issue 1 2015
Customer Engineering redesigned A L S O : M E T E R R E A D E R S T R A N S I T I O N TO N E W O P P O RT U N I T I E S • E X T E R NA L R E L AT I O N S S H A R E S AG E N DA • W E L D E R S C E L E B R AT E SA F E T Y M I L E S TO N E
SAFETY BASICS TRANSLATE INTO SAFETY RECORDS
Turns out, there’s little mystery to the question of how to work safe. This year, two Underground Electric Distribution – better known as UED – crews hit impressive safety milestones. The Northwest Service Center UED crew worked for two years without a recordable injury, while the Southwest Service Center UED crew earned that distinction plus zero preventable vehicle accidents. The foreman and safety specialist for each credited a straightforward strategy for success. “It starts with a good attitude and a willingness to look out for each other,” said Tom Loera, a safety specialist with the Southwest center who spent 22 years as a lineman before becoming a safety professional. Beyond that necessary ingredient is a focus on the daily basics, said Southwest’s Manager of Customer Construction Joe Pineda.
“Every morning at our tailboard meeting we talk about accidents company-wide and get everyone refocused on safety – proper PPE, hydration, stretching. It’s a chance for us to talk about everything.” Another crucial component, said David Skurka, Pineda’s counterpart at the Northwest Service Center, is that everyone understands they have the right to call a safety time out at any time during a job – from the most junior member of the team to a foreman. “We preach it every day,” he said. “I think everyone is comfortable knowing they can do it.” Pineda concured: “Everyone has the right to stop a job.” UED crews mainly work, as the name implies, underground. Jobs include changing out transformers, digging up and laying cable and operating heavy equipment like excavators and cranes.
But Pineda also noted that one of UED’s biggest potential risks happen when crew members get behind the wheel. He’s proud that Southwest’s milestone includes preventable vehicle accidents, and credits covering the Smith System 5 Keys to safe driving and CPS Energy’s cell phone policy with his crews, “every single morning.” Finally, said Skurka, leaders must walk the walk. “That means you’re not in a rush, you’re taking the time to make sure everyone understands the job and the hazards,” he said. “And you have to be open and willing to listen when anyone has a concern.” Neither crew is resting on its safety laurels, though. “We need to step it up,” says Loera. “I’m challenging employees to tell me, ‘What does safety need to do for you?’ I need feedback, I can’t just be preaching.” That said, he acknowledges with pride, “They’re doing really good.”
EDITOR Vincent McDonald GRAPHIC DESIGN Barbara Burris PHOTOGRAPHY Vincent McDonald Gary Chavez
2 Redesign of customer engineering Part of effort to build “Customer Obsessed” culture
WRITERS Gary Chavez Monika Maeckle Christine Patmon AREA REPORTERS Donna Bailey Rebecca Baring
5 Meter readers embrace change Meet three employees who have transitioned into new opportunities
Leona Boswell Pardo Gloria Calderon Madalena De Hoyos Elizabeth Engel Paula Ford Erica Gabriel Patricia Hansen Linda Gil
13 CPS Energy shares agenda External Relations team joins San Antonio officials to advocate in both capitals.
Lalie Gomez Yvonne Gomez Katherine Hacker Patricia Hansen Patty Hight Sandra Huerta Katherine Jarzombek Eunice Lopez Veronica Martinez Christine Miller Jo Ann Moreno
28 In the face of everyday danger Welders celebrate major safety milestone.
Denae Myers Cindy Nieto Ronda Reisdorph Maria Sandoval Juanita Torres Michelle Trevino Rachel Van Der Knaap Bonnie Vines Patty Ware
8 Employee Spotlight 10 Family Ties 14 Wellness 18 Anniversaries 22 Fond Farewells
22 News Briefs 23 Scene 26 Welcome Aboard Up the Ladder 27 In Remembrance
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: Carl Kosub, Customer Engineering, reviews plans with Rudy Muñoz from KB Homes.
Redesign of Customer Engineering
Rudy Muñoz is a project manager for KB Homes. At any given time, he has as many as 25 projects – residential subdivisions, mostly – going through the design process at CPS Energy. That means he’s pretty much in daily communications with our Customer Engineering department. Trying to keep track of each project too often had been an exercise in frustration for Muñoz, who found himself interacting with up to a dozen CPS Energy employees on each project – designers, supervisors and field crew, who weren’t always keeping up with what the others were doing.
“They wouldn’t always know who to communicate with about delays or conflicts,” he said. “It was a challenge.”
Keyword
was
Today, Muñoz has one point of contact for all his projects. Carl Kosub, a 21-year veteran of CPS Energy, is now a “customer facing” designer. That means he’s the liaison between customers like Muñoz and everyone else who works on his projects. No more does Muñoz have to chase down the right person. He doesn’t even have to chase down Kosub. It’s his job to stay connected to customers, to proactively make sure they
have everything they need, averting potential problems before they escalate. Meanwhile, “head down” designers like Marlen Borrego can stay focused on actually getting the design work done on each project, without interruption. Along with those changes, the department is now using Salesforce software to better track interactions with customers, has added a date management system to better monitor and deliver service on time, and is in the process of upgrading its mobile data system, so everyone can see the complete history of a project and its current status. The changes are not just another departmental reorganization. Instead, they comprise a total rebranding of the department with one end goal in mind: to radically improve customers’ experience.
When you dig down, you often have people who are passionate about what they
do, but there’s an ineffective process. ~Shawn Eddy
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“We always tracked the work, but not the customers and their needs,” said Shawn Eddy, senior director of customer engineering, who was brought over
Pictured left: Brian Harwood, Customer Engineering, discussing project with customer.
from Enterprise Facilities and Asset Management to revamp the department. He spent weeks listening to employees from every level in the department about what worked and what didn’t. He visited Rackspace, the cloud hosting company which makes “fanatical support” a core value, and worked with CPS University to give employees more customer service training.
Todd Pedersen, CEO of Vivint, which makes “smart home” products and services, recently told Bloomberg Business that his company’s expansion into the electricity business, through rooftop solar and home energy management, has been made easier by the fact that, as he put it, “We’re competing against an industry that isn’t particularly evolving.”
The redesigning of Customer Engineering represents a concrete example of a culture shift CPS Energy executives say must take place throughout the company if we are to thrive in the face of the
Indeed, many utilities still do not fully recognize the risks of today’s rapidly changing landscape. They’re collecting exponentially more data than they ever have, but
supervisors designers field crew
customer facing designer
customer
We have an incredible group of employees. I know they are up to this challenge. ~ Jelynne LeBlanc-Burley
disruptive changes facing our industry. Going forward, they say, customer experience must be at the heart of everything we do. By now you’ve probably heard the phrase “customer obsessed” – CEO Doyle Beneby, in his recent handwritten letter to employees, identified it as one of three top goals for this coming year. “I think that means extending our company culture of doing whatever it takes to safely restore service, to generating customer experiences and interactions that provoke such a positive reaction, that customers want to tell others about the experience,” he wrote.
few are yet using it in a way that gives customers the kinds of products and services – the experiences – they’ve come to expect.
The long-held understanding that CPS Energy does not face competition for its customers is no longer true. That competition is coming not from other utilities, but from tech firms like Google and Apple, not to mention scores of smaller companies which are rapidly expanding into consumers’ homes.
“In the past, we’ve been engineering driven,” said Executive Vice President and Chief Delivery Officer Jelynne LeBlanc-Burley. “We created power, built infrastructure and focused on quality and safety. That model worked for 100 years, but it’s no longer enough.”
Pictured above (L to R): Steven Bain, Marlen Borrego and Ed Corona from Customer Engineering.
She and other senior leaders are beginning the process of creating a company-wide objective around customer engagement, seeking out best practices to really embed the idea into the company’s DNA. They’re assembling cross functional teams who can work horizontally across the company to create processes and solutions always with one goal in mind: customers. “We need to recognize that employees haven’t been asked to work like this in 3
Shifting everyone’s mindset won’t always be easy, Batson acknowledged. It will take strong leadership and support from the top, and a willingness by employees not just to accept change, but to help drive it. That kind of employee engagement was crucial to improving Customer Engineering, said Eddy. Those on the front lines have keen insight into what works and what doesn’t – you just have to ask them.
Pictured above: Carl Kosub, Customer Engineering, discussing project with KB Homes representatives
the past, and/or they haven’t been kinds of data – customer insights and given the tools,” said Lisa Lewis, who surveys, customer usage patterns, billwas recently named vice-president of ing information and social-economic People and Culture, overseeing our generation – to better understand Human Resources department. The how customers use power, and what brand-new title is products and services meant to convey we could create to a broader focus better serve them. on developing the can also help those whose That’s important beworkforce and jobs don’t connect directly cause customers’ habculture we’ll need to customers ~Lisa Lewis its and expectations to adapt successare changing. Phyllis fully to the changBatson, vice-president es in our industry. of customer accounts and operations, “Customer Engineering offers a good offers one example: many customers example of providing tools and syswhose power has gone out now go tems,” Lewis said. “People want to to social media sites like Twitter or do a good job.” Facebook and expect near real-time information and responses, not just Providing the right tools can also about when their power will be rehelp those whose jobs don’t connect stored, but also how it was knocked directly to customers, or whose jobs it out in the first place. will change in response to all the new data CPS Energy is now collecting Getting that information quickly and and analyzing, she said. accurately from crews in the field to customer service or corporate Using that data to drive customer communications is now hit and miss, satisfaction is the other side of the Batson says, and will require not only customer obsessed equation. The new processes, but a new mindset by company recently hired Matthew everyone involved. In the past, field Croucher, a PhD in economics, to crews didn’t have to worry about serve as director of demand side gathering and sharing information; it analytics. His team will analyze all wasn’t part of their job description.
Providing the right tools
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“It’s easy to say people aren’t performing like we need them to,” he said. “But when you dig down, you often have people who are passionate about what they do, but there’s an ineffective process.” The new processes in Customer Engineering – especially logging all the customer interactions – are more time consuming. But because those new processes have concretely documented the amount of work facing the department, Eddy was able to announce, just three weeks after the re-organization, that more designers and engineering associates would be hired. And that, says LeBlanc-Burley, is how you change a culture; one department, one process at a time. It won’t be easy and it won’t happen quickly, she acknowledged. “We cannot afford to approach this change in culture as a ‘once in a decade’ event,” she said. “We must learn change and institutionalize the process to make successful change happen. To be at peace with change, we must move the organization and employees to a point where accountability and change expertise are second nature. We must master change or we will be out of sync in today’s world of work. “We have an incredible group of employees,” she concluded. “I know they are up to this challenge.”
BY CHRISTINE PATMON
For years, Chris Balderrama, Andrew Hernandez , and Rene Montes served our customers as members of Field and Payment Services. As meter readers, the three logged hundreds of miles in triple-degree heat, rain, wind and chilly weather. They
encountered vicious dogs and hidden hazards in tall grass. These days, they are serving customers in different roles. Their transition comes as we build a smart grid that will greatly enhance our customers’ experience, but will require fewer meter readers. The change in manpower needs and internal support with career assistance presented
Balderrama, Hernandez and Montes with opportunities they never thought possible. Eleven years ago, 19-year old Hernandez started his career as a meter reader. A few years later, he switched to collections. Wanting to do more, he prepared by getting his commercial driver license and taking other steps to further his career.
Chris Balderrama Trainee Distribution Southwest Center
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Andrew Hernandez Trainee Distribution Eastside Center
He longed to be a journeyman lineman and applied to become a distribution trainee.
Balderrama is also a trainee, at the Southwest Service District. His new supervisor, Richard “I see these guys as Conner, describes him as “I didn’t want to stop the Navy Seals of a hard worker who is learning,” said Her“getting the craft down” our company. No nandez. ”Even when – a process that takes I was in collections, I one’s complaining. four to five years. still was not satisfied. They just do what I want to be called they have to do to Balderrama and in the middle of the get the job done.” Hernandez will then night to help get the spend another three to lights back on.” five years fine tuning their new craft before a journeyman position opens. Hernandez loves being a trainee with They’re looking forward to wearing the Eastside Service District’s overthe blue shirt, scaling up and down head customer construction crew. utility poles and handling high voltage He’s memorized the requirements lines and critical equipment to make to become a journeyman, citing sure electricity is being delivered to 3,000 hours of apprenticeship with our more than 756,000 customers. enthusiasm. The job is a coveted one, currently 486
held by roughly 100 overhead journeymen. “I’m fortunate to have an opportunity to work in this area,” said Balderrama. “The senior linemen have taken me under their wing, I have a lot of respect for them because of the conditions they work in to get the power back on for the customer. I see these guys as the Navy Seals of our company. No one’s complaining. They just do what they have to do to get the job done.” Balderrama and Hernandez are in the field getting on-the-job training and learning standards and specifications in class. Meanwhile, Montes’ training took him to Tulsa, Okla. in early February as he, too, prepares for a new role that involves 24-hour, rotational call duty.
The road to proficiency in systems protection is shorter, but it’s still demanding and extremely technical.
Manager Gabriel Santos says it takes a couple of years to become productive and efficient as a tech. Blueprints and schematics are a tech’s working bible, he said – a tech can’t “It’s a big transition troubleshoot without it and at first, I was out or understand settings of my comfort zone.” from an engineer.
Like Hernandez, Montes began preparing himself to become a systems protection tech by taking electronics classes several years before his September 2014 transition to Energy Delivery Services. He’ll be part of a team that takes care of all relaying in substations, which deliver power to thousands of customers. When the lights go out, our system relays to trip circuits offline the same way a breaker would do in a home, protecting the system. Montes will be responsible for getting those relays going again and commissioning new circuits.
Rene Montes Tech System Protection 1 Jones Avenue
the current meter reading team, plus different strategies that have been put into place have decreased estimated meter reads for our customers. In fact, meter Reading closed the fiscal year with the lowest level of estimates in recent history at 0.38% – roughly onethird of one percent of customers.
“It’s a big transition and at first, I was The statistic provides a point of pride out of my comfort zone,” said Montes. and a sense of satisfaction. “You don’t know “I want to be called “I’m giving back to where the job so you feel in the middle of the I came from,” says lost a little bit.” Montes. “And, when I go night to help get But Santos says back, I share the story of the lights back on.” Montes is a “go my transition.” getter with a strong work ethic” so he Baldarrama calls meter readers “the has no doubt he’ll be successful. frontline of the company. Without The work ethic of all three men mothem,” he says, “none of us would have tivates them to periodically return to a paycheck because the customer meter reading when help is needed. wouldn’t get billed.” Their support, the commitment of
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
TAKING ON THE TOUGHEST CASES by Monika Maeckle
Last June, CPS Energy launched its Community Engagement group, a crackerjack team of customer ser-
vice professionals assembled at the request of the San Antonio City Council to better assist customers with special needs. Part of that group is the mobile Customer Response Unit, or CRU, who visit customers in their homes or at a service center in addition to talking to them by phone or email.
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Anna “Nan” Alcazar works on this elite team, which has already managed 400 cases in its first six months. A four-year CPS Energy veteran, Alcazar started in the utility’s weatherization department, teaching customers how to make their homes more energy-efficient.
CRU members act as “boots on the ground,” she says, taking a case management approach to solve complex customer situations. “We have dozens of departments here at CPS Energy, so when customers have a problem, it can sometimes be a challenge to find out where to turn for help. That’s where we come in.” She offered the example of 89-yearold Irene, homebound with a medical condition. Her pride and Great Depression upbringing made Irene reluctant to ask for help, Alcozar says. “I went to her house and we talked for about 45 minutes. ‘Sometimes life throws us curve balls,’ I told her, and given her difficult
circumstances, she really needed to keep her power on.” Alcozar was ultimately able to get her signed up for help, and a couple weeks later, Irene called to thank her for reaching out and not giving up on her. “She told me, ‘It’s good to know a big company has people willing to do that.’ That was a great day for me at work.” Pictured above (L to R): Community Program Development Manager Toni Harris-Rowland, second from left, stands with CRU team members Sonia Rogers, Amanda Canales, Anna Alcazar and Ronnie Guest.
EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE, BOTTOM TO TOP “Freaky.” That’s how customer Kelly Morris described it when the lights started flickering throughout her home on a freezing January night. Morris, who lives alone, called CPS Energy’s emergency line. “They asked if my lights were out and I said no, but they’re flickering. They couldn’t have been nicer, and said they were sending someone out.” Service Restoration Journeyman Lynn McCall arrived on her doorstep soon after, “and he didn’t leave until he’d exhausted every possibility,” Morris said. “He got it that I was scared,” she recalled. “He was so cordial and knowledgeable, and it seemed like he genuinely cared to try and figure out what was happening.” Morris said when she expressed gratitude, McCall thanked her, but explained that he was just doing his job. The service didn’t end there. Given the inconclusive nature of the flickering, someone from Service Restoration followed up with Morris the following day.
Meanwhile, she had posted about her positive experience on her neighborhood’s web site, while noting that the issue had yet to be resolved – and it just so happens that Lisa Lewis, vice president of people and culture, lives in the same neighborhood. “Lisa helped too,” said Morris, tracking down a problem that turned out to be affecting many of their neighbors. “Think about how many potentially disgruntled customers that avoided.” Lewis said she always follows up on customer concerns she reads about on her neighborhood’s web site, for one simple reason: “It’s my job to be responsible for customer service too.” Morris, a public relations professional, took to social media to thank CPS Energy and McCall for his professional service. “The truth is, that’s his job, and he does it well every single day,” said Eric Fasset, service restoration manager. “There’s a whole crew here just like him.”
Indeed, he passed along similar customer praise for others on the team, including Tim Sczech, who customer Judy Aberle emailed to praise for his promptness and “gracious attitude about the job.” Troubleman Bryan Alanis recently earned kudos for getting power back on to another customer quickly, while Troubleman Benito Garza earned praise for his quick work and helpful demeanor. Customer Zachary Fulton was impressed enough with Troubleman Arnold Sandoval that he, too, reached out to offer praise. Most customers who contact us do so to complain, Fassett acknowledged. “So it’s really great when we get these kinds of messages from customers,” he said. “I know these guys do a great job every day, so it’s nice when customers notice, too.” Pictured above (L to R) are Kenny Kotara, James Luensmann, Lynn McCall, Brad McDonald and Dennis Davis.
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FAMILY TIES Check out some of the big events taking place in the lives of our CPS Energy family
Calaveras Power Station
The Garcia Family Christmas vacation at Lake Tahoe, California. Pictured are: Sandra, Anthony, Tina and Joe Garcia with Santa. (1)
Emergency Management Center
Dylan and Brandon Castillo, sons of Isaac Castillo, participate in the JDRF walk to cure diabetes. In the picture are Dylan, left, and Brandon. The family walked to support Juliana Zamora, a very good friend of Brandon. (2)
Main Office 4th floor
Isuru Somawardana, son of Prabha Somawardana, a freshman at Keystone School, evaluated the feasibility of using microbial fuel cells as potential power supply for implantable medical devices. His project received 1st place in Engineering at the ExxonMobile Texas Science and Engineering Fair, Grand Prize in Engineering at the Alamo Regional Junior Academy of Science Fair, 1st place from The American Society of Mechanical Engineers and 1st place from Bio Bridge Global for Medicine. Isuru was also finalist at the 2014 International Science and Engineering Fair. (3) Suran Somawardana, son of Prabha Somawardana, won 1st place in UIL district meet for Number Sense and Spelling, Elementary Division. He is the musician in the family, playing several instruments and has won numerous awards in advanced Piano competitions. (4) Ashara Somawardana, daughter of Prabha Somawardana, an 8th grader at Basis School of San Antonio, received the highest award, ‘Best of Show’ and Grand Prize in Health Sciences at the Alamo Regional Science and Engineering Fair, Junior Division. She conducted an experiment to see the antioxidant and wound healing properties of a plant to be used 10
1 for Alzheimer’s decease. She was also awarded an $8k scholarship to UIW. (5)
Main Office 9th floor
Analisa Dapilmoto, daughter of Rodney Dapilmoto was inducted into the National Honor Society of the Smithson Valley Chapter on Mon., Jan. 12. She is currently a junior at Smithson Valley High School. (6)
Mission Road
Charlie Hinders, who works in the Damage Prevention Department at Mission Road, shot this 10-point buck in D’Hanis. (7)
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Navarro 9th floor
Warren High School student Reynaldo Salazar Jr., son of Mary Lou Salazar, was selected for the 2015 San Antonio Sports All-Star Football Team. He is one of the top high school football players in his position in the San Antonio area and is recognized for his effort and dedication to excellence. (8) Marcus Gashy, son of Wanda Elizondo, married Jackie Parr on Dec. 27, 2014 at the Tower of America waterfalls. The wedding’s theme was based on the TV show The Adams Family. (9)
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Kaycee Hickman congratulates her son Terence Hickman for being inducted into The National Honor Society and his team the Judson Rockets for making it to the semi finals (10)
Northwest Center
Jared Hosey, son of Jarold Hoesy graduated from UT Austin in December with a BBA in Accounting. (11) Congratulations Lillian Morales on her new grandchild, Jackson Alexander Zaragosa, born Nov. 17, 2014 to parents Mario and Brittany Zaragosa. (12)
Retirees
Retired employee Michael Kvapil and wife Edith walked the Fall Volksmarch, a 10K hike to the top of Crazy Horse Memorial. The annual Crazy Horse Volksmarch is a 10K woodlands ramble to the world’s largest mountain carving in progress in the southern Black Hills of South Dakota. (13) Power Generation retirees Jessie Delavega, Jerry Keller, Al Treadwell, Rob Delaney and Richard Gutierrez enjoyed a successful mule deer hunt in the foothills of the Capitan Mountains, New Mexico. Also pictured are Rob’s son Robert Delaney Jr, Jessie’s son Mike Delavega and journey12 man welder Mark Moczygemba. (14)
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CPS ENERGY SHARES AGENDA, STRENGTHENS TIES IN AUSTIN AND WASHINGTON, D.C. STRENGTHENS TIES IN AUSTIN AND WASHINGTON, D.C.
CPS Energy joins San Antonio officials to advocate in both capitals. The 9-member team, led by Vice President of External Relations Rudy Garza, is responsible for CPS Energy’s federal and state legislative agenda and provides outreach to the city of San Antonio and suburban cities in our service territory. Last month, members of the team plus other key CPS Energy personnel traveled to Austin and Washington, D.C. to meet with elected representatives and their staffs to advocate for key policy issues and community initiatives. On Feb. 24, they joined other San Antonio businesses and civic leaders in Austin for our city’s biennial legislative day, “VIVA San Antonio.” Hosted by the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the city of San Antonio, the trip provides an opportunity to highlight policy issues most important to our community. CPS Energy’s External Relations team works year round to monitor issues that would have a negative effect on the utility, and is very active during the 140-day legislative session. Our team updated elected officials on CPS Energy’s contributions to the community, including local economic development, energy efficiency and micro-grid initiatives at Joint Base San Antonio, plus deployment of a “grid of the future” which will serve as an interoperable platform for new and emerging technologies.
They also shared CPS Energy’s strategic goals to diversify its electric generation portfolio, energy efficiency initiatives and success creating economic opportunity through our New Energy Economy. Earlier in February, the team made its annual trek to the nation’s capitol as part of the San Antonio Chamber’s “SA to DC” visit, to meet with members of our local delegation, Congress and administration officials on issues important to our region, including energy, aerospace, education, manufacturing, military and water. For the second year in a row, Garza co-chaired the Energy Committee with Omar Garcia from the South Texas Energy & Economic Roundtable. The other committee members included Mike Clinton with DK Energy Services plus CPS Energy’s Kathy Garcia, director of federal & state relations, and John Leal, director of local government relations.
During the two day trip, the CPS Energy team talked to lawmakers about the importance of preserving tax exempt financing, the need for improving information-sharing practices between the U.S. government and the business community as it relates to cyber and physical security, and CPS Energy’s perspectives on the EPA’s proposed Clean Power Plan.
CPS ENERGY EXTERNAL RELATIONS TEAM: Rudy Garza Kathy Garcia John Leal Kari Torres Robert Nathan Marie Stoner James McAden Rolando Hinojosa Velma Corona
Pictured (L to R) are Kathy Garcia, Robert Nathan, Rudy Garza, Zandra Pulis, Jenna Saucedo, Kari Torres, Jonathan Tijerina, John Leal and Phyllis Batson in the Texas Capitol Rotunda during VIVA San Antonio on Feb. 24.
WELLNESS
Leafy greens
NEW
Onsite Wellness Coaching Program
Andres Flores is CPS Energy’s new onsite Wellness Coach for employees ! Andres is a UnitedHealthcare employee and brings passion and enthusiasm to his role at CPS Energy. Andres is available to meet with employees to discuss lifestyle behaviors you may want to learn more about or may need assistance with such as weight loss, nutrition counseling, disease prevention and more.
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Improving your family’s eating habits can be as simple as incorporating the following “superfoods” into meals. Though no one food can work magic, the following foods or groups of foods are packed with healthy fats, lots of fiber, and loads of vitamins and antioxidants. So add them to your shopping list and serve them to your loved ones on a regular basis.
Avocados
Many people avoid avocados because of their high fat content. But the type of fat in this luscious fruit is the heart-healthy monounsaturated type. Avocados are also a rich source of fiber, vitamins E, C, B-6, folate, K and potassium.
Each coaching topic takes approximately 3-5 sessions to complete. Employees who complete onsite coaching can earn 100 points per topic (maximum of 200 points) toward the Step 3 requirement for 2016 premium discounts. To learn more, contact Andres at: andres_flores@uhc.com or 210-353-2647.
Apples are a rich source of antioxidants as well as vitamin C. They are also one of the highest fiber fruits. Just remember to leave their skin on.
ALL of your personal health information is protected in accordance with HIPAA and WILL NOT be shared with CPS Energy. Coaching sessions are strictly confidential.
Berries are a great source of antioxidants, vitamin C and potassium. They also contain higher amounts of fiber than most other fruits.
Apples
Berries
Greens make up a family that includes spinach, collards, kale, bok choy, arugula and romaine. Leafy greens have the distinction of being the most nutrient-dense veggies for the least amount of calories. They are also good sources of calcium, potassium, folate, fiber, iron, magnesium, B vitamins, vitamin C and vitamin K.
Omega-3 rich fish
Eating fish (especially fatty fish high in omega-3) at least two times a week may help cut your risks for heart disease and stroke. Choose wild salmon, herring, sardines and mackerel.
Nuts and Seeds Nuts and seeds are good sources of monounsaturated fat that can help lower your cholesterol. Nuts contain magnesium, vitamin E, fiber, riboflavin, iron and calcium.
Pomegranates
Pomegranates can be a little tricky to eat, but are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C and potassium. Source: UnitedHealthcare
WELLNESS
BREAST CANCER: With all the myths circulating about breast cancer, you may be unsure what to believe. Learn the facts. MYTH: Only women get breast cancer. FACT: Though rare, men can get breast cancer, too. They account for less than one percent of all occurrences, but the American Cancer Society estimates that about 2,000 American men get breast cancer each year. It’s most common in men ages 60 or older. MYTH: Young women don’t get breast cancer. FACT: Breast cancer usually happens after menopause, but younger women can still get it. More than 178,000 women develop the disease each year; more than 11,000 are under age 40. MYTH: Breast cancer is caused by injury to the breast. FACT: Following an injury, a tumor may be discovered in some women. That doesn’t mean the injury caused the tumor. There is no known link between cancer and injury. In rare cases, severe injuries might increase the risk of cancer. For example, scars
DISPELLING THE MYTHS from chemical burns might play a role in the development of skin cancer. MYTH: Antiperspirants cause breast cancer. FACT: You may have read e-mails warning you about a connection between cancer and deodorants. There is no research to back these claims. MYTH: If you have a family history of breast cancer, you will develop the disease. FACT: You may be at higher risk if you have a family history of breast cancer. However, many women who have a family history of breast cancer never develop it. Others are diagnosed with breast cancer, but have no family history. Other risk factors include age and having had breast cancer in the past. For more information on breast cancer or other types of cancer, go to reliable sources such as the National Cancer Institute or the American Cancer Society. Also, talk to your doctor about your risk factors and ways to prevent disease. Ask when you should have mammograms and other important screenings. Source: UnitedHealthcare
Come out to support your co-workers or participate in the 2K Wellness Walk:
2015 San Antonio Sports CORPORATE CUP
Saturday, May 30, 2015 at the University of the Incarnate Word
Teams have already been selected but CPS Energy employees can still register for the 2K Wellness Walk and earn 25 wellness points toward 2016 premium discounts. Call Imelda Rivera, ext. 4068, by April 30 to register. More information is on CPS Energy Connect and on the San Antonio Sports Corporate Cup website. 15
WELLNESS
Additional information about the Virgin Pulse Walking Program: • The Virgin Pulse program includes four quarters per year. • The goal is to earn as many HealthMiles as you can through walking and other activities.
Congratulations to the 2014 Virgin Pulse Grand Prize Winners! Special congratulations and bon voyage to Kenneth Fulks, pictured left, of Mission Road Construction Center and retiree Alex Villafranco, not pictured. Both are winners of a cruise valued at $2,000! Kenneth and Alex participated in the Virgin Pulse Walking Program all four quarters in 2014, and because of their activity level were entered into a Grand Prize drawing. If you want the chance to win a spectacular vacation, make sure you hit Level 3 all four quarters of 2015 to be entered into the Grand Prize Drawing. *This program is currently available for employees and pre-65 retirees.
• The more points you earn, the faster you progress through the 5 levels. • Each new level will earn you entries into drawings for prizes such as exercise equipment, gift cards and more! • During the first 3 quarters of the year, you can earn 50 wellness points for each quarter that you reach level 3, for a maximum of 150 points. • Reach level 3 all 4 quarters and you will be entered into the GRAND PRIZE drawing at the end of the year!
MEMBER QUARTERLY REWARDS PROGRAM
LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3 LEVEL 4 LEVEL 5 HealthMiles 0-1,999 2,000 - 4,000 - 6,000 - Earned 3,999 5,999 7,999
8,000+
Rewards 1st Prize 50 Prize Prize GoZone drawing benefits drawing drawing FREE entry for points entry for entry for prize 1 toward prize 3 prize 4 2016 premium discount*
*NOTE: Employees will not earn 50 points toward premium discounts for reaching level 3 during the 4th quarter. Instead, you will be entered into another prize drawing. More details can be found on CPS Energy Connect or call Wellness at 210-353-2900 option 4. Retirees will be entered into prize drawings vs points toward premium discounts.
WELLNESS
MAXIMIZE YOUR PRESCRIPTION BENEFITS :
Saving with Generics Ready to take the first step? Try Generics First! Just because a medicine costs more doesn’t mean it is more effective. Many lower-cost medicines provide great health benefits while saving you money. CVS Caremark wants to help you and your doctor choose a lower-cost medicine as the first step in treating your condition. This is called Generics First. Talk to your doctor about using a Lower-Cost Generic Drug Option the next time you need a prescription. What if your doctor does not think a generic is right for you? If your doctor does not think a generic option is right for you, “Dispense as Written” (DAW) will be written on the prescription. The out-of-pocket amount you will be required to pay will increase if you or your doctor requests a brand name when a generic option is available. You will be responsible for paying the generic co-pay plus the cost difference between the generic and brand-name drug. In certain drug classes, your Benefit Plan covers a brand name drug only if you have tried a generic first. Call CVS Caremark 24/7 at 800-966-5772 or visit caremark.com for details if you are prescribed a brand drug that is denied at the pharmacy for one of the following conditions: DRUG CLASSES WITH GENERIC ALTERNATIVES
PPI HMG ARB
Did you know? New generic medications are always being developed. When the brand-name medicine patent expires, other drug manufacturers can make and sell the same medicine. This medicine is sold under its chemical name, which is why it is called a “generic.” Generics have the same active ingredients in the very same strength as their brand-name alternative but are less expensive because generic manufacturers don’t have the large investment costs of the original developer. Generic firms have facilities that are FDA-inspected just like brand-name facilities.
CONDITION BEING TREATED
Stomach conditions Cholesterol Heart and high blood pressure
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ANNIVERSARIES Congratulations to these employees who have reached milestones in their years of service with CPS Energy
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30 Anthony Arocha Jones Avenue
Dave Arcos Northeast Center
Floyd Haman Main Office
Peggy Fiske Main Office
Donna Bailey Main Office
Steve Mokry Energy Management Center
Paul Moss Southwest Center
James Beasley Railcar Maintenance
Ralph Ojeda Jr. Eastside Center
Gary Sedillo Mission Road Construction Center
Linda Dzierzanowski Main Office
Melissa Pina Main Office
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Javier Guerra Jones Avenue Center
Darrell Kosub Energy Management Center Anthony Savely Navarro Building
Milland Ramsey Northwest Center
John Townsend Main Office
Alfonso Varnador Braunig Power Station
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Valdemar Trevino Mission Road Construction Center
Shannon Wagner Main Office
Sam Balandran Meter Reading
Bernard Watkins Main Office
Richard Gibson Southwest Center
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Suzanne Gomez Northside Customer Service Center
Daniel Mermea Southwest Center
Dan Kahn Northside Customer Service Center
Andy Ramirez Malone Building
Jorge Lugo Northwest Center
Jerry Stancek Main Office
Chris Lyon Eastside Center
Joel Valadez Northwest Center
Sharon March Northside Customer Service Center
Bonnie Vines Navarro Building
Kasandra Abrego Navarro Building
Gilbert Brown Southwest Center
Aucencio Deleon Substation Construction/ Maintenance
Eric Duncan Calaveras Power Station
Art Espino Navarro Building
Rolland Mason Jones Avenue Center
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Clayton Kruse Northside Customer Service Center
5 Rodney Martinez Calaveras Power Station
Kate Cooper Navarro Building
John Leal Main Office
Dennis Stout Main Office
Betty Gomez Northside Customer Service Center Ricardo Luna Main Office
David Toma Northside Customer Service Center
Janie Guzman Navarro Building
Stephanie Ockenfels Navarro Building
Debora Hatzenbuehler Eastside Center
Samuel Quintanilla Meter Reading
John Jones Northeast Center
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FOND FAREWELLS NOT PICTURED:
Pete Carreon
Eastside Center Journeyman Mechanic Corporate Support Services 12 Years of Service
Jeffrey Pollok
Mission Road Construction Center Forman Welder Gas Delivery 27 Years of Service
Robert Garcia
Railcar Maintenance Journeyman Wheel Machinist Power Generation 30 Years of Service
Mark Luther
Main Office Analyst Regulatory Compliance 4 Energy Supply and Market Operations 26 Years of Service
Michael Tyler
Northside Customer Service Center Manager Energy Solutions Customer Accounts and Operations 16 Years of Service
NEWS BRIEFS Smart Grid’s My Energy Portal goes live
CPS Energy close to launching new solar programs
For the first time ever, customers now have insight into the energy they buy before their bill arrives — and if you are a CPS Energy customer, that includes you!
We received three proposals for our soon-to-launch Rooftop Solar program, and hope to choose a finalist very soon. Under the pilot, our chosen partner, representing CPS Energy, will install and maintain solar systems on residential and commercial rooftops at no cost to the customer. We will buy the output under a purchase power agreement, and the customer would be paid for the use of the roof.
My Energy Portal can now be found in Manage My Account on cpsenergy.com. Once a smart meter is installed on your home, you will be able to see the energy you buy in 15-minute (electric) and onehour (gas) increments, view your previous energy use info, and get customized tips specific to your home. Looking forward to being armed with information to be even smarter about the energy you buy? Make sure you’re enrolled in Manage My Account at cpsenergy.com.
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We are in negotiations for our first Community Solar project as well. Different than the rooftop program, community solar is perfect for customers whose roofs may not be right for solar, or for renters, who can move and still receive credit on their bill. Customers purchase units of
a stand-alone farm, and are then credited based on the amount of power their share produces.
CPS Energy recognized for its economic development success The San Antonio Economic Development began highlighting San Antonio’s clean energy job boom, and the central role played by CPS Energy’s New Energy Economy Initiative, with a digital billboard campaign that debuted in February. You might have seen the bright blue and green messages which give us credit for “Energizing Job Growth in SA” and “Improving Our Environment.” Our New Energy Economy initiative is expected to deliver an estimated economic impact of more than $1.6 billion to the region by 2019.
SCENE
Here’s a look at some of the activities happening around CPS Energy
1 Employees encourage STEM interest
More than 3,500 middle school students and teachers attended the 5th Annual CORE4STEM Expo in November. The expo encouraged students to pursue careers in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. As an event sponsor, CPS Energy developed hands-on activities that focused on the application of math and science in the energy industry. Fifty employee volunteers helped at five different learning stations so students could get hands-on information about different types of energy sources for power generation, metering and energy usage calculations, solar energy, electric vehicles and electric safety. (1)
Employees and retirees dig deep for holidays
Christmas was a little brighter for many San Antonio families, thanks to CPS
Energy’s generous employees and retirees who donated and distributed gifts to children in the Salvation Army Angel Tree Program. Each child received a bag of items from their wish list including toys, bikes, books and clothing. This year, CPS Energy employees sponsored 900 children, nearly double the contributions from last year. Pictured are: (front row, L-R) Manuel Carranza, Eustaquia Bermudez, Sondra Martin-Merrell, Cristina Duarte, Diana Ortiz, Nancy Friesenhahn and Pete Mejia; (front row, L-R) Rudy Guerrero, Michael Rodriguez, Serbando Gomez, Guadalupe Solis, Richard Zule, Jason Cadena, Al Pulido and Juan Medin. (2)
Business Bootcamphelps veterans become entrepreneurs
More than 250 attendees and 70 exhibitors were on hand for CPS Energy’s 3rd Annual Business Bootcamp – Veteran
Symposium & Expo on Jan. 27. The free one-day symposium offered veteran business owners – and those who would like to be – the opportunity to network, learn about contract opportunities, and other valuable ways to build their business. Retired Lt. General Ricardo Sanchez, who served as a battalion commander during Operation Desert Storm and later Commander of Coalition Ground Forces in Iraq as part of his distinguished 33 year career with the U.S. Army, served as the keynote speaker. Sanchez now serves as CEO for OPTECH Enterprise Solutions. Last year, veteran’s made up 10 percent of CPS Energy’s workforce, and the company contracted nearly $6.5 million in work with veteran-owned businesses. “Our Veteran Symposium & Expo is one way we’re able to bring together our veteran business owners under one umbrella to show them what contract 23
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opportunities are available to them and how they can improve or grow their business,” said Eric Cloudt, director of CPS Energy’s Supply Chain Department. “It also gives them a chance to network and build important, valuable relationships.” Pictured are: Joe Sepulveda, (3); Christopher Higgins, Kelly Dobrowolskik, Radiah Drayton, Amanda Sauceda and Gabriel Rodriguez. (4)
Employees and families go orange for MLK March
More than 100 CPS Energy employees, family members and friends took part in this year’s Martin Luther King, Jr. March on Jan. 19th. Sporting new volunteer shirts, this group was hard to miss as they walked in solidarity honor the civil rights leader. (5) 24
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Go Red for Women
The American Heart Association hosts an annual Go Red For Women luncheon and wellness expo, which serves to educate the community on ways they can improve their health and raise funds to support heart disease and stroke research. Jelynne LeBlanc-Burley was the 2015 Go Red for Women Campaign Chair and CPS Energy was the presenting sponsor. The 2015 Go Red For Women Campaign raised $226,000 and will aid AHA in their mission to building healthier lives here in San Antonio. Pictured are: Jelynne LeBlanc-Burley, (6); (back row, L-R) Steffi Ockenfels, Carla De La Chapa, Tom Brotherman, Sarah Sanchez-Santana and Lisa Clyde; (front row, L-R) Maria Garcia, Cynthia Guerrero, Ashley Storrie and Amelia Badder, (7); (back row, L-R) Lori Lopez, Lydia Sauceda, Prabha Somawardana, Melissa Pena and Elba Garci; (front row, L-R) Carmen Lara, Shannon Albert, David Hagen, Marian Braggs and Lauren Rodriguez-Thompson. (8)
Girl Scouts go green with CPS Energy
More than 600 Girl Scouts attended the annual ‘cookie rally’ at the Sally Cheever Girl Scout Leadership center on Sat., Jan. 17. The Girls Scouts had an opportunity to earn special patches from CPS Energy, H-E-B, Valero Energy and Wells Fargo. They earned their CPS Energy Environmental Awareness patch by completing a leaf rubbing and labeling activity, which was staffed by CPS Energy volunteers. Pictured are: (back row, L-R) Cara Garza, Albert Carrisalez, Steffi Ockenfels, Lori Johnson Leal, Curt Cryer and Sandi Ricabaugh; (front row, L-R) Dylan Johnson, Priscilla Robledo, Laurie Rager and Lacey Simmons. (9)
2015 Retiree Association Executive Committee announced
The Retiree Association elected their 2015 officers at the October meeting. Officers include Fred Janszen, President; Bill Lieber, Vice-President; Kathy Yates, Secretary; and John Brogan, Treasurer. Serving on the Executive Committee are Leroy Albrecht, Patti Benitez, Bill Bernhard, Virginia Bernhard, Raymond Butler, Carl Dietrich, Bob Gunderman, Bill Gunst, Isabel
Hernandez, Robert Hodge, Joe Janysek, Clint Johnson, Charlie Kellner, Bill Loftin, Robin Lott, Mike Mahurin, Libby Pressler, George Reininger, Joe Rocha, Robert Sawyer, Gary Schaub, Helen Sefcik, Susan Smith and Bobby Wahl. The first Retiree Association meeting of 2015 will be April 9 at the Employee Park.
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WELCOME ABOARD Audits Ethics and Compliance
Cristina R. Cortez, internal auditor 3
Corporate Communications/ Media Relations
Paul Flaningan, director integrated Communications
Corporate Development and Planning
Matthew Croucher, director demand side analytics
Corporate Support Services
Robert Arevalo, analyst infrastructure security 3; William McManus, senior director security
Customer Accounts and Operations
Florinda Flores, data control clerk 2; Esperanza D. Castillo, Amanda M. Cobos, Bernice Guerrero, Diana V. Munro, Michele H. Paz, Yvonne V. Saldivar, Adrian Santana, Noralbeza C. Riojas and Sonia Zapata, customer service representative 1; Andrea N. DeWitt and Aldoray L.. Ulmer, customer solutions specialist
Energy Delivery Services
Joshua Leal and Jeffrey Hall, residential designer 1; Alysius Joseph, engineering associate; Navid Ahmadiyeh, engineering associate 1; Juan Salinas, engineering associate 2; Claudia Valles-Tovar, project manager 1; David Lassanske, manager customer construction; Ricardo Bernal De Leon Jr., Noel Castilleja, Russell Dear, Bailey Dzierzanowski, Dylan McBeth, Bryan Middleton, Raymond Montalvo, Pablo Mora, Trent Preston, Ryan Ramos, Scott Richardson and Rene Trevino, distribution trainee; Martin Mann, project coordinator; Brian Bartos, transmission compliance manager; Brianna Carmichael, data control clerk 2
Enterprise Information Technology Kent Landrum, senior director business applications; George R. McCauley, system analyst 4; Demetrius Payton, senior manager data center systems; Brett Niles, senior manager project management office
Energy Supply and Market Operations
John B. McIver, program analyst 4
External Relations
Kari L. Torres, manager external relations
Finance
Edward Pallarez, rates analyst 2
Financial and Administrative Services
Shannon Albert, senior manager enterprise services business intelligence; Jenny Rodriguez, financial services analyst 4; Wendell Bumpers and Clinton Volkmann, financial services analyst 2; Elise Parma, financial services analyst 3
Gas Delivery
Adrian Huron and Luis E. Mendoza, utility worker; Samantha Perez, regulatory compliance analyst 2; Merlin Martin, manager gas system engineering
Human Resources
Kelly Dobrowolski, recruiting analyst 3
Power Generation
Miquel R. Pena-Garcia, maintenance tech 2; Misael Delgadillo and Branden R. Morris, trainee; Tyler Van Booven and Brian Hernandez, tech I&C maintenance 2; Gina Benedetto, tech chemical control 1
UP THE LADDER Customer Accounts and Operations
Laura Viera, customer solutions specialist; Dean Heather, supervisor billing & receivables; Matthew Kirk, customer service representative 1
Corporate Support Services David Arocha and Vincent Deleon
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warehouseman; Michael Gutierrez, supervisor fleet maintenance
Community Engagement
Priscilla Robledo, outreach specialist
Energy Delivery Services
Michelle Baxter, Debra Castillo and Laura Jimenez, scheduler; Benito Flores, construction inspector; Richard Barrera,
Rene Garza and Robert Martinez, supervisor energy technical services; Jacqueline Wells, supervisor customer engineering; Enrique Figueroa, program analyst 3; Matilda Alejandro, general designer 1; Mark Michalek, manager customer construction; Jack Smith, manager transformer shop; Patrick Trevino, senior manager operations & reliability;
Eric Ortiz, transmission operator; Billy Flores, program/project manager; Garry Armstrong, line foreman; Gonzalo Ramirez, manager customer construction; Brenda Hibdon, residential designer 2; Brian Borrego, Ruben Conde, Robert Hamilton, Fabian Hijar-Lopez, Edward Jarzombek, Ahmad Morris and Marco Robles, distribution trainee; Wesley Crouch, transformer shop electric trainee; Jose Trevino, director reliability & outside services; Doyle Sexton and Kenneth Green, electrician trainee; Keith Calle, manager system protection
Energy Delivery and Customer Services
Erik Spencer, general business analyst 3
Energy Supply and Market Operations
Paul Vinson, director fuels; Justin Oates, energy controller 1
Finance
Yvette Cardiel-Perez, director strategic enterprise resource planning; Eugene Diaz, financial services project manager
Financial and Administrative Services
Elbert Hargesheimer, director planning analysis and communications; Terri Rathmann, Armida Reyes and Sherry Spurlock financial services project manager
Gas Delivery
John Garcia, general trainee; Dennis Hans, manager gas services; Mark Bauer and Valdemar Trevino, manager construction & maintenance; Daniel Davila, manager pressure & corrosion control; Jose Reyes and Derek West, foreman leak crew; Samantha Perez, regulatory compliance analyst 2; Troy Brown, foreman welder; Luis Castellano, construction coordinator
People and Culture
Lisa Lewis, vice president of people and culture
Power Generation
Edwin Martin, manager plant services; Joshua Bujnoch, Richard Reynolds and Klinton Vornsand, system specialist; Winston Adcock, manager plant operations; Justin Bauer, Phillip Bailey, Homer Gallegos, Lawrence Herron, John House, Larry Howe and Louis Mendez, supervisor production operations; Daniel Croom, tech I&C maintenance 2; Christopher Ware, manager plant maintenance; Michael Pruske, director power plant
Public Affairs and Brand Management
Jenna Saucedo, vice president of public affairs and brand management
IN REMEMBRANCE
LINES staff join our fellow CPS Energy employees in expressing deepest sympathy to:
Aaron Lindsey, Utility Locating Department, on the passing his step-daughter, Morgan Gilbreath.
Mary Schmidt, Underground Engineering Department, on the passing of her mother Augusta Delgado.
The family and friends of Patricia Escobedo, who worked in Legal Services.
Jim Weatherly, Safety Department, on the The family and friends of Jose Arredondo, passing of his mother Lillie Weatherly. who retired in 1981 from Mission Road Construction Services. Alfred Garcia, Gas Services Department, on the passing of his mother Maria Gary Fletcher, Gas Delivery Services, on Garcia. the passing of his mother Lydia Viola Fletcher. Winnifred Talley, Generation Support Services, on the passing of her husband The family and friends of Jesus Caballero, who retired in 1991 from Materials and Jeffrey Talley. Transportation. Sharon Luther-Minor, Corporate The family and friends of Leon Persyn, Communications, on the passing who retired in 2002 from Substation of her mother Alice Galloway. Transmission division.
Raul Mendoza, Substation Maintenance Department, on the passing of his wife, Elizabeth Mendoza. The family and friends of William Ferrell, who worked in Energy Delivery Services. The family and friends of Juan Valadez, who retired in 1995 from the Construction Department. The family and friends of Leonard Orth, who retired in 2000 from the Meter Reading Department.
Dennis Stout, General Accounting Department, on the passing of his parents Gisela and Ralph Stout Jr.
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In the face of everyday danger, Those are some of the more extreme hazards faced by the employees of the Mission Road gas welding shop. Then there are the more common risks – a twisted ankle, a strained back. For the six members of the gas welding team, however, those safety hazards are mostly theoretical That’s because for more than 14 years now, they’ve gone without an OSHA recordable incident.
the past 15 years – surely part of the reason for their safety success. “We’re basically a family here,” said Journeyman Welder William “Bubba” Kaupert, who has been with CPS Energy for 22 years, 19 of those on the welding team.
The family recently lost their leader, Foreman Welder Jeff Pollok, who retired in January after 27 years with the company, and 22 years as a “We’re welder. Troy “Chef ” Brown, another 22 year veteran danger, so we always of the team, was promoted.
surrounded
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“OSHA” stands for Occupational Safety and Health Administra- by have to be alert.” tion, the main federal Lines sat down agency charged with the ~ Dolores “Lola” Martinez, with the welders enforcement of safety journeyman welder two weeks before and health legislation. Pollok retired. They gathered together on CPS Energy’s safety goals exceed an overcast day in a small cluttered office OSHA requirements in many cases. at Mission Road, all in chambray shirts, “It’s an outstanding milestone for safety glasses and well-worn ball caps. any group that works in hazardous Pollak said their focus on safety “is just conditions,” said James Grimshaw, part of our everyday life.” It has to be, manager of safety and strategic training. he said, since they’re dealing with live gas “It’s something everyone should strive lines, working on high lines or in small towards.” confined spaces and in all kinds The last recordable incident for the of weather. welding team was back in 2004, and it Their tools include massive saws that slice was one of the more mundane – a crew member sprained his ankle falling at a job through metal, arc welders and cutting torches that are “sun hot” — meaning site. He’s long retired, and the current the smallest slip could easily mean crew has been working as a team for maiming or death.
“We’re surrounded by danger,” said Journeyman Welder Dolores “Lola” Martinez, “so we always have to be alert.” The team’s sole woman, she’s been with CPS Energy for 23 years, 20 of that with the welding team. At some point someone else on the team digs up an old issue of Rumbo, the now defunct Spanish-language newspaper, which features Martinez on the cover as part of a feature on women in nontraditional professions. They rib her mercilessly about it, as only a family could, and she tosses the teasing right back. “They’re like my brothers,” she says. “I help keep them in line.” When the talk turns to safety, however, all joking falls away. They credit not only their “judgment and experience,” as Journeyman Welder Roman Friesenhahn describes it, but the guidance of Safety Specialist Mike Cavazos. “We can tell him anything, in our own language,” said Pollok. “He’s from the workforce, he’s got experience,” someone else chimed in. “He’s not fresh out of college with a book of procedures six inches thick.” Indeed he isn’t. Cavazos spent most of his CPS Energy career as a plant operator – and that was after a military career in aviation.
His foray into safety at CPS Energy began by volunteering for Power Generation’s safety steering committee. When a safety specialist position came open, he applied. “I did it because I thought I could make a difference,” he said.
Gas Delivery Don Stanton. They signed on, the lights were added, and rear end collisions dropped from 9 in 2013 to just three in 2014. Cavazos called the support from above crucial for safety success. “You have to have a champion,” he said. “The safety culture here is changing. It’s not there yet, but it’s clear we have support from the very top.”
He has, and offers one example: Last year he did a study on rear end vehicle collisions — not CPS Energy employees rear-ending vehicles, but other drivers hitting CPS “It’s an outstanding Energy trucks. “It was costing ” of tens of thousands of dol. lars in lost time, claims and ~ James Grimshaw, manager of indirect costs,” he said. safety and strategic training
Meanwhile, the welding team continues its work in the 5S program, Brown said, reorganizing the 8,000 square foot welding shop to make it safer.
milestone
An employee brought him a simple idea to reduce collisions: a light on the tailgate that flashes when the driver steps on the brake, giving “that person behind the truck, probably on their cell phone, just a little more of a head’s up,” Cavazos said. He researched the effectiveness of the flashing light, and brought it to Director of Gas Operations and Construction Jacob De Leon and Senior Director of
They kept their milestone celebration low-key but delicious. Brown, who owns Next Door Catering, hand cut and grilled rib eye steaks, right there at the shop. Then it was back to work, not thinking about their 14 years without an incident, but of making it safely through each day.
“The safety culture here is
changing.
It’s not there yet, but it’s clear we have support from the very top.” ~ Mike Cavazos, Safety Specialist
Pictured (L to R) are Roman Friesenhahn,Troy Brown,William Kaupert, Lo Martinez, Robert John and Tommy Burrell.
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PRSRT STD MAIL U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
SAN ANTONIO, TX PERMIT NO. 251
Employees and family members participating in the Martin Luther King Jr. and Cesar Chavez marches.