 2015. Executive Vice President & Chief Generation and Strategy Officer Chris Eugster announced the new programs in October, noting that since 2008, CPS Energy has already awarded roughly $40 million in rebates to customers to reduce the costs of their rooftop solar systems. “We believe our new programs will expand solar access even further, “ he said, “and we appreciate the participation of our local solar industry in helping us devise these sustainable, next generation models.”
Helping neighbors in need This holiday season, CPS Energy has found a fun way to help you spread holiday cheer to our community, while at the same time providing assistance to those in need. We have created a holiday website called SnowPeeps4REAP. Visitors will be able to create their own snow “peep” by adding various hats, eyes, noses, mouths, clothing and other accessories to a basic snowman shape. Once you’ve created your snowpeep(s), you can share via social media like Facebook. For every snowpeep you share with the hash tag #SnowPeeps4REAP, CPS Energy will donate one dollar to REAP (up to $500,000). Users will also have the option to make their own contribution to REAP through a Pay Pal link on the site. The site will be live through December. Visit Snowpeeps4reap.com to make your own!
CPS Energy is moving forward on a pair of next generation solar programs that could dramatically increase the amount of rooftop solar powering San Antonio, broaden customer participation and keep rates affordable for all customers. The Rooftop Solar program will create power purchase agreements with developers who will contract with residential, commercial and industrial customers to install distributed solar at no cost to the customer. Customers would then get a monthly credit on their bills for allowing their rooftops to be used for the solar system.
For every virtual snowpeep you (and our customers) build, $1 will be added to the Residential Energy Assistance Partnership (REAP) to help families in need pay their energy bills. 5
EMPLOYEE
Pictured left to right are Justin Chamberlain and Keith Kaysing.
Dedication powers Demand Response program.
Justin Chamberlain and Keith Kaysing are two of the driving forces behind the success of the Commercial Demand Response program, says Manager of Demand Management and analysis Rick Luna: Program Manager Justin Chamberlain works with CPS Energy’s account managers to call on customers and recruit them for the program. He is tireless in pursuing every angle to get in front of customers and help them see the advantages of signing up. In many cases, customers looking at DR are initially reluctant to try it because they lack staff, have other priorities, or are simply risk averse. That’s where Justin and the account managers come in. They talk customers though the 6
enrollment process, put them in touch with peers who have been successful at DR and arrange for an audit of their facilities. Most customers, after they get this level of attention, come around. A few customers Justin has transformed into DR champions include Trinity University, Rackspace, and the San Antonio Independent School District. While Justin is out front Rates Analyst 4 Keith Kaysing works behind the scenes analyzing meter data to help customers achieve their load reduction goals. The morning after each DR event, Keith prepares a performance report that calculates the kW load shed from all 300+ participating sites in the DR program. He does it by assembling 15-minute meter data for each site and
building a baseline against which he can compare their usage. The difference between a customer’s baseline and their actual load determines their DR score for the day. These individualized evaluations are prepared and delivered to customers by noon the day after an event. The information is timely and critical because it gives customers immediate feedback on their performance. For customers performing below expectation, this gives them a chance to make changes to improve their results. A couple times this summer, through his analysis, Keith was able to identify problems with a customer’s energy management system even before their staff was aware of the issue . . . the ultimate in service.
SPOTLIGHT
Pictured left to right are Lynn Eric Wolcott, Frances Trinidad and Shannon Mendoza.
Safety equipment test lab earns highest accreditation. By Tracy Idell Hamilton
has been reaccredited by the Board of Directors of the Association of North American Independent Laboratories for Protective Equipment Testing.
CPS Energy’s PPE Lab tests every piece of safety equipment that will eventually be worn by our Journeymen.
NAIL, as it’s known, demands that labs seeking its accreditation adhere to higher standards than ATSM, which develops voluntary standards for safety equipment.
Gloves, sleeves, blankets, line hose, covers and shielding — every single piece is put to the test physically and visually before being sent to store rooms to be picked up and worn by our employees.
“NAIL has higher standards than ASTM, and CPS Energy has even higher standards than NAIL,” said Lynn Eric Wolcott, one of the three senior measurement specialists who do all the testing at the lab. “We make sure our employees go home safely at the end of the day.”
Because the lab goes above and beyond minimum safety standards, it
Gloves, for example, are filled with water then immersed in a tank of
water. Then a specialist hits the glove with up to 40,000 volts of electricity, depending on its class, for three minutes. ASTM recommends just one minute. Afterwards, a visual inspection is made. Even if the glove passed the electric shock, a specialist will still fail it at any sign of visual stress to the rubber. Todd Fleming, who supervises the PPE Lab, credits Wolcott, and his fellow senior measurement specialists, Shannon Mendoza and Frances Trinidad, for maintaining the lab’s high standards. “The end users of this equipment often don’t realize where it comes from, and what’s been done to make sure it’s going to protect their lives,” Fleming said. The specialists, he said, “are working every day, to make sure our front line employees stay safe.” 7
INTEGRATING SECURITY
Combining cyber and physical security to meet 21 st century challenges by tracy idell hamilton
T
hey say the key to any good relationship is communication.
Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer John Benedict is counting on that as he arranges the marriage of CPS Energy’s cyber and physical security teams into one integrated unit. The move marks a structural and policy shift for the company, which, like most other utilities, had largely kept cyber and physical security teams separate. But across the country, the number and sophistication of security breaches have led to the conclusion that physical and cyber security efforts at utilities must have a common strategy, said Benedict, in order to best protect disruption of service to customers, keep employees and the public safe and protect critical 5 information.
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Recently, Benedict spoke to the Bexar County Sheriff ’s Office about a man who appeared to be stealing the copper wire from utility poles. “That’s what we used to have to worry about,” he said. “Today, we’ve got people half a world away trying to hack into our systems to shut down the grid, or steal customer information.” He also noted the increase in security breaches that now involve both physical intrusion combined with a software attack. That includes what has come to be known as the Metcalf incident, a sniper attack on a California substation more than a year ago that took out 17 transformers in just minutes. While most of the focus was on the physical security breach, it turns out that
a nearby AT&T fiber cable had been cut before the attack, said Benedict. “But the cyber and physical security people didn’t share their information,” he said. Linking the two areas together to share data, jointly analyze events and take corrective steps will help ensure CPS Energy customers continue to receive safe and reliable service. “Utilities have converted to more computer-based control systems, intelligent grids and multiple electronic ways customers communicate with us and control their energy usage,” said Benedict. “With more systems, the need to monitor and safeguard access becomes critical. “
A new command structure CPS Energy recently hired retiring San Antonio Police Chief William as Senior Director of Integrated Security; he will report to Benedict and begin work in January. Along with his notable career in law enforcement and established leadership ability, McManus also brings existing relationships with agencies such as Homeland Security and the FBI, which are becoming more crucial as attempted security attacks become more sophisticated and far reaching. “Security used to be siloed,” said Johnny Heintz, Director of Enterprise IT Security, who will report to McManus. “Now we’re bridging those silos, which is important because with the smart grid and other emerging technologies, we’re creating a whole new security infrastructure.”
“Today, we’ve got people half a world away trying to hack into our systems to shut down the grid, or steal customer information.” Because of that overlap, and increasing integration, some utilities are even physically co-locating cyber and physical security teams in the same place, said Shawn Eddy, formerly senior director of enterprise facilities and asset management, now senior director of customer engineering. “Exelon recently did that,” he said. “It’s much easier for the physical and cyber teams to coordinate their efforts when they are in the same room.” Both Eddy and Heintz have relatively small security teams, but each also works with dozens of contractors and vendors – which adds an
additional layer of complexity to their security efforts. Heintz said CPS Energy both tests its vendors’ security measures and pushes them to implement the latest controls – “so we can say confidently to our customers, ‘We are doing everything possible to keep your data safe.’ ” Eddy is currently overseeing an increase in physical security measures at certain CPS Energy’s facilities, in response to updated physical security reliability standards, which the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission requested in the wake of the Metcalf incident.
Security is part of one of CPS Energy’s newly identified “True North” initiatives – ie one of the core focuses of the company for next year. That means the support and resources necessary for the integration of the existing security teams will be a priority in the budget, said Benedict. Heintz noted that physical security had already become IT based, as traditional physical security measures such as locked doors, fences and security guards now includes access control, cameras and motion detectors.
“. . .with the Smart Grid and other emerging technologies, we’re creating a whole new security infrastructure.”
Compliance is also a security issue Compliance with federal security and reliability regulations, which is overseen by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, better known as NERC, represents another facet of the complex security apparatus CPS Energy must manage. That includes periodic audits, which take months of careful preparation. The company successfully completed NERC’s cyber security and reliability audits for the Energy Delivery business unit with no potential in 2014. Subject matter experts in various departments are now preparing for the NERC cyber security and reliability audits for the Generation and Strategy business unit in 2015. “We feel well-prepared,” said Jose Escamilla, Interim Director of Construction & Maintenance. “Compliance with federal reliability standards and cyber security standards is a top priority at CPS Energy and it shows by the results we are seeing.” Violations can come with hefty fines, said Director of Compliance and Senior Counsel Curt Brockmann. “So coming out of the 2014 NERC audit with no violations was a win win for our customers,” Brockmann said. “It proves that all of the hard work and money that we have devoted over the years is paying off and is making us more secure and that our critical assets are well-protected. I’m very proud of our subject matter experts and compliance teams for the months of hard work they put into preparing for the audit.” Whether it’s compliance or security, however, no change in the org chart will ever replace the daily diligence required by each and every employee at CPS Energy. “Whether it’s allowing someone to “tailgate” you into a building or plugging that free thumb drive into your work computer,” said Eddy, “Just one employee’s actions could put the entire grid, or our customers’ data, at risk. We owe it to them and each other to take this seriously.”
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“It’s much easier for the physical and cyber teams to coordinate their efforts when they are in the same room.”
FAMILY TIES Check out some of the big events taking place in the lives of our CPS Energy family.
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Main Office, 3rd floor
Trey Saenz, son of Becky Baring and Lee Saenz, Substation Construction, had a great time celebrating his 6th Birthday. Trey is a 1st grader at Idea Walzem and made all A’s and B’s on his first report card. (1)
Main Office, 4th floor
Maya Canestaro, daughter of Louisa Eclarinal, performed the children’s lead role of Clara in Ballet San Antonio’s production of the Nutcracker at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. A sophomore at Reagan High School, Maya attends Ballet Conservatory of South Texas. She attended the prestigious Ellison Ballet six-week ballet intensive in New York City during the summer. (2)
Main Office, 10th floor
Stella Charlene Almaraz was born on May 8, 2014 to Christine and Frank Almaraz. (3) Emma Maria González was born on June 16, 2014 to Ivalis Meza and Manuel González. (4)
Navarro, 1st floor
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Madeline Sanders, daughter of Karen Pyka Sanders, and her Alamo 14 Elite Volleyball team traveled to Minneapolis in July for the USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championship. The team took first place in the nation, beating out teams from Hawaii, Colorado and Puerto Rico, finally beating the Iowa Rockets in the Gold Medal round in three sets. (5)
Navarro, 8th floor
Rebecca Bailey presented one of three scholarships from the Roger Winkler Foundation to Poth High School students. One of the activities of the foundation is to foster educational opportunities for area students. To learn more visit ww.rogerwinklerfoundation.com. (6)
Navarro, 9th floor
Michael Ruiz, a six year SAPD officer and son of Leonard Ruiz met former President George W. Bush as part of his security detail. The former president was in town to speak to the American Dental Association annual meeting here in October. (7)
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9 8 Jones Avenue
Troy Wolcott, 14 year old son of Lynn Wolcott handled a Walker coonhound, Rain, in his first United Kennel Club Night hunt and took High Scoring dog at the event held at Lone Star Coon Hunters in Floresville, Texas. Also pictured is Rain’s owner Danny Cox. (8)
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Northside Customer Service Center
Gloria Calderon and her husband celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary.
Retirees
Jack Morris, and Mary Lynn celebrating his 81st birthday on a Hawaiian cruise. (9)
This summer at a Retiree Association meeting at the Employee Park, nearly 20 retirees proudly displayed their antique or modified cars at the Retiree Classic Car Show. George Wilke showed off his 1934 Ford Rumble Seat Coupe. Sonny Jones displayed his award winning 1931 Essex Coupe and his 1955 Ford Thunderbird. The retirees hope to make this an annual event. (10, 11,12)
WELCOME ABOARD Customer Accounts and Operations
Miguel Valdelamar, teller; Maria Armijo, Regina Brantley, Bertha Butler, Erica Deleon, Theresa Maldonado, David Mosheim, Toy Moten, Denise Ojeda, Bridgette Reyes, Toronda Reyes, Larry Samms, Jeanette Trevino and Doretha Washington, customer service representative 1.
Energy Delivery Services
Darren Orth, transformer shop trainee; Dominique Carter, data control clerk 2; Robert Strachan, manager GIS services; Henry Estrada, energy measurements 12
tech 2; Jason Ralph, Kenneth Trees and Alfred Cantu, residential designer 1; Sunil Dhakal, engineering associate 2; Jose Casillas, system analyst 1.
Human Resources
Financial & Administrative Services
Karl Cantu and Ruben Tarango Jr., utility worker; Chelsey Vasbinder, environmental tech 1; William Madden, engineering associate 2; Taylor Scott, O&M operations tech 1; Gabriel Barrera, Chance Childress, Ottmar Cifuentes, John Cortez, Arturo Dominguez, Joshua Hinshaw, Matthew Hoog, Darren Johnson, Jon Martinez,
Jessica Infante, financial services analyst 1.
General Counsel
Ricardo Abeyta, senior claims representative.
Generation and Strategy
Bruce Ridpath, environmental analyst 2.
Ashley Cordero-Estrada, Intern; Sandra Burwick, analyst.
Power Generation
(continued next page)
Edward Montez, Raymond Pepkins, Grant Prater, Michael Quintero, Armando Rodriguez, Christopher Seele, Leonard Shore, Joshua Valadez, Taylor Ware and Nathan Yates auxiliary operator; Gilbert Contreras
and Shane Robinson, coal yard operator; Mark Cuello, O&M operations tech 2; Brian Stone, maintenance planning coordinator 1; Christopher Nickle, NDE specialist.
UP THE LADDER Customer Accounts and Operations
Andrew Hush, electronic customer care specialist; Joao Roque, supervisor of contact center.
Energy Delivery Services
Trevor Tschirhart, energy controller 1; Leavie Miller, heavy crew foreman; Derrick Dziuk and Daniel Govea Jr., cable splicer trainee; Jonas Setzer, system operations compliance manager; Daryl Johnson, system operations training manager; Chris Ziegler, distribution operator; Stephanie Perez, construction coordinator; Shawn Anthony, manager of customer construction; Russell Anderson, manager of substation engineering.
Energy Supply and Market Operations
Patricia Garcia, energy marketing analyst 2.
Finance
Kimberly Groesbeck, rate design & analysis manager.
Gas Delivery Kenneth Fulks, Lucio Gutierrez, Noel John, Mark Martinez and Daniel Salazar, general trainee.
Human Resources
Charles Francis Jr. and John Soltau, senior manager employee development.
Power Generation
Joe Sepulveda, senior manager for craft management; Brian Mooney, machinist foreman; Johnny Pena, general maintenance services foreman; Henry Barnes, welder foreman; Joe Jimenez, manager of customer construction; David Hellums, manager of railcar maintenance; Richard Conner, auxiliary operator.
President and CEO
Crystal Michalak, administrative assistant 3; Jose Caceres, manager of operations.
IN REMEMBRANCE LINES staff joins other CPS Energy employees in expressing deepest sympathy to:
Larry Parr, Operations and Reliability, on the passing his father, Harry Parr. The family and friends of Travis Williams, who retired in 1980 from the Operation Services Department. Jose R. Ramos, Customer Construction URD Department SWD, on the passing of his wife, Cynthia Ramos. The family and friends of William Brown, who retired in 1996 from the Customer Services Department. Mary Schmidt, Underground Engineering Department, on the passing of her mother Augusta Delgado. The family of William Farrell, who worked in Energy Delivery Services.
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WELLNESS KEEP YOUR HEART HEALTHY and YOUR WAISTLINE TRIM
oliday meals, with turkey or ham and all the fixings, can turn the dining room table into a high-fat smorgasbord. The typical holiday meal is laden with fat: gravies made with meat drippings, mounds of creamy mashed potatoes, your favorite pies. In fact, American adults usually gain almost one pound during the holidays alone. Studies also show that fats – especially those found in cheeses and fatty meats, vegetable shortening, margarine and some oils – can clog the arteries and contribute to heart disease.
DE-FAT YOUR GRAVY: Pour meat drippings into a container ahead of time and then refrigerate. The fat rises to the surface so you can skim it off.
TRANSFORMING HIGHCALORIE HOLIDAY FARE
REMOVE THE SKIN: A 3 1/2-ounce serving of roast turkey breast with skin has 197 calories and 8.3 grams of fat. Without skin, it has 157 calories and 3.2 grams of fat.
A traditional holiday meal of turkey, stuffing, sides and desserts can exceed 2,500 calories and 130 grams of fat. This is more calories and fat than you should consume in a whole day. But, there are ways to de-fat holiday meals and keep your arteries and your taste buds happy. Here are some tips: 14
UN-STUFF THE STUFFING: One benefit of this is that the stuffing does not absorb all the fat from the bird. Also, try adding nuts and fruits instead of sausage or turkey giblets in your stuffing. NIX THE BUTTER: Try adding a little brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg to your sweet potatoes instead of butter. Bake them in a nonstick baking pan.
MAKE A SINGLE-CRUSTED PIE: Most of the fat in pies is found in the crust. Roll the crust a little thinner if you use a store-bought crust. Fruit pies are lower in fat than a pecan pie.
BRING OUT THE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES: Focus on pumpkin, carrots, sweet potatoes or other orange vitamin-packed vegetables. Greens such as broccoli, spinach and collard greens pack vitamin power, too. Serve colorful raw veggies with low-fat dip as an appetizer. MAKE SMART SUBSTITUTIONS: Use fat-free, low sodium chicken or vegetable broth to moisten dressing. Use olive oil in place of butter or margarine. Mash potatoes with nonfat sour cream and low-fat milk. Use fat-free nondairy creamers or evaporated skim milk instead of cream when you bake. DON’T STARVE YOURSELF UNTIL DINNER: Have a healthy breakfast so you don’t load up at the big meal. When you sit down to eat, try just a little bit of everything and go easy on second helpings and dessert. Source: UnitedHealthcare
WELLNESS
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN SAVING MONEY? See the following information regarding the 2015 Wellness Incentive Program, which begins Jan. 1, 2015. Start the New Year off right by participating in the 2015 program and earn 2016 premium discounts!
Be on the lookout for the Wellness Road Show, which will be coming to a location near you in January. This event will explain the 2015 program and new upcoming wellness initiatives you don’t want to miss!
2015 EMPLOYEE WELLNESS INCENTIVE PROGRAM Complete 3 steps in 2015 to earn 2016 Premium Discounts COMPLETE A PHYSICAL WITH HEALTH SCREENING FORM BETWEEN: Jan. 1 - Sept. 30, 2015
COMPLETE THE ONLINE HEALTH ASSESSMENT BETWEEN: Oct. 1 - 31, 2015
EARN 200 POINTS: Participate in various benefits wellness activities by deadlines below.
Steps can be completed in any particular order as long as completion is by designated deadlines. Covered Spouses and domestic partners covered under the CPS Group Health Plan only need to complete Step 1 & 2. Retirees who participate will be entered in prize drawings for each activity completed.
*Call Wellness 353-2900 option 4 for Onsite Coaching **Call 1-877-440-9938 to enroll in Telephonic Wellness Coaching, Disease Management or Healthy Pregnancy Program.
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WELLNESS
QUIT TOBACCO USE FOR GOOD
In 1971, a high school guidance counselor in Massachusetts asked people to quit smoking for one day. He also asked them to donate the money they saved on cigarettes that day to a local college scholarship fund. In time, that small-town event grew into what is now known as the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout. This event encourages individuals to make a plan to quit smoking, or to actually quit smoking that day. This nationwide event is held the third Thursday in November. But even if you missed the event, it’s not too late to take steps now to quit tobacco use.
A personal coach will provide information on how to quit your tobacco use, provide support and assist you during times convenient for you. They will be able to help you develop a quit plan tailored to your needs. You will have a choice between Nicotine Patches or Gum that can be delivered to your home with no out of pocket cost. Call 1-800-478-1057 for details or to sign up.
THE QUITPOWER PROGRAM
If you’re ready to quit:
This is a comprehensive tobacco cessation program that is provided at no cost for employees. QuitPower can help you break free from tobacco use. This program includes: • Access to an interactive wellness coach, tools and trackers on myuhc.com 16
• Printed materials • A telephonic health coach • Nicotine Replacement Therapies which include the Nicotine Patch or Nicotine Gum
• Set a date for quitting. Take one day at a time, and set short-term goals. • Tell your family and friends about your plans. You will need their encouragement when you feel the urge to light up. Having social support is one of the keys to quitting successfully.
• To avoid temptation, get rid of all tobacco products, lighters and ashtrays. • Talk to your doctor about using a medication or nicotine replacement therapy as an alternative to quitting “cold turkey.” • When you first try to quit, change your routine. If you use tobacco products during your morning coffee, then eat breakfast in a different place or drink tea instead of coffee. • When you quit and still get the urge to use tobacco, talk with someone, go for a walk, drink water or get busy with a task. Reduce your stress by taking a hot bath, exercising or reading a book. You’ll be surprised at how quickly your body starts to recover when you quit. For instance, 20 minutes after you stop tobacco, your blood pressure will go down toward your baseline level and your heart rate will become slower. Source: UnitedHealthcare
CPS ENERGY EMPLOYEE: Off the steps of the Capitol, onto the starting line As an analyst with our Federal & State Relations Department in Austin, Robert Nathan spends considerable time at our state’s Capitol, listening attentively to legislative sessions that could impact our company. But it’s his most recent pastime that really has him on his toes. “I started running in April 2011, because I got tired of going to the gym,” Nathan says. “I went to a middle school track one day after work and made it around six times. I gradually started running longer distances, on trails and roads. Nine months later, I ran a half-marathon [13.1 miles] and was hooked. It’s been a wild journey ever since!” Nathan completed his first full marathon in January 2013, following in his father’s footsteps. “I ran the Houston Marathon, because my dad had run the race when I was 5. Honestly, I always wanted to beat his time of 3:43 [3 hours, 43 minutes].” And he did, crossing the finish line in 3 hours, 34 minutes. Following that first marathon, Nathan has completed several others, including races in Oregon, Philadelphia, Austin and Vancouver. On Nov. 2 of this year, he participated in the New York City Marathon, the largest marathon on record with more than 50,000 participants. “This was one of the more challenging courses because of its bridges and inclines. The 40-mph headwinds that morning didn’t make it any easier,” he noted. Despite the challenges, Nathan was among the top 6 percent finishers, with a time of 3:25:58. “This was by far my hardest race, but one of the coolest life experiences at the same time. People from all over the world were there. To top it off, I got to hang out with Meb Keflezighi the next day.” Keflezighi won this year’s Boston Marathon and finished fourth in the New York City Marathon. “Running is ‘my time.’ It gives me a tangible sense of improvement in life. I used to run for exercise, but now it’s just part of my daily routine,” says Nathan, who’s dropped 90 pounds since 2010. Three days a week, he joins up with a marathon training group in Austin called “Team Rogue” for 10- to 20-mile runs. “I’d eventually like to complete a 50-mile ultra marathon, but my ultimate goal is to run the Boston Marathon.” he said. “The qualifying times for my age group are still out of reach, but I hope to get there at some point in my life.” Nathan has participated in CPS Energy’s pedometer challenge. The pedometer challenge is one of several ways to earn points toward health premium discounts. Visit the Wellness page on our intranet, CPS Energy Connect, to learn more. 17
Ninety
H
e was just 13 years old. The boy had never been in the open water before. The salt spray hurt his face and reminded him that he’d had nothing to drink for a day. He hadn’t eaten in four days. The shrimp trawler tilted dangerously on the high waves and the boy got seasick, vomiting through the shrimp net on which he was lying. He peered around him. At least 300 other people were crammed onto the 30-foot trawler, many sitting on the outriggers, balancing the boat to keep it from capsizing. As the boy looked behind him, his eyes fell on an old man in a white t-shirt. The old man began to sway on the outrigger where he was precariously perched. The boy watched as the man slowly closed his eyes and slipped quietly off the rigging, swallowed by the sea. 18 19
by gary chavez “That’s something I will never forget,” says Alex Lopez in a soft voice while on break from his job as an Underground Electrical Distribution Foreman. OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS Alex and his UED crew place and replace underground power cables in residential neighborhoods. They trench, dig by hand, work with live 135kv transformers and often landscape as well, no matter the temperature. This is hard work done by hard men. Few have seen harder times than Alex. And yet somehow, he seems to always find a reason to smile. Alex was born in Havana, Cuba and lived there until his family immigrated to the United States in 1980 as part of what became known as the Mariel Boatlift.
Alex, his older brother Alejandro, younger sister Barbara and their parents were five of the estimated 125,000 Cubans who left the country of their birth through Mariel Harbor during the famous mass exodus across the Gulf of Mexico. From April through October of that year, Fidel Castro allowed Cubans to leave the island and President Jimmy Carter agreed to give refugee status to any Cuban who reached American soil. The grinding poverty, lack of opportunity and the fact that Alex’s father had been detained as a political prisoner made the decision to leave an easy one. But the ease of the decision was followed by a treacherous journey.
Miles to Freedom M A R I E L B O AT L I FT
“I remember the night when I left Cuba,” Alex recalled. “It was about six o’clock in the afternoon. The cops come around and they sound a siren to let everybody know that another family was leaving the country. So everybody would come out and throw eggs at that family.” Before they could leave, Alex and his family were sent to a camp for a week, during which time they were not fed. “That was so you would suffer prior to leaving Cuba,” he said. A BETTER PLACE Alex and his brother arrived in Key West 28 hours after boarding the shrimper. Entering the intake center, Alex was given an apple. It was the first apple he had ever seen. His face softens as he talks about the taste of that apple.
spoken in South Texas, he was placed in the 5th grade. “It was hard being with the small kids,” he said.
Alex and his brother met up with the rest of the family, who had been on a separate boat, and the family was sent to Pennsylvania to be processed. As newly-minted citizens, they returned to Florida. Shortly thereafter, Alex’s father found work through a church program as a ranch hand in Floresville. They stayed, and his father ranched until the day he died. Since Alex didn’t speak English or understand much of the Spanish
Through sheer will and the great teachers in Floresville, Alex earned his high school diploma by 19. So how does a kid from Cuba land at CPS Energy? “I had always wanted to work at the power plant,” says Alex. “Every time I drove from Floresville toward San Antonio I would always see the power plants and I would say to myself, ‘One day, I’m going to work for CPS Energy.’ ” He made good on his vow in 1994. His face lights when he talks about CPS Energy.
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“I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world,” he says. “It’s been a blessing. My family and I have been blessed by this place.” Out of Alex’s hearing, his manager, Joey Wootan, says Alex has always had an amazing positive attitude.
“He’s easy to work with and a good guy to be around. He appreciates this job.” “He just doesn’t let obstacles on the job bother him,” Wootan told me. “He’s easy to work with and a good
guy to be around. He appreciates this job.” I hear the same sentiment several times from crews at job sites. And judging by a recent letter sent to his manager, at least one customer agrees: “I am a retired Air Force ‘bird’ colonel. I know the importance of good competent supervision when leading and motivating people to accomplish the mission. Mr. Alex Lopez has all those skills and performed them in an outstanding manner.”
In October, employees from System Operations and Customer Reliability gave 40 migrant students an opportunity to tour the Energy Management Center and explore different career fields including system operator, technician, programmer and engineer. (1) A migrant student is one whose parents move to work on a seasonal basis in the agriculture, farming or fishing industries. Frequent moves and absences mean 20
“There’s no place better than the United States,” he says. “As far as CPS Energy, for my family and myself, I think it’s the greatest place in the world. I’ve enjoyed every single minute of it – and I will until the day I retire.”
When I ask Alex what is the most important thing in his life is today, without hesitation he tells me it’s his family. He and his wife have an 11-year-old son and 16-year-old daughter. He’s proud he can
SCENE
Education and career tour for migrant students allows them to envision a successful future
give them things he couldn’t imagine when he was their age, from a good education to positive life experiences. He remains proud of and grateful to his adoptive homeland.
Here’s a look at some of the activities happening around CPS Energy.
migrant students can quickly fall behind academically. The dropout rate for migrant students is an alarming 45 percent, and Texas has the largest migrant population in the nation, with 115,000 migrant students. EMC co-workers proudly explained the variety of jobs available to students if they stay in school.
Blakes earns leadership award Tracey Blakes, director of human resources services, was presented the DiversityFIRST™ Leadership Award by the Texas Diversity Council, San Antonio Chapter. This annual award is bestowed upon individuals who demonstrate outstanding accomplishments in the promotion and
advancement of diversity through inclusion and strong leadership. Pictured with Blakes (at right) is her husband, Edwin, and keynote speaker Donna Brazile, a noted author and political strategist. (2)
CPS Energy employees stuffed the bus!
To help ensure local students were ready to give it their all on the first day of school, CPS Energy employees helped Communities In Schools ‘Stuff The Bus’ full of much needed school supplies. Employees had three weeks to bring in new backpacks, folders, notebooks and other supplies. CPS Energy employees
1 2 4
3 collected 1403 lbs. of school supplies with an estimated value of $14,287. Pictured, back row on truck left to right: Chris White (NWSD), Letty Ortiz and Fidencio Castellanos (SWSD). Front row left to right: Walter Menck (ESSD), Dejah Behnki (CIS), Kristina Lawrence (SAFE Student), Ann Martinez (NWSD), Cristina Duarte (Corporate Responsibility), Patricia Calandres (Gas Engineering), Lalie Gomez (Environmental & Sustainability), Michelle Robles (Financial Services), Cynthia Garza (Enterprise Information Technology),
Melissa Pena (Financial Services), Candy Horner (Energy Supply & Market Operations), Angela Valdez (Financial Services) and Ilsa Garcia (CIS). (3)
LeBlanc Burley honored by award
EVP and Chief Delivery Officer Jelynne LeBlanc Burley humbly accepted the Jo Long Humanitarian Award at the Calvacade of the Stars on Oct. 25. The event is the signature fundraiser for The Carver Development Board, which Burley most
5 recently chaired. Long is known for building The Carver into the arts and cultural powerhouse that it is today. Burley was “shocked and nearly in tears� to be honored with the award. (4)
Employees walk the walk for the Heart Association
Mary Lou Salazar gets pumped for the San Antonio Heart Walk. More than100 CPS Energy employees supported the American Heart Association, Oct. 25 at Nelson Wolff Stadium. (5)
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Shellman hosts legal professionals for tour of Alamo 2
Carolyn Shellman, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, (front row, far right) toured the Alamo 2 solar farm on Oct. 21 with a group of legal professionals who work in the energy industry. The group attended a legal seminar downtown held by the American Public Power Association Oct. 19-22. Alamo 2, located on Binz-Engleman Rd. in northeastern Bexar County, went online earlier this year and produces about 4 megawatts. (6)
6
CPS Energy employees are an inspiration to students
The CPS Energy Inspire U program kicked off the new school year with a ropes course challenge to help students develop problem solving skills, communication and trust. The event also served as an ice breaker for new mentors and mentees who were paired together for the first time. Employees who volunteer for the Inspire U program meet with their high school student twice a month to provide guidance and inspiration. (7)
Donation collection at Halloween feast for The Children’s Shelter
EIT Infrastructure Operations and Business Applications Department teamed up to support The Children’s Shelter providing a Halloween treat and surprise for the children. The teams had a Halloween celebration during lunch which included a brew contest (soup, chili, etc.), baked goods and a costume contest. Entry into the event was a donation for the shelter. Staff delivered the goodies to kids in costume delighting the group. Pictured from left to right: Becky Bailey, Bernadine Lawrence, David Morin, Josh Valencia, Matilda Bueno, Russ Gallardo and Kim Walker. (8)
Community Engagement helps customers at fairs
More than 500 customers attended community programs fairs on Sept. 20 and Oct. 25 to apply for Casa Verde 22
7 and benefit from resources provided by partnering organizations. More than 200 customers qualified for Casa Verde, which provides about $5,000 worth of free energy-saving measures for homes. The Sept. 20 event took place on the eastside at Antioch Sports Complex while the Oct. 25 event was held at Collier Elementary on the westside. Randy De Leon helps a family apply for Casa Verde at the Community Programs Fair on Oct. 25. (9)
8
9
Pictured left to right are Daniel Saenz, journeyman mechanic; Mark Jarzombek, fleet coordinator and Harold Lambert, journeyman mechanic.
CPS ENERGY RECOGNIZED FOR LEAN, GREEN FLEET by pam maris At CPS Energy, we’re continuing down the road of sustainability, reducing emissions and our carbon footprint. Among our numerous initiatives, we employ renewable power generation and energy-saving rebate programs. Beyond these earth-friendly efforts, we were recognized in November with a Green Fleet Award at the 2014 North American Green Fleet Forum. CPS Energy placed 39th this year, earning one of the Top 50 Green Fleet Awards nationwide. One of the leading reasons for our success is that we’ve reduced our operational fleet by more than 250 vehicles over the past two years.
That translates into lower capital, maintenance and fuel costs, which in turn represents savings for the company and our customers. “Our goal is to reduce our fuel consumption by 20 percent by 2020,” says Tommy Johns, CPS Energy interim fleet operations manager. “We’ve already reduced our annual fuel consumption by more than 6 percent over the last three years, and more than 13 percent of our onroad vehicles are low carbon.” Our fleet includes three hybrid, four CNG (compressed natural gas), 14 electric and 256 flex-fuel vehicles. Other ways we’re helping reduce our environmental impact include refueling
vehicles and equipment in late evenings during the hot summer months and incorporating anti-idling technology. Our Fleet team also participates in our company’s robust recycling program, by recycling antifreeze and scrap metal, and establishing a tire recapping program to extend a tire’s useful life. Once a tire is no longer deemed useful, it’s ground up and repurposed for playground equipment and paving needs. They’ve also installed water recycling systems at maintenance facility wash racks. When it comes to incorporating environmentally friendly measures, CPS Energy and our dedicated Fleet team are headed in the right direction. 23
ANNIVERSARIES
Robert Garcia Railcar Maintenance
Congratulations to these employees who have reached milestones in their years of service with CPS Energy.
Juan Garza Coal Yard
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Dennis Thrailkill Mission Road Construction Center
Melanie Crawford Eastside Customer Service Center
Rolando Hinojosa Main Office
Kenneth Pawelek Calaveras Power Station
Christine Miller Southwest Center
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Randy Real Mission Road Construction Center
Armando Cantu Main Office
William Scheel Calaveras Power Station
Kenneth Strey Southwest Center
Russ Coons Northwest Center
Clifton Zaiontz Mission Road Construction Center
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Fred Mair Jones Avenue Center
Eugene Flores Mission Road Construction Center
20 Amelia Badders Main Office
Pearl Martinez Main Office
Alex Hernandez Main Office
Marcos Davila Eastside Center
Carlos Mendoza Mission Road Construction Center
Brenda Hibdon Southwest Center Avenue Center
Michael Gutierrez Northwest Center
Vicki von Scheele Main Office
Beth Lettman Main Office
Carl Kosub Northeast Center
Thomas Linerode Mission Road Construction Center
Jason McCartney Northeast Center
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Edward Norment Eastside Center
15
Juan Medina Northwest Center
Jesus Aldaz Southwest Center
Joe Pineda Southwest Center
Thomas Nelson Calaveras Power Station
Graciela Alderete Northside Customer Service Center Barnetta Portis Westside Customer Service Center
Kelly Robinson Main Office
Tina Brown Navarro Building
Edward Sanchez Northeast Center
Daniel Saenz Northwest Center
Joey Davila Mission Road Construction Center Suzanne Shuler Main Office
Santos Taboada Navarro Building
Shon Essman Jones Avenue Center
David Valles Mission Road Construction Center
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Louis Zamora Southwest Center
Guillermo De Hoyos Northeast Center
5 William Fey Mission Road Construction Center
Dwain Duke Northeast Center
10
Steven Garcia Calaveras Power Station Edward Alarcon Calaveras Power Station
Roy Evans Meter Reading
Cynthia Garza Navarro Building
Carlos Barron Northside Customer Service Center
Paula Gold-Williams Main Office
Michelle Gonzalez Salado Street Center
Larry Bragg Navarro Bldg 10th Floor
Eddie Kirby Main Office
ArDeanna Hicks Main Office
Rodney Dapilmoto Main Office
Rene Rodriguez Meter Reading
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FOND FAREWELLS Steven Abrams
Hermelinda Acevedo
Juan Aguinaga
Sammy Aguinaga
Daniel Allen
Lars Allen
Gregory Andreolli
Jenna Anguiano
Rogerio Arocha
Jose Avila
Jerry Balderas
Margarita Balderas
Navarro Building Procurement analyst 1 Corporate Support Services 15 Years of Service
Transformer Shop Manager of Transformer Shop Energy Delivery Services 29 Years of Service
Jones Avenue Center Construction inspector Energy Delivery Services 30 Years of Service
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Navarro Building Data control clerk 3 Energy Delivery Services 31 Years of Service
Salvage Warehouse foreman Corporate Support Services 35 Years of Service
Main Office Cashier Corporate Support Services 25 Years of Service
Mission Road Construction Center Operations pipeman Gas Delivery 35 Years of Service
Calaveras Power Station Manager of Predictive Maintenance Power Generation 35 Years of Service
Eastside Center Truck driver Corporate Support Services 25 Years of Service
Mission Road Construction Center Leak crew foreman Gas Delivery 34 Years of Service
Main Office Manager for Environmental & Sustainability Services Generation & Strategy 14 Years of Service
Main Office Data control clerk 3 Corporate Support Services 33 Years of Service
Garry Ball
Guy Barrows
Ben Bartlett
Robert Becker
Dawn “Patti� Benitez
Lonnie Benson
Linda Bingham
Ginger Bodiford
Stephen Bone
Rogelio Borrego
David Bouler
Tracy Bowers
Eastside Center Transmission journeyman Energy Delivery Services 28 Years of Service
Main Office Manager Human Resources 32 Years of Service
Energy Management Center System operations compliance manager Energy Delivery Services 26 Years of Service
Calaveras Power Station Emissions performance specialist Power Generation 36 Years of Service
Calaveras Power Station I&C maintenance technician 3 Power Generation 25 Years of Service
Calaveras Power Station Journeyman boiler maintenance man Power Generation 40 Years of Service
Substation Construction/Maintenance Construction foreman Energy Delivery Services 31 Years of Service
Northeast Center Scheduler Energy Delivery Services 30 Years of Service
Eastside Center UED foreman Energy Delivery Services 25 Years of Service
Eastside Center Construction foreman Energy Delivery Services 29 Years of Service
Main Office Data control clerk 3 Energy Delivery Services 29 Years of Service
Navarro Building General designer 2 Energy Delivery Services 32 Years of Service
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Paul Bricker
Demetrius Brock
Juan Buitron
Michael Burg
Joe Cadena
Mateo Camargo
Guadalupe “Wally� Cantu
Orlando Cantu
Joe Cardenas
Raul Cardenas
Ruben Cardenas
Alfredo Carmona
Calaveras Power Station Predictive maintenance technician 1 Power Generation 35 Years of Service
Calaveras Power Station Materials coordinator Power Generation 35 Years of Service
Eastside Center UED foreman Energy Delivery Services 29 Years of Service
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Meter Reading Supervisor of Meter Reading/Field Collections Customer Accounts & Operations 28 Years of Service
Calaveras Power Station Manager of Controls & Electrical Power Generation 35 Years of Service
Main Office Renewables/emissions program manager Corporate Development & Planning 28 Years of Service
Eastside Center Manager of Customer Construction Energy Delivery Services 32 Years of Service
Jones Avenue Center Service restoration journeyman Energy Delivery Services 27 Years of Service
Eastside Center Pole boom operator Energy Delivery Services 28 Years of Service
Main Office Supervisor of Distribution Engineering Energy Delivery Services 34 Years of Service
Southwest Center Truck driver Corporate Support Services 31 Years of Service
Southwest Center URD foreman Energy Delivery Services 35 Years of Service
William “Brad� Carr
Roger Carrasco
Ralph Casillas
Sandra Casillas
Rudy Castillo
Richard Castrejana
Ruben Cervantes
Linda Chavez
Ching Chen
Mark Clack
Patrick Clancy
Derick Cloman
Mission Road Construction Center Maintenance planning coordinator 1 Gas Delivery 30 Years of Service
Calaveras Power Station Supervisor for Production Operations Power Generation 30 Years of Service
Main Office Market operations manager Energy Supply & Market Operations 27 Years of Service
Main Office Energy controller 2 Energy Supply & Market Operations 28 Years of Service
Energy Management Center Senior Director of System Operations & Customer Reliability Energy Delivery Services 32 Years of Service
Navarro Building SAP ABAP developer 4 Enterprise Information Technology (EIT) 34 Years of Service
Eastside Center Equipment operator Energy Delivery Services 28 Years of Service
Navarro Building Lead security officer Corporate Support Services 11 Years of Service
Mission Road Construction Center Journeyman locator Gas Delivery 26 Years of Service
Calaveras Power Station Lead clerk Corporate Support Services 32 Years of Service
Northside Customer Service Center Outreach specialist Community Engagement 36 Years of Service
Mission Road Construction Center Corrosion control maintenance journeyman Gas Delivery 34 Years of Service
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Randal Collins
Lyndon Cook
Argentina Cruz
Johnny Day
Glenda Dean
Robert Delaney
Debra Derouen
Noemi Diaz
Richard Diaz
John DiStefano
Gene Dixon
Mark Doege
Jones Avenue Center Manager of Transport Operations Enterprise Information Technology (EIT) 28 Years of Service
Navarro Building Procurement analyst 2 Corporate Support Services 26 Years of Service
Energy Management Center Data control clerk 2 Corporate Support Services 34 Years of Service
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Mission Road Construction Center Distribution regulator repairman Gas Delivery 34 Years of Service
Calaveras Power Station Manager of Welders Power Generation 36 Years of Service
Meter Reading Foot route meter reader Customer Accounts & Operations 27 Years of Service
Northside Customer Service Center Supervisor of contact center Customer Accounts & Operations 33 Years of Service
Navarro Building Work management analyst 4 Enterprise Information Technology (EIT) 31 Years of Service
Northside Customer Service Center Weatherization representative Community Engagement 26 Years of Service
Main Office IT infrastructure analyst 3 Enterprise Information Technology (EIT) 29 Years of Service
Northside Customer Service Center Customer services representative 1 Customer Accounts & Operations 14 Years of Service
Northwest Center Manager of Customer Construction Energy Delivery Services 34 Years of Service
Ted Dromgoole
Martin Duarte
Joe Ducharme
Nora Duran
Yolanda Duron
Edwin Dziuk
Michael Ebner
Boromanard Ek-Houl
Gilberto Encarnacion
Rosa Ervin
Justino Escobar
Melvin Evans
Malone Building Heavy crew foreman Energy Delivery Services 32 Years of Service
Main Office Analyst 3 Financial Services 24 Years of Service
Eastside Center Employee development analyst 4 Human Resources 32 Years of Service
Energy Management Center Network operations center technician 3 Enterprise Information Technology (EIT) 34 Years of Service
Mission Road Construction Center Manager of Construction & Maintenance Gas Delivery 36 Years of Service
Navarro Building General designer 2 Energy Delivery Services 37 Years of Service
Braunig Power Station Journeyman machinist Power Generation 27 Years of Service
Jones Avenue Center Construction inspector Energy Delivery Services 26 Years of Service
Main Office Energy controller 2 Energy Supply & Market Operations 29 Years of Service
Main Office Specialist Financial Services 29 Years of Service
Navarro Building Supervisor of Multimedia Enterprise Information Technology (EIT) 21 Years of Service
Braunig Power Station Machinist foreman Power Generation 31 Years of Service
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Gary Faktor
Roberto Fernandez
John Forbes
Timothy Ford
Debra Frazier
Martin Frederick
Glenn Frerich
Roland Garanzuay
Argelia Garcia
Hilda Garcia
John Garcia
Margarita Garcia
Eastside Center Labor foreman Energy Delivery Services 34 Years of Service
Navarro Building SAP CSS functional analyst 3 Enterprise Information Technology (EIT) 35 Years of Service
Navarro Building IT asset coordinator Enterprise Information Technology (EIT) 35 Years of Service
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Mission Road Construction Center Crewman 1 Gas Delivery 32 Years of Service
Energy Management Center Distribution operator Energy Delivery Services 35 Years of Service
Northside Customer Service Center Accounts receivable representative 2 Customer Accounts & Operations 32 Years of Service
Main Office Energy controller 3 Energy Supply & Market Operations 19 Years of Service
Northwest Center Manager of Customer Construction Energy Delivery Services 35 Years of Service
Calaveras Power Station I&E journeyman Power Generation 31 Years of Service
Mission Road Construction Center Leak crew foreman Gas Delivery 29 Years of Service
Main Office Supervisor of Distribution Engineering Energy Delivery Services 28 Years of Service
Northeast Center General designer 2 Energy Delivery Services 33 Years of Service
Arthur Gardiner
Ismael Garza
Mary Garza
Sylvia Garza
William Gates
Anthony Gonzales
Arturo Gonzales
Jose Gonzalez
Melquiades Gonzalez
Gloria Gover
Ronald Gray
Ruben Guerra
Energy Management Center System operations training manager Energy Delivery Services 26 Years of Service
Calaveras Power Station Senior Director of Engineering & Technical Services Power Generation 28 Years of Service
Northeast Center Electric meter foreman Energy Delivery Services 37 Years of Service
Energy Management Center Crewman 1 Corporate Support Services 25 Years of Service
Jones Avenue Center Communications technician 3 Enterprise Information Technology (EIT) 36 Years of Service
Main Office Supervisor of Distribution Planning Energy Delivery Services 33 Years of Service
Westside Customer Service Center Supervisor of contact center Customer Accounts & Operations 36 Years of Service
Northwest Center Journeyman serviceman Energy Delivery Services 34 Years of Service
Northside Customer Service Center Bill/rates field representative Customer Accounts & Operations 30 Years of Service
Salado Center Data control clerk 2 Corporate Support Services 30 Years of Service
Mission Road Construction Center Truck driver Corporate Support Services 27 Years of Service
Braunig Power Station Journeyman electrician Power Generation 26 Years of Service
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Anthony Guion
Deborah Gunn
Lino Gutierrez
Wayne Hartmann
Luther Henderson
Eusebio Hernandez
Roland Hernandez
Kevin Hill
Billy Hohensee
Maurice Jackson
Katherine Jarzombek
Kenneth Jenkins
Northside Customer Service Center Program/project manager Customer Accounts & Operations 15 Years of Service
Northwest Center UED foreman Energy Delivery Services 31 Years of Service
Northwest Center Heavy line crew foreman Energy Delivery Services 35 Years of Service
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Main Office General business analyst 2 External Relations 35 Years of Service
Southwest Center Journeyman mechanic Corporate Support Services 36 Years of Service
Northside Customer Service Center Grounds crew leader 2 Corporate Support Services 33 Years of Service
Braunig Power Station Crewman 3 Power Generation 36 Years of Service
Southwest Center URD foreman Energy Delivery Services 35 Years of Service
Mission Road Construction Center General business analyst 2 Gas Delivery 26 Years of Service
Navarro Building Manager of SAP Application Enterprise Information Technology (EIT) 33 Years of Service
Navarro Building Internal auditor 3 Audit Ethics & Compliance 11 Years of Service
Malone Building Heavy crew foreman Energy Delivery Services 32 Years of Service
Maria Jimenez
Clint Johnson
Phillip Jolley
Cheryl Jonas
Cheryl Jones
Saul Juarez
James Jung
Gary Junot
Joel Jupe
Jerry Keller
Alvin Korus
Darlene Kosub
Main Office Senior design drafter Energy Delivery Services 43 Years of Service
Main Office Organizational development analyst 3 Human Resources 36 Years of Service
Navarro Building Fleet operations coordinator Corporate Support Services 35 Years of Service
Northside Customer Service Center Manager for Budget & Business Planning Energy Delivery & Customer Services 37 Years of Service
Southwest Center Supervisor of Customer Engineering Energy Delivery Services 30 Years of Service
Braunig Power Station I&C maintenance technician 3 Power Generation 34 Years of Service
Eastside Center URD foreman Energy Delivery Services 29 Years of Service
Mission Road Construction Center Construction coordinator Gas Delivery 35 Years of Service
Southwest Center UED foreman Energy Delivery Services 29 Years of Service
Navarro Building SAP functional analyst 4 Enterprise Information Technology (EIT) 30 Years of Service
Main Office Energy marketing analyst 3 Energy Supply & Market Operations 14 Years of Service
Navarro Building General designer 2 Energy Delivery Services 14 Years of Service
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Phyllis Lange
Sam Le
Yvonne Lewis
Reynaldo Longoria
David Lopez
Velma Lopez
Roberta Lott
San Juanita Lozano
Albert Luna
Michael Lutz
Jaime Madrid
Rick Maron
Northside Customer Service Center Electronic customer care specialist Customer Accounts & Operations 35 Years of Service
Salado Center Journeyman mechanic Corporate Support Services 33 Years of Service
Meter Reading Senior field services representative Customer Accounts & Operations 31 Years of Service
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Main Office Engineering manager Energy Delivery Services 26 Years of Service
Railcar Maintenance Coal yard operations foreman Power Generation 30 Years of Service
Braunig Power Station I&E foreman Power Generation 36 Years of Service
Main Office Business support services analyst 2 Corporate Support Services 27 Years of Service
Main Office Administrative assistant 3 Generation & Strategy 27 Years of Service
Northwest Center Utility worker Energy Delivery Services 13 Years of Service
Meter Reading Final bill meter reader Customer Accounts & Operations 32 Years of Service
Main Office Data control clerk 2 Human Resources 26 Years of Service
Main Office Manager of Facility Services Corporate Support Services 32 Years of Service
Abel Martinez
Ernest Martinez
Julian Martinez
Rudolfo Martinez
Theresa Martinez
Francisco Mata
Deborah Matula
Charlotte McCombs
Robin McFarlane
Joel McMillian
Alvin Merta
Paula Miles
Northwest Center Pole boom operator Energy Delivery Services 30 Years of Service
Main Office Application security analyst 4 General Counsel 36 Years of Service
Main Office Right of Way agent 2 Energy Delivery Services 31 Years of Service
Calaveras Power Station I&C maintenance technician 3 Power Generation 32 Years of Service
Calaveras Power Station Control room operator Power Generation 36 Years of Service
Substation Construction/Maintenance Interim manager Energy Delivery Services 34 Years of Service
Braunig Power Station Crewman 2 Power Generation 34 Years of Service
Northside Customer Service Center General business analyst 2 Customer Accounts & Operations 26 Years of Service
Jones Avenue Center Construction coordinator Energy Delivery Services 34 Years of Service
Railcar Maintenance Manager of Plant Operations Power Generation 33 Years of Service
Mission Road Construction Center Journeyman locator Gas Delivery 27 Years of Service
Navarro Building Director of Technology & Innovation Corporate Development & Planning 30 Years of Service
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Shannon Miller
Samuel Mills
Terri Minnia
William Moeller
Joe Mora
Johnnie Moreno
Oscar Moreno
Robert Moreno
Roland Moreno
Yolanda Moreno
Larry Nockroes
Alvin O’Neal
Malone Building UED foreman Energy Delivery Services 29 Years of Service
Jones Avenue Center Construction inspector Energy Delivery Services 30 Years of Service
Northside Customer Service Center WFP/program manager Energy Delivery & Customer Services 34 Years of Service
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Eastside Center UED installer Energy Delivery Services 26 Years of Service
Substation Construction/Maintenance Journeyman electrician Energy Delivery Services 29 Years of Service
Northside Customer Service Center Customer services representative 1 Customer Accounts & Operations 24 Years of Service
Jones Avenue Center Facility inspector Energy Delivery Services 30 Years of Service
Meter Reading Motor route meter reader Customer Accounts & Operations 27 Years of Service
Jones Avenue Center Journeyman substation painter Corporate Support Services 34 Years of Service
Main Office Journeyman electric machinist Corporate Support Services 28 Years of Service
Eastside Center Manager of Customer Construction Energy Delivery Services 36 Years of Service
Northeast Center EDS project manager 1 Energy Delivery Services 28 Years of Service
James Ott
Paul Ozuna
Juanita Pace
Larry Parr
Blanche Partain
John Patterson
Michael Pelletier
Robert Peppler
Daniel Perez
Gavino Perez
Randy Pizzini
Monica Pollok
Southwest Center Journeyman electric machinist Corporate Support Services 26 Years of Service
Main Office Data control clerk 2 Corporate Support Services 37 Years of Service
Main Office Supervisor of business services Corporate Support Services 33 Years of Service
Mission Road Construction Center Journeyman mechanic Corporate Support Services 35 Years of Service
Braunig Power Station Control room operator Power Generation 33 Years of Service
Calaveras Power Station Generation projects manager Power Generation 25 Years of Service
Southwest Center Residential designer 2 Energy Delivery Services 36 Years of Service
Mission Road Construction Center Journeyman gas troubleman Gas Delivery 34 Years of Service
Northeast Center Journeyman instrument tester Energy Delivery Services 28 Years of Service
Energy Management Center Senior Manager of Operations & Reliability Energy Delivery Services 32 Years of Service
Calaveras Power Station Journeyman machinist Power Generation 26 Years of Service
Calaveras Power Station Manager of Budgeting & Analysis Generation & Strategy 28 Years of Service
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Sylvia Portillo
Deanna Prado
David Prevott
Ginette Ramirez
Raul Ramirez
Adam Ramos
John Ratcliff
Leticia Rea
Randy Real
Mark Respondek
Jerry Reynolds
Carol Riley
Northeast Center Scheduler Energy Delivery Services 28 Years of Service
Main Office Market analytics program manager Energy Supply & Market Operations 36 Years of Service
Mission Road Construction Center Manager of Construction & Maintenance Gas Delivery 35 Years of Service
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Main Office Senior Human Resources generalist Human Resources 33 Years of Service
Eastside Center UED installer Energy Delivery Services 31 Years of Service
Calaveras Power Station Predictive maintenance technician 3 Power Generation 31 Years of Service
Navarro Building SAP ABAP developer 4 Enterprise Information Technology (EIT) 34 Years of Service
Railcar Maintenance Coal yard control room operator Power Generation 26 Years of Service
Navarro Building Basis administrator 4 Enterprise Information Technology (EIT) 34 Years of Service
Calaveras Power Station Manager of Budgeting & Analysis Generation & Strategy 33 Years of Service
Northside Customer Service Center Customer services representative 2 Customer Accounts & Operations 26 Years of Service
Calaveras Power Station Control room operator Power Generation 21 Years of Service
Gerald Ripps
Clifton Robbins
Daniel Robles
Abelardo Rodriguez
Alejandra Rodriguez
Juan Rodriguez
Richard Rodriguez
Stephen Roe
Robert Roman
Rita Rosemond
Alex Salinas
Joe Sanchez
Eastside Center Manager of Transmission Maintenance Energy Delivery Services 35 Years of Service
Northside Customer Service Center Senior outbound call clerk Customer Accounts & Operations 12 Years of Service
Southwest Center URD journeyman Energy Delivery Services 26 Years of Service
Calaveras Power Station Journeyman machinist Power Generation 26 Years of Service
Mission Road Construction Center Journeyman tool repairman Gas Delivery 28 Years of Service
Northside Customer Service Center Employee development analyst 3 Human Resources 28 Years of Service
Southwest Center Pole crew foreman Energy Delivery Services 34 Years of Service
Main Office Civic improvement coordinator Energy Delivery Services 35 Years of Service
Malone Building Heavy crew foreman Energy Delivery Services 30 Years of Service
Braunig Power Station Crewman 3 Power Generation 35 Years of Service
Mission Road Construction Center Manager of Construction & Maintenance Gas Delivery 35 Years of Service
Salado Center Warehouseman Corporate Support Services 34 Years of Service
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Ruben Sanchez
Walter Sanchez
Mario Sanjuan
Donald Schlough
Brenda Schmidt
Kevin Schneider
Edward Segura
Arthur Sepulveda
Pedro Sepulveda
Angel Serna
Ronald Skinner
Susan Smith
Northwest Center Pole boom operator Energy Delivery Services 40 Years of Service
Salvage Materials coordinator Corporate Support Services 23 Years of Service
Northwest Center Equipment operator Energy Delivery Services 26 Years of Service
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Navarro Building Program/system analyst 3 Enterprise Information Technology (EIT) 30 Years of Service
Jones Avenue Center Supervisor of Fleet Maintenance Corporate Support Services 28 Years of Service
Jones Avenue Center Manager of Wireless & WiFi Operations Enterprise Information Technology (EIT) 26 Years of Service
Calaveras Power Station Senior Manager of Mechanical Projects Power Generation 24 Years of Service
Malone Building Construction foreman Energy Delivery Services 30 Years of Service
Energy Management Center Distribution operator Energy Delivery Services 36 Years of Service
Mission Road Construction Center Leak crew foreman Gas Delivery 30 Years of Service
Navarro Building Manager of Employee Development Human Resources 13 Years of Service
Mission Road Construction Center Manager of Customer Design Engineering Gas Delivery 30 Years of Service
Arturo Sosa
Stephen Spurlock
Steven Stark
Delbert Stavinoha
Shawn Strey
Clyde Stroud
Dennis Sutter
Dennis Thrailkill
Stephen Tips
Gary Toombs
Eloisa Torres
Yolanda Torres
Leon Creek Power Station Supervisor of Production Operations Power Generation 31 Years of Service
Jones Avenue Center Supervisor of Energy Technical Services Energy Delivery Services 28 Years of Service
Calaveras Power Station Generation projects manager Power Generation 31 Years of Service
Calaveras Power Station Crewman 2 Power Generation 21 Years of Service
Jones Avenue Center Facility inspector Energy Delivery Services 36 Years of Service
Northwest Center Equipment operator Energy Delivery Services 28 Years of Service
Meter Reading Final bill meter reader Customer Accounts & Operations 29 Years of Service
Northwest Center Manager of Customer Construction Energy Delivery Services 37 Years of Service
Northside Customer Service Center Custodian Corporate Support Services 26 Years of Service
Calaveras Power Station Manager of machinists Power Generation 33 Years of Service
Mission Road Construction Center Interim Manager for Pressure & Corrosion Controls Gas Delivery 35 Years of Service
Southwest Center Utility worker Energy Delivery Services 26 Years of Service
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Rudy Trevino
Zelma Turner
Ricardo Valdez
John Vargas
Steve Vega
Jose Villarreal
Mary Villarreal
Rogelio Villarreal
Linda Votion
Andrzej Waclawiak
Manuel Walker
Hoyt Watson
Jones Avenue Center Journeyman substation painter Corporate Support Services 27 Years of Service
Meter Reading Supervisor of Meter Reading/Field Collections Customer Accounts & Operations 34 Years of Service
Main Office Accounting clerk 3 Financial Services 25 Years of Service
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Navarro Building Procurement analyst 2 Corporate Support Services 30 Years of Service
Railcar Maintenance Journeyman carman Power Generation 26 Years of Service
Mission Road Construction Center Manager of Gas Planning & Modeling Gas Delivery 28 Years of Service
Calaveras Power Station I&E journeyman Power Generation 35 Years of Service
Main Office Accounting clerk 2 Financial Services 29 Years of Service
Northeast Center Journeyman instrument tester Energy Delivery Services 29 Years of Service
Navarro Building Procurement analyst 2 Corporate Support Services 31 Years of Service
Braunig Power Station Supervisor of Production Operations Power Generation 25 Years of Service
Main Office Right of Way agent 2 Energy Delivery Services 26 Years of Service
Don Wehe
Mark Werner
Dale White
Matthew Witherell
Reginald Witten
Timothy Woodall
Mark Woodward
Katherine Yates
Jose Ybarra
Chris Zaiontz
Gloria Zavala
Mission Road Construction Center Manager of Gas Services Gas Delivery 34 Years of Service
Calaveras Power Station Equipment operator Power Generation 31 Years of Service
Navarro Building Director of Claims & Senior Counsel General Counsel 17 Years of Service
Main Office Director of Fuels Energy Supply & Market Operations 29 Years of Service
Railcar Maintenance Manager of Railcar Maintenance Power Generation 36 Years of Service
Navarro Building Purchasing administrator Corporate Support Services 29 Years of Service
Calaveras Power Station Journeyman machinist Power Generation 27 Years of Service
Leon Creek Power Station Supervisor of Production Operations Power Generation 30 Years of Service
Calaveras Power Station Journeyman welder Power Generation 26 Years of Service
Navarro Building Senior Director & Assistant General Counsel General Counsel 30 Years of Service
Northside Customer Service Center Customer services representative 2 Customer Accounts & Operations 11 Years of Service
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Manager of Customer Construction Larry Aguayo, who helped start CPS Energy’s rodeo teams back in 2002, said the events “are a great way for our linemen to see all the new equipment and safety techniques out there, but also to see how fortunate we in how our company supports us.”
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Linemen rodeo team and management: kneeling front row, left to right – Danny Jimenez and Richard Conner; back row, left to right Larry Aguayo, David Luschen, Mark Leineweber, Michael Compton, Eric Fassett,Travis Wiatrek, Rene Martinez, Juan Espinoza, Paul Barham and Gil Martinez.
CPS Energy employees Juan Menchaca, Bryan Mills and Ronald Ramsey attend the linemen rodeo to cheer on their collegues.
THIS IS HOW WE RODEO! Our Linemen Rodeo teams arrived in style at the 31st annual International Linemen’s Rodeo in Bonner Springs, KS, thanks to a new equipment trailer emblazoned with images of our linemen past and present. Competitors came to snap photos of the new design while our Linemen and Apprentice teams competed in events like Hurtman Rescue and Pole Climb. The new trailer will journey next to Sacramento, CA in May for the American Public Power Association’s 15th annual Public Power Lineworkers Rodeo. It will also be used for hurricane duty and could become a command center in the event of a natural disaster.
PRSRT STD MAIL U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
SAN ANTONIO, TX PERMIT NO. 251
Your first instinct on a chilly Sunday might be to cuddle up with family and a warm cup of cocoa. Not these folks! More than 40 of your fellow employees competed in the 2014 Rock-n-Roll Marathon on Sun., Dec. 7. Our team of runners logged more than 700,000 steps and earned up to 150 benefits wellness program points to help them qualify for 2015 premium discounts. Our bike riders pedaled almost 400 miles and earned 25 wellness points. Congratulations, Team CPS Energy!