issue 2 2015
The
EPIcenter
R E I M A G I N I N G T H E PA S T T O G E N E R AT E T H E F U T U R E
A L S O : CO N G R AT U L AT I O N S TO T H E G R A D S • P O L E S F I N D N E W P U R P O S E C RO S S - F U N C T I O NA L E F F O RT S C R E AT E S U C C E S S
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Giving back through books Reading Buddies’ book drive offers valuable summer reading for local kids by Scott Wudel
You might say it was like holiday shopping… in May. Reading Buddies made a list, checked it twice, and a team of CPS Energy elves made the reading dreams of many second grade students come true. This year, more than 2,600 books were donated as part of our second annual book drive – almost three times more than last year. Reading Buddies made a shopping list of their students’ favorite reading choices, then filled backpacks and delivered books to students with wishes of a summer full of reading and enlightenment. The drive was spearheaded by Ann Martinez at Northwest Service District (NWSD). Three years ago, she got involved in the Reading Buddy Program and quickly discovered the challenges many inner-city kids face. In 2014, she organized the first book drive – more than 900 books, and donations to buy another 300, were collected in just three weeks. This year, Ann and her coworkers set out to top that. “Since the drive was such a success last year, it was the right thing to do
again this year,” says Darrell Clifton, Martinez’s supervisor and director at NWSD. "Ann and the other Reading Buddies are passionate when it comes to helping the students.” Reading Buddies dedicate time each week at several innercity elementary schools. Many have seen the rewards of that time through the improved reading abilities of their students.
“Kids need to keep busy during the summer and keep trying to improve their skills,” says Bermudez. “You can really get attached to these kids. I look forward to going every week. My student jumped five levels.”
“Our Reading Buddies make a big difference, as does the generosity of all the employees who supported the book drive.”
~ Lori Johnson Leal Director of Corporate Responsibility
“This is about helping young kids,” says Nick Vidal of Overhead Distribution, who recently handpicked books for his student from a mountain of books divided by category in a small conference room. “My student has improved a lot over the last eight weeks.” Bebe Bermudez of NWSD believes reading and summertime practice is not only rewarding for the student but for their Reading Buddy as well.
It’s a fact that students who read at or above their grade level by third grade have an 80 percent better chance of graduating from high school.
“According to San Antonio Youth Literacy, the organization that administers our program, many of the students mentored by these volunteers improve their reading skills two or more levels,” says Lori Johnson Leal, director of Corporate Responsibility. “Our Reading Buddies make a big difference, as does the generosity of all the employees who supported the book drive.”
EDITOR Paul Flaningan GRAPHIC DESIGN Barbara Burris Frank Jimenez PHOTOGRAPHY Vincent McDonald
2 The EPIcenter: reimagining the past to generate the future by Gary Chavez and Monika Maeckle
Gary Chavez Roy Galvan WRITERS Gary Chavez Monika Maeckle Pam Maris Christine Patmon Scott Wudel
4 Congratulations to the grads! by Gary Chavez and Barbara Burris
AREA REPORTERS Donna Bailey Rebecca Baring Leona Boswell Pardo Gloria Calderon Madalena De Hoyos Elizabeth Engel
14 Utility poles find new purpose after delivering power by Pam Maris
Paula Ford Erica Gabriel Patricia Hansen Linda Gil Lalie Gomez Yvonne Gomez Katherine Hacker Patricia Hansen Patty Hight
36 Cross-functional efforts create success by Christine Patmon
Sandra Huerta Eunice Lopez Veronica Martinez Christine Miller Jo Ann Moreno Denae Myers Cindy Nieto Ronda Reisdorph Maria Sandoval Juanita Torres Michelle Trevino
16 News Briefs 17 Scene 20 Employee Spotlight 22 Family Ties 24 Wellness
28 Anniversaries 32 Fond Farewell 34 Welcome Aboard, Up the Ladder 35 In Remembrance
Rachel Van Der Knaap Bonnie Vines 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,
Cover: A preliminary rendering of what the EPIcenter could look like by Lake/Flato Architects.
San Antonio, Texas, 78296 or e-mail us at lines@cpsenergy.com.
R E I M A G I N I N G T H E P A S T T O G E N E R AT E T H E F U T U R E by Gary Chavez and Monika Maeckle
Mission Road’s iconic D’Hanis brick chimney cuts the Southtown skyline like a silent sentinel. Built in the 1920s, decommissioned more than two decades ago and vacant for the last 10 years, the Mission Road Power Plant sits along the banks of the San Antonio River watching the river and surrounding community dramatically change. The power plant itself is a thing of utilitarian beauty. Although it’s been an unused asset, it has never been far from our conscious. And now the plant will power back to life, reigniting the community as the Energy Partnerships Innovation Center, or EPIcenter. The EPIcenter embodies the essence of the New Energy Economy: leveraging public buying power for both the benefit of the community and the private sector through job creation, education and innovation – all while diversifying our energy portfolio with renewables. “We always want to make a difference in our community and it’s extremely gratifying to see this project begin to come to life,” said Beneby.
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The EPIcenter is at the core of the education aspect of our New Energy Economy initiative. A lead gift of nearly $15 million from our partners at OCI Solar, Silver Spring Networks and Landis+Gyr will be used as seed funding to build the innovation hub. The EPIcenter will be unique in its focus on creating thought and action around the research and development of new and emerging energy industry technologies, and providing the
community educational opportunities through museum quality exhibits and conference space to attract worldclass conferences and lectures. Next steps for the project include the establishment of a non-profit organization. A board of directors will be installed and an executive director hired. The first phase of development is targeted for completion in 2018.
Preliminary architectural renderings shown on both pages.
“WE ALWAYS WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OUR COMMUNITY and it’s extremely gratifying to see this project begin to come to life.” ~ Doyle N. Beneby President and CEO
Panoramic view overlooking the River Walk and downtown as seen from Mission Road Power Plant, soon to be the new EPIcenter.
Graduation is one of our most important rites of passage. It’s a time of many emotions: excitement, anticipation, a little anxiety and melancholy. And not just for the graduates. Graduation is also a time to acknowledge success and accomplishment. It’s also a send-off to life’s next chapter. Whether plans involve more schooling or setting out into the big wide world, we wish all our graduates success and happiness. In the words of Mark Twain, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
Christopher Albert
Floresville Parent: Shannon Albert Ranking: honors Future Plans: attend Texas State University, School of Engineering
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Megan Alvarado
Karen Wagner Parent: Jose Alvarado Ranking: 12 out of 458; 96.1714 average Future Plans: major in biology at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
HIGH SCHOOL
Hayley Marie Andrade
Holy Cross of San Antonio Parent: Paul Andrade Jr. Future Plans: earn an associate's degree at Northwest Vista College and then transfer to UTSA
Madison Barry
Brandeis Parent: Jeff Barry Future Plans: major in biology at Texas Tech University
Desiree Treviño Campos
Kaleb Brogdon
Collin Burris
Brandi Campos
Garrett Covert
Gil Abdias De La Rosa
Mark Anthony De Hoyos Joseph Bradley Doege
East Central Parent: John Brogdon Future Plans: major in chemical engineering at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
East Central Parent: Eddie Covert Future Plans: attend Blinn College and Texas A&M University; major in electronic engineering with a minor in computer science
Ronald Reagan Parent: Terry Burris Future Plans: pursue a degree in business and real estate and play soccer for the University of the Incarnate Word
Southwest Parent: Gilbert De La Rosa Jr. Future Plans: major in computer programming, beginning at Palo Alto College and then transferring to Texas State or Texas Tech University
East Central Parent: Rene Campos Ranking: 78 out of 676; 4.0 GPA Future Plans: major in education at Southwestern University
Edison Parent: Fernando De Hoyos Ranking: 2 out of 325; 101.8 average Future Plans: major in electrical engineering at the University of Texas at Austin
East Central Parent: Michelle Treviño Future Plans: attend the University of the Incarnate Word
Medina Valley Parent: Robert Doege Future Plans: earn a bachelor’s degree in land/ wildlife management at Tarleton State University; pursue a career as a Texas Parks and Wildlife game warden
HIGH SCHOOL
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Erica Eads
Kami Fassett
Garrett Flick
Jaime Gastelum
Lauren Guzman
Christin Jade Haecker
Shane Jackson
Clayton Paul Jaskinia
East Central Parent: Clevette Hall Future Plans: attend Texas State University
Ronald Reagan Parent: Janie Guzman Future Plans: pursue degree in neonatal nursing at Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi
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O’Connor Parent: Eric Fassett Future Plans: major in biology at the University of Texas at Austin
Marion Parent: Kevin Haecker Future Plans: major in kinesiology and cosmetology
HIGH SCHOOL
MacArthur Parent: Michael Flick Future Plans: attend Texas A&M in Galveston and become a cadet with the Sea Aggies
Boerne Parent: James Jackson Future Plans: entering the Navy Nuclear Propulsion program
KIPP University Prep Parent: James Rodriguez Future Plans: major in computer science at Palo Alto College
Poth Parents: Jerry and Olga Jaskinia Future Plans: attend Palo Alto College and transfer to Texas State University; major in history with a minor in political science and economics
Sydney Ranea Jendrusch
Thomas Krawietz
Alyssa Kruse
Cameron James Labus
James Tyler Land
Ashley Lockamy
Gabriella Luyet
Noah Olivo Maldonado
LaVernia Parent: Robert Jendrusch Future Plans: major in pre-veterinary science at Schreiner University
Rockdale Parent: James Land Future Plans: attend Texas A&M-Kingsville
Poth Parent: David Krawietz Ranking: 3.8 GPA Future Plans: major in construction engineering and minor in business
Roosevelt, Design and Technology Academy Parent: Ronald Lockamy Future Plans: attend Sam Houston State University to study forensic anthropology and play on softball team
Poth Parent: Jeff Kruse Ranking: 6th in class Future Plans: major in physical therapy at UTSA
Johnson Parent: Richard Luyet Future Plans: major in education at Angelo State University
Poth Parent: Joyce Labus Ranking: 4.0 GPA Future Plans: attend Mays Business School at Texas A&M University
Harlandale Parent: Michael Maldonado Future Plans: become a lineman with CPS Energy
HIGH SCHOOL
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Clara Martinez
Enrique Montoya
Tiffany Kaye Mu単oz
Alyssa Narendorf
Madeleine Ortiz
Rikki Leigh Parsons
Brittany Patmor
Wesley Penny
Judson Parents: Maria and Art Espinoza Future Plans: major in education at Texas A&M in Corpus Christi
Incarnate Word Parent: Alejandro Gonzales Ranking: 4.0 GPA Future Plans: attend UTSA
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Floresville Parent: Marcus Montoya Ranking: 3.5 GPA Future Plans: attend UTSA
James Madison Parent: Penny Parsons Future Plans: obtain a registered nursing and teaching degree
HIGH SCHOOL
East Central Parent: Sandra Pruski-Mu単oz Ranking: graduated summa cum laude Future Plans: attend the University of the Incarnate Word
MacArthur Parent: John Patmor Future Plans: received athletic training scholarship to attend Texas Lutheran University
Incarnate Word Parent: Thomas Narendorf Future Plans: attend Texas A&M in Corpus Christi
Earl Warren Parent: Kevin Penny Ranking: 4.0 GPA Future Plans: received scholarship and will be attending the College of Music at the University of North Texas in Denton
Taylor Grace Ponce
Austin Preiss
Dalton Reid
Donna Victoria Reyes
Luke Rocha
Laura Rodriguez
Reynaldo Salazar Jr.
Zane Sanchez
La Vernia Parent: Brenda Martinez-Ponce Future Plans: major in business and minor in dance at Texas Lutheran University
Floresville Parent: Daniel Rocha Future Plans: major in fire science at San Antonio College
La Vernia Parent: Tammy Preiss Future Plans: attend the University of the Incarnate Word on a baseball scholarship and major in kinesiology
East Central Parent: Laura Rodriguez
Smithson Valley Parent: Jeff Reid Ranking: 22 out of 542 Future Plans: attend Schreiner University and then complete a mechanical engineering degree at UTSA; attend medical school
Earl Warren Parent: Mary Lou Salazar Future Plans: major in criminal justice at the University of the Incarnate Word
Earl Warren Parent: Donna F. Reyes Ranking: salutatorian Future Plans: major in biochemistry at Baylor University
Brandeis Parent: Steve Sanchez Future Plans: major in finance and accounting at West Texas A&M University and play on the golf team
HIGH SCHOOL
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Ethan Scarlett
Molly Schmidt
Miranda Jo Sevier
Courtney Lynn Strey
Lauren Ashley Treviño
Kate Von Ness
Samuel Wagner
Kimberly Sandy Wilborn
Judson Parent: Jason Scarlett Ranking: 15 out of 705 Future Plans: major in mechanical engineering at the University of Texas at Arlington
Brooks Academy of Science and Engineering Parent: James Treviño Ranking: 5th in class Future Plans: major in English at Elizabethtown College in Pennsylvania – accepted in the honors and early law admissions programs
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Marion Parent: Mary Schmidt Future Plans: major in agricultural business and minor in animal science at Tarleton State University
Churchill Parent: Diane Von Ness Ranking: 2 out of 703 Future Plans: major in English, editing and publishing at Texas A&M University
HIGH SCHOOL
Lytle Parent: Joe Sevier Future Plans: attend Palo Alto College; become a veterinarian
Churchill Parent: Shannon Wagner Future Plans: attend Blinn College and Texas A&M University
East Central Parent: Kenneth Strey Future Plans: attend Texas A&M University
Communications Arts Parent: George Wilborn Ranking: top 5% Future Plans: major in journalism at Emerson University in Boston
Karen Balandran
Hannah Barham
Scott Barnett
Melinda Benedict
Daniel Canchola Jr.
Alyssa Castillo
Brittany Covert
Caitlin De Hoyos
St. Mary’s University Parent: Sam Balandran Degree: Bachelor of Science in business administration, financial services/risk management
University of the Incarnate Word Degree: Bachelor of Science in business administration
Texas A&M University Parent: Paul Barham Degree: Bachelor of Arts degree in communications with a minor in religious studies
Emporia State University Parent: Sylvia Castillo Degree: Master of Science in industrial/ organizational psychology Future Plans: pursue a doctorate degree in the same field
Texas A&M University Parent: Don Barnett Degree: Bachelor of Arts in multi-media telecommunications with a minor in sports management Future Plans: teach and be an assistant athletic coach in East Central School District
Baylor University Parent: Eddie Covert Degree: Bachelor of Arts in political science with a minor in rhetoric and argumentation Rating: 4.0 GPA Future Plans: attend law school at the University of Houston
UTSA Parent: John Benedict Degree: Bachelor of Arts in interdisciplinary studies Future Plans: teach middle school
UTSA Parent: Madalena De Hoyos Degree: Bachelor of Science in biology
COLLEGE
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Jo Anthony De Hoyos
Dr. Warrin Donowho
Edward Esquivel
Stacie Gibson
Ivalis Meza Gonzalez
Matari Jones Gunter
Eric Kosub
Kendra Pearl Labus
UTSA Parent: Madalena De Hoyos Degree: Master of Science in health and kinesiology
St. Mary’s University Husband: Manuel Gonzalez Degree: Juris Doctor degree Future Plans: take the Texas bar exam at the end of July
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COLLEGE
UTHSC SA – Dental School Parent: Pamela Witten Degree: Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
Our Lady of the Lake University Husband: Will Gunter Degree: Ph.D. in leadership studies - School of Business and Leadership Studies Future Plans: lecture at Texas State University in the McCoy College of Business
University of the Incarnate Word Parents: Gloria and Manuel Esquivel Degree: Master of Arts in administration organizational development Future Plans: employed at the University of the Incarnate Word
University of Texas Parent: John Kosub Degree: Bachelor of Science in biology Future Plans: attend medical school
University of the Incarnate Word Parent: Richard Gibson Degree: Bachelor of Science in nursing Future Plans: work as a pediatric ER nurse for Christus Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital
Texas A&M Health Science Center Parent: Joyce Labus Degree: Bachelor of Science in nursing Future Plans: pursue a nursing position focusing on labor and delivery
Megan Rose Lombrano
University of Texas Health Science Center Parent: Paul Lombrano Degree: Bachelor of Science in nursing Future Plans: work and pursue a master’s degree in nursing
Kayla Preiss
Texas A&M in San Antonio Parent: Tammy Preiss Degree: Master's in professional accounting Ranking: 3.75 GPA Future Plans: currently employed with Padgett Stratemann & Co. as an auditor and studying for CPA exams
Kathryn Ann McKinney UTSA Parents: Bonnie Bray and Charles Rogers Degree: Bachelor in interdisciplinary studies EC-6 Future Plans: work for NISD as an elementary school teacher
Michael Ramirez Jr.
Texas A&M in San Antonio Degree: Bachelor of Arts & Science with concentration in general business
Christina Mercado
Webster University Degree: Master of Arts in information technology management
Christopher Rocha
UTSA Parent: Jose Leandro Degree: Bachelor of Science in kinesiology Future Plans: become a high school baseball coach
Samantha Ovalle
Texas A&M in San Antonio Degree: Master of Business Administration
Ashley Strange
Baptist School of Health Professions Parent: Sondra Martin-Merrell Degree: Associate's in nursing Future Plans: work as a RN in health care
COLLEGE
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UTILITY POLES
find new purpose after delivering power by Pam Maris
Spread out across San Antonio’s neighborhoods, utility poles have been a major component of CPS Energy’s infrastructure for more than a century, supporting electric distribution lines that carry power to our customer. Now, our wooden poles are not only delivering power; they’re generating it, too. “CPS Energy supports a ‘cradle to grave’ approach. When an item or material reaches the end of its useful life, we look for ways that we can turn that ‘spent’ item into something favorable to us and the environment,” says Beverly Zaiontz, Supervisor of Warehouse Operations. “Since June 2013, the majority of our retired utility poles have been disposed of through the recycling program offered by Lufkin 14
Creosoting.” In 2014 alone, we recycled more than 7,000 poles. When new wooden poles are offloaded at our storerooms, old ones ranging from 20- to 50-feet long and 10- to 24-inches in diameter are loaded onto a truck’s long trailer bed for the return trip to our contractor, Lufkin Creosoting, in East Texas. “Once we [Lufkin Creosoting] have acquired or accumulated an ample amount of poles, we bring in a contractor who places the poles into a tub grinder that pulverizes them into useable fiber,” explains John Derrick of Lufkin Creosoting. “This product is then loaded into vantype trailers and shipped to a paper manufacturing plant in Louisiana where it’s burned for fuel.”
Through the beginning of February 2015, approximately 1.8 million pounds of poles removed from our distribution system were ground into wood fiber for fuel. While some poles are roughly 50 years old when taken out of service, others are in the ground only a few months when removed – having sustained damage from vehicle accidents, severe storms or other unforeseeable events.
“. . . we look for ways that we can turn that ‘spent’ item into
something favorable to us and the environment.”
~ Beverly Zaiontz
Supervisor of Warehouse Operations
“Our goal is to have poles in service for a 30-year life,” says Esteban Garza of Overhead Engineering. Although we don’t directly profit from the pole recycling process, we are able to save precious landfill space and avoid costly landfill disposal fees – benefitting our environment as well as our customers.
June 2013 to February 2015
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In fact, we even recycle the hardware mounted on poles. “Our line crews and contractors typically remove all hardware from a pole before it’s pulled,” says Zaiontz. “This hardware is recycled through our metal recycling program.”
Collectively, CPS Energy recycled more than 468,000 tons of materials in 2013 – from poles and scrap metal to tires and fly ash collected at our power stations.
1.8 MILLION lbs of poles removed and ground into wood fiber for fuel
NEWS BRIEFS Demonstration warns contractors of excavation dangers
The 95-megawatt Alamo 5 solar farm is now under construction in Uvalde. When completed later this year, it will be the largest solar farm in Texas.
OCI Solar Power and CPS Energy develop largest solar farm in Texas How do the numbers 95, 900, 9000 and 378,000 add up to number 1? When combined, they create the largest solar farm in Texas.
Alamo 5, as the farm is called, is the fifth solar farm being developed by OCI Solar Power. We have a power purchase agreement to buy all the solar energy produced at the farm. We also have the same agreement for four other OCI Solar Power farms, currently producing 90 megawatts (MW) of power. This agreement along with several other solar farms combine for 134 MW of solar generation for our customers, the most in Texas. Two more solar farms are on the horizon for 2017. Let’s break down the numbers. Alamo 5 sits on 900 acres in Uvalde. On those acres sit 9,000 dual-axis trackers, built right here in San Antonio by Sun Action Trackers. They not only support the solar panels but follow the sun across the sky both vertically and horizontally. Those trackers will hold 378,000 solar panels, capable of producing 95 MW of power. 16
Riverfront property conveyed to San Antonio Museum of Art
Our Board of Trustees has approved the conveyance of 3.5 acres of our Jones Avenue Center property to the neighboring San Antonio Museum of Art. The Museum plans to use the facility to consolidate and house office staff, as well as expand and create room for collections and educational programs it currently can’t accommodate. The remaining 3.5 acres closest to the San Antonio River will be sold through a competitive bid process.
CPS Energy and Texas811 gave local contractors a firsthand look of what happens when a backhoe or other heavy machinery breaks or ruptures a pressurized natural gas line. More than 300 pipelines are damaged each year in San Antonio through improper excavation practices. Such an event can inflict significant damage on both people and property. The underground damage workshop was held locally in a controlled environment. For the demonstration, a CPS Energy team member operating a backhoe purposely hit a mock gas line pressurized with air. The ruptured line created a loud whistle and blew a plume of dirt out of the hole. Contractors received a valuable introduction about the importance of calling 811, locating underground pipelines, and actions to take when a pipeline is ruptured. “Safety is our primary concern. That’s why we’re conducting this pipeline safety demonstration – to educate construction and utility workers,” said Don Stanton, senior director of gas delivery.
Dirt flies up as a backhoe strikes a mock pressurized line, during a pipeline safety demonstration coordinated by Texas811 and CPS Energy.
SCENE Memorial Scholarship winners Congratulations to the winners of the Sharon Neumann Memorial Scholarship: Rikki Parsons, daughter of Penny Parsons; Elizabeth and Andrew Lenz, daughter and son of Arless Lenz; Raul Flores III, son of Raul Flores; Forrest Greenwalt, son of Santa Greenwalt; and Tracy Newkirk. All recipients are receiving $1,000 towards their education. The scholarships are funded by Charlie Neumann (retired) in memory of his late wife.
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Community Programs Fair
Intake Specialist Dan Macias and Weatherization Representatives John De La Rosa and Kirk Nuckols helped the Community Engagement team with a Community Programs Fair on April 21 in Somerset. Prior to the event, the employees helped students from Somerset High School distribute food to the community. The programs fair offered customers the opportunity to apply for Casa Verde. (1)
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UTSA tours Rio Nogales
Operation Manager Gary Hons hosted a group of UTSA students on a tour of Rio Nogales. We coordinated a series of tours for Dr. Les Shephard (right) and his students, which included Rio Nogales, South Texas Project and the Papalote Creek Wind Farm. Shephard is the Director of the Texas Sustainable Energy Research Institute, that has a research alliance with us. (2)
What did you do for Fiesta?
On the morning of April 26, more than two dozen team members joined up with thousands of other cyclists for the annual Fiesta Wildflower Ride. The event started at Rolling Oaks Mall and included routes ranging from 15 to 100 miles that took cyclists through the rolling hills of northern Bexar County. (3)
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Here’s a look at some of the activities happening around CPS Energy
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Race for the Cure
Some 30 employees, friends and family members participated in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. They walked, jogged and ran through Downtown San Antonio. All proceeds benefit Komen San Antonio to support the fight against breast cancer. (4)
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Inspire U luncheon
Mike Malone, Juan Sandoval, Inez Gutierrez and Pearl Martinez celebrate with students at the end of the year celebration for the Inspire U mentoring program. We honored 27 graduates, several of which had been part of the program since they were freshmen. This year 49 employees served as mentors to encourage 49 at-risk students, who are part of Communities in Schools San Antonio, to stay in school and graduate. (5, 6, 7)
United Way Golf Tournament
This year marked the 17th anniversary of the CPS Energy/IBEW Local 500 United Way Golf Tournament, held on Thursday, May 30 at TPC San Antonio. Through the sponsorship and support of our business partners and volunteers, this year’s 18
tournament broke all previous tournament fundraising records, raising more than $125,000 for Family Violence Prevention Services! (8, 9)
Reading Buddies give back
During the 2014-15 school year, 100 employee volunteers participated in San Antonio Youth Literacy’s Reading Buddy program. Before the school year ended,
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the students received a backpack full of books to enjoy over the summer. Employees from the Southwest Center and Malone Building had a fun day with their reading buddies. (10)
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
Southwest Center employees volunteer at Ronald McDonald House by Fidencio Castellanos, UED operator
Our team [Southwest Center] have volunteered and participated in many company events, but we’ve always talked about doing something as a department – a Saturday project. I knew that it had to be something good. I knew I had to find something that was going to hit my co-workers in their hearts, and give them no choice but to say “yes.” After looking around at different opportunities, I threw some ideas out there but didn’t get the interest from the guys that I wanted. Then I found the Ronald McDonald House, which provides a free place for out-of-town families to stay while 20
a child receives medical treatment, keeping the families together during a tough time. We could serve lunch to the families staying there. Right away the thought of helping these families and children was a winner. I started getting text messages from my co-workers saying “count me in.” We didn’t want to serve just any lunch, we wanted to prepare something that they’d always remember. We cooked Texas-style BBQ chicken, sausage and cowboy potatoes, and served it with a salad and all the trimmings. We even baked a peach cobbler that they absolutely loved! “My favorite part was when a small boy got up and announced that this was one of the tastiest meals he’d ever had,” said Guillermo Hernandez, a UED utility worker. Fellow Utility Worker Rick Montez added, “When the families
were eating, you could really see how much they enjoyed the food. The meal was prepared and served with a lot of love. To me, it was a blessing for them, as well as for us.” We had so many volunteers that we not only prepared lunch but also cleaned rooms – and when I say clean, I mean furniture was moved, everything was dusted, swept, mopped and disinfected. We left those rooms gleaming! We cleaned and organized pantries, washrooms, family rooms and the game room. We brought board games with us to donate, and we had the chance to sit and play with the families. Some of us sat and talked with them. I had the chance to speak with a young mother from the Rio Grand Valley who was there with her daughter. She told
me her daughter had been born healthy and was doing fine. Then she developed a respiratory infection the doctors said was common, but the infection progressed. They had been at the Ronald McDonald House for about three weeks. The mom was very thankful for all the help she and her daughter received. Her daughter was walking around and doing great. The little girl was an absolute angel. The day was filled with hugs, tears, laughter, handshakes and smiles. It was truly a great experience. UED Foreman Leticia Ortiz summed it up nicely, “To see the smiles on the families’ faces was great.”
this year’s categories are:
Landscape • My Home Town • Texas Places/Icons • Unique/Humorous Photo contest details, including image resolution size and entry form are on CPS Energy Connect, search “photo.” All active employees may submit up to two images, along with completed entry form, via e-mail to lines@cpsenergy.com. The deadline to submit is FRIDAY, AUGUST 21.
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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 CYO soccer team for St. Ann’s Catholic Church in La Vernia won the city championship in the Tiny 2 division. Pictured left to right are team members Nate Paysinger, son of Angie (retired) and Robby Paysinger; J.T. Mecke, son of Coach Anthony Mecke (Emergency Management Center); and Vincent Capparelli, grandson of Ronda and Lonnie Reisdorph (retired). (1)
Energy Management Center Antonio Mercado, son of Steve and Christina Mercado, passed an intense selection progress in order to begin his ninth grade school year at Early College Leadership Academy (ECLA). (2)
Main Office, 2nd Floor
Rylan Everett Franco was born to Allison and Hector Franco on March 16. (3)
Main Office, 3rd Floor
group at the Nueces County 4-H Whiz-Bang Shoot. Yancey participates with the Atascosa County 4-H shooting sports team. (6)
Navarro Building, 1st Floor
Justin Arredondo-Guerrero, son of Rudy Guerrero, was recognized as UTHSCSA School of Medicine Microbiology and Immunology Department’s undergraduate researcher of the year. Justin is an Amgen scholar and is taking part in a summer research program at Stanford University. (7)
Navarro Building, 9th Floor
Trey Saenz, first-grade son of Becky Baring and Lee Saenz (Substation Construction and Maintenance), achieved All A honor roll at IDEA Walzem School. (4)
Joe and Trisha Wiatrek are excited to be grandparents. Their grandson, Brady Allan Wiatrek, was born to Steven and Melissa Wiatrek on March 25. (8)
Main Office, 10th Floor
Northwest Center
Jessica Hacker, daughter of Jody and Katherine Hacker, won a gold medal in this year’s Basketball Skills competition during the Region 20 Special Olympics. Jessica attends Medina Valley High School in Castroville. (5)
Malone Building 22
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Yancey Miller, son of Leavie Miller, scored 40 out of 50 possible points to earn second place in the intermediate age
Congratulations to Felicia Medina and Ed Perez (Jones Avenue) who were married on April 24. (9)
Southwest Center
Diego Castellanos, son of Fidencio Castellanos, was named student of the month at Salado Intermediate School. (10)
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WELLNESS
Introducing our newest on-site Wellness Coach Karen Ellis In May, Karen Ellis became our second on-site Wellness Coach from UnitedHealthcare. Karen joins Andres Flores, who has been providing health and wellness guidance to our employees since earlier this year. Karen has a Bachelor of Arts dualdegree in English/Exercise & Sports Science from Texas Tech University. She is a certified personal trainer and weight management specialist from the National Council for Certified Personal Trainers. She served as unit health promotion coordinator in the U.S. Coast Guard and was a personal trainer at Gold’s Gym Inc. She has 16-plus years of fitness and wellness experience. Our onsite coaches are available to meet with employees to discuss lifestyle behaviors including weight
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loss, nutrition counseling, disease prevention and more. They can also help you: • Understand how to reduce health risks • Develop personal health behavior goals • Navigate UnitedHealthcare wellness tools and resources Each coaching topic takes approximately three to five sessions to complete. Employees who complete onsite coaching can earn 100 points per topic (max of 200 points) toward the Step 3 requirement for 2016 premium discounts. To learn more on how to enroll and how to earn points, contact Wellness at wellness@cpsenergy.com or call 210-353-2900 option 4.
Because all of your personal health information is protected in accordance with HIPAA, your personal health information will NOT be shared with us. Whatever you and your coach discuss is 100-percent confidential.
WELLNESS
We offer a Wellness Incentive Program that can lower your premium discounts – and who doesn’t like to save money! Team members must complete all three steps (listed below) in 2015 to receive health premium discounts in 2016. Covered spouses and domestic partners covered under the CPS Energy Group Health Plan need to complete only Steps 1 & 2.
1. Complete a Physical w/Health Screening Form between Jan. 1Sept. 30, 2015
2. Complete the Online Health Assessment between Oct. 1-31, 2015
3. Earn 200 points
by participating in various benefits wellness activities by deadlines in chart
How to Earn 200 points? You Pick… Onsite Wellness Coaching* (a coach will come onsite to your location) Complete between Jan 1 – October 31, 2015
100 pts each (max of 200 pts)
Telephonic Wellness Coaching (TWC) & Disease Management (DM) & Healthy Pregnancy Program** Complete between Jan 1 – October 31, 2015 (Enroll by June 2015)
100 pts each (max of 200 pts for TWC & max of 200 pts for DM & max of 100 pts for Healthy Pregnancy)
UHC Online Coaching Complete between Jan 1- October 31, 2015
25 pts per program (max 50 points)
Preventive Eye Complete between Jan 1 – September 30, 2015
75 pts (max 75 pts)
Preventive Dental Complete between Jan 1 – September 30, 2015
75 pts (max 75 pts)
Lose to Win Weight Loss Challenge Week of June 22 - week of August 17
75 pts (max 75 pts)
Virgin Pulse Walking Challenge pts awarded for the first 3 quarters of the yr (4th quarter qualifies you for random prize drawings)
50 pts each quarter (max 150 pts) 4th quarter = prize entries only
Complete a CPS Energy Sponsored and/or a Non-Sponsored Timed Walk, Run or Cycling Event Complete between Jan 1– October 31, 2015
25 pts = 5k 50 pts = 10k or 25 mile ride 75 pts = Half marathon/50 mile ride 150 pts = Full marathon/100+ mile ride (max of 150 pts)
*Call Wellness 353-2900 option 4 for Onsite Coaching **Call 877-440-9938 to enroll in TWC, DM or Healthy Pregnancy Program
Deadlines are approaching so schedule your appointments while you still have time! 25
WELLNESS
THE CHOICE IS YOURS MAINTENANCE CHOICE ® Getting a 90-day supply of maintenance medicine is easier than ever! Choose convenient home delivery or pick-up at your local CVS pharmacy. After three fills of your maintenance medication at a retail pharmacy, you may be advised by the pharmacist to move your 90day prescription to mail order home delivery or to a CVS retail pharmacy to receive discounted pricing. CVS Caremark home delivery service • Easy delivery to your home or other location that works for you • Medicine arrives in private, tamperresistant packaging, and when needed, temperature-controlled packaging • Automatic refill options help you stay on track • Manage your prescriptions and track orders 24/7 at Caremark.com To begin home delivery service: • You can register at Caremark.com • Select “Start a New Prescription” and click on “FastStart”
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• Or call toll-free 1-800-966-5772. Be ready with your medical ID card, mailing information, long-term medicine, prescription payment method and doctor’s information CVS retail pharmacy • Pick up your medicine on your schedule • Enjoy same-day prescription pick-up • Talk with a pharmacist in person To select CVS pharmacy pick-up: • You can register at Caremark.com to select your preferred CVS pharmacy • You can visit your local CVS pharmacy and talk to a pharmacist • Or you can call 1-800-966-5772 and CVS Caremark will take care of the rest To “opt out” of the discount program and continue to pick up 30-day prescriptions at a retail pharmacy other than CVS: • Call toll-free 1-800-966-5772 and tell Member Services you want to “opt out” of the discounted Maintenance Choice program
You may “opt out” of the Maintenance ®
Choice program if you call CVS Caremark at 1-800-966-5772. You will pay more in co-payments if you opt out of Home Delivery mail or CVS retail pick-up.
WELLNESS
9
ways to exercise ...when you don’t have time
Think you have no time to exercise? These strategies will help you get fit in just minutes a day. • Wake up a little earlier. Start by setting your alarm clock just five minutes earlier. Do stretches and jumping jacks before getting in the shower, or follow a short exercise DVD. • Find a workout buddy. Exercising with a friend is more fun than working out alone and a good motivator. Ask a coworker to go for a walk during lunch or see if a neighbor wants to shoot hoops. • Change into exercise clothes before leaving work. You’ll be ready for a short walk as soon as you get home. • Schedule your fitness activities. If you put exercise on your calendar like other appointments, you’re more likely to do it. • Acknowledge your successes. Keep a log of all the times you make a healthy choice to move more, such as by taking the stairs instead of an elevator. After the
first week, reward yourself with a new pair of sneakers or a cool new water bottle. • Create a home gym. If you have equipment always at the ready, it will be easy to steal five minutes to use it. A jump rope, a stability ball, exercise bands and dumb bells don’t cost much or take up much room. • Move while you watch TV. Do sit- ups or jog in place. • Play games with your kids like tag or Duck Duck Goose, or just toss a ball back and forth. If your kids love video games, think about swapping their console for the Nintendo Wii. • Exercise while you work. Raise your activity level and productivity with neck rolls or arm raises (push hands out to the side and then up toward the ceiling). Or do a few modified push-ups on the edge of your desk. Stepping it up
when you could lengthen each burst by a few minutes. The key is to start small and ramp up gradually. Aim to be active for at least 30 minutes most days. Find activities that you enjoy. Regular exercise actually boosts your energy level, and can relieve daily stress and lift your mood. Exercise, along with restricting calories, is also important for weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight. In addition, it can reduce your risks of diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. Next time you look for an excuse to skip exercise, remind yourself of the benefits. You’re helping yourself feel good, look better and live longer. Who wouldn’t want that? Just a final reminder: check with your doctor before you start or increase your activity level. Source: UnitedHealthcare
After you’ve built short periods of activity into your day, think about times 27
ANNIVERSARIES Congratulations to these employees who have reached milestones in their years of service with CPS Energy
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Frank Garza Substation Construction/ Maintenance
25 Donald Barnett Calaveras Power Station
Michele Price Mission Road Construction Center Inez Gutierrez Mission Road Construction Center
David Krawietz Jones Avenue Center
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20
Roberto Anguiano Main Office
Antonio Macias Northwest Center
Darrell Clifton Northwest Center
Richard Dugie Southwest Center
Lee Rolling Northwest Center
Michael Fuentes Mission Road Construction Center
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Jaime Garza Energy Management Center
Jesus Aguilar Energy Management Center Thomas Johnson Mission Road Construction Center
Marlon Smith Meter Reading
Sandra Alfaro Main Office
Michael Martinez Meter Reading
Deanna Solis Eastside Center
Vickie Arcos Main Office
Andrew Rodriguez Substation Construction/ Maintenance
Janis Stephens Northside Customer Service Center
David Billings Salado Street Center
Jose Sevier Malone Building
Michael Venske Mission Road Construction Center
Rodrigo Cifuentes Navarro Building
David Skurka Northwest Center
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Roland Garcia Northside Customer Service Center
Armida Reyes Main Office
10 Lee Byrd Main Office
Jennifer Garza-Vasquez Northside Customer Service Center
Jose Sena Main Office
Dwight Dupont Main Office
Ramon Gonzales Northside Customer Service Center
Fallon Smith-Ziegler Tuttle Technical Training Center
Barbara Gardner Main Office
Elisa Guerrero Navarro Building
Hector Varela Eastside Center
Phillip Guillen Mission Road Construction Center Daniel Guillen Southwest Center
Kristina Vazquez Northwest Center
Daniel Herald Jones Avenue Center
Brigette Neal Navarro Building
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Lucy Zuniga Jones Avenue Center
Audrey James Northside Customer Service Center
5 Adrian Ayala Eastside Center
Carmen Lara Main Office
Rogelio Gonzales Navarro Building
Noel Balderaz Navarro Building
Jeannette Medina Main Office
Christopher Martin Main Office
Jacob David Northwest Center
Yvonne Pelayo Main Office
Jerry Roberts Mission Road Construction Center
Rob Fiscus Calaveras Power Station
Brenna Zinsmeyer Main Office
Leewan Torres Main Office
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FOND FAREWELL
Danny Jimenez
Journeyman Substation Painter Enterprise Real Estate/Master Planning and Special Projects 27 Years of Service
Sharon Luther-Minor
Program/Project Manager Public Affairs and Brand Management 29 Years of Service
Michael Matheny
Underground Energy Distribution Foreman Energy Delivery Services 27 Years of Service
Angela Paysinger
Senior Director of Grid and Metering Operations Energy Delivery Services 27 Years of Service
NOT PICTURED:
Mary McCoy
Accounting Clerk 3 Financial and Administrative Services 35 Years of Service
Clarn Posey
I&E Journeyman Power Generation 26 Years of Service
Lynn Wolcott
Senior Measurement Specialist Energy Delivery Services 15 Years of Service
you have great stories ! WE WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU. At CPS Energy, we are fortunate to have a unique and diverse workforce. What may seem usual to you could be interesting to employees who do something completely different. Send in stories about co-workers, unique situations that happen or anything else you find interesting. The things we do are fascinating! You don’t have to be a writer to submit a story. Just jot it down and send it in. Please include your name and work area so we can get in touch. Don’t forget, this is your magazine.
Send your submissions to lines@cpsenergy.com or drop it in the mail to LINES, MD 110201. 32
Thank you David Herbst Senior Vice President of Power Generation retires after three decades of service
After 34 years of dedicated service, David Herbst is retiring from his CPS Energy career. David spent his entire career in Power Generation, in roles ranging from cadet engineer to project engineer to power plant manager to senior vice president. “I’m an engineer and we have problem-solving in our DNA,” David says. “What I’ve learned to appreciate the most is the way our employees step up and offer solutions to a lot of the problems we have out there. It’s not always the engineers that come up with the best solutions.”
David also gave his time to our CPS Energy/IBEW Local 500 United Way Campaign. He was actively involved in the campaign each year as part of Power Generation, and also served as an executive sponsor and golf tournament chair during the last two campaigns. Now that he’s retired, David likely has more time to spend on his other passions, like hunting and fishing. Good luck, David, and thanks for all you did for CPS Energy!
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WELCOME ABOARD Customer Accounts and Operations
Yvonne Andrews, Gregory Ayala, Angelica Barrientes, Linda Brumskine, Hector Carrillo, Nikole Elizondo, John Gerardo, Elizabeth Maldonado, Aurelia Morales, Shirley Moses, Ruth Pacheco and Amelia Salomon, customer service representative 1; Maria Castillo, manager of customer contact operations; Zachary Gallegos, teller; Deanna Hardwick, manager of call center workforce ping and analytics; Cheryl Pena, data control clerk 2
Energy Delivery and Customer Services
David Baxter and Ramon Bermego, residential designer 1; Matthew Burke, Daniel Gonzales, Omer Mohammed, Ruben Olivares and Keyvan Sadidi, engineering associate 1; Jacob Cassinelli, Jordan Littlefield, Braden Lowak, Ryan Jackson, Kevin Russell and Adam Ybarra, distribution trainee; Anna Esquivel, project manager I; Camden Ford and Roderick Herring, cable splicer trainee; Eric Johnson-Aguilar, system protection
technician1; Brian Longworth, engineer; Matthew Nolte, system protection technician 2; Emeterio Rios, tester 1; Mary Yturri, general business analyst 3
General Counsel
Energy Supply and Market Operations
Argel Cobb, administrative assistant 3
Michael Allen, energy marketing analyst 2
Enterprise Information Technology
Fate Bennett II, system administrative analyst 4; John Martinez, network administrative analyst 3; Tony Skipworth, network administrative analyst 4
Enterprise Real Estate/Master Planning and Special Projects Rozmin Yazdani, program/project manager
Enterprise Support and CIO David Benites and Tomasita Swift, procurement analyst 2
Gas Delivery
Melinda Best and Jacy Gorzell, data control clerk 2; David Hall and Blake Strunk, utility worker
Gabriel Garcia and Shweta KumarNambiar, director senior counsel
People and Culture Power Generation
Joseph Amador, Michael Grossman and Richard Pachecano, auxiliary operator; Donald Campbell and Joseph Ruddock, I&C maintenance technician 2; Joshua Dove, utility worker; Thomas Kirby, chemical control technician 1; Brenna Wright, engineering associate 2
President and CEO
Diana Hinojosa, senior executive assistant
Public Affairs and Brand Management
Monica Fegett, director of image and brand; Marisol Weymouth, senior manager of CPAC for corporate communications
UP THE LADDER Customer Accounts and Operations
Gloria Calderon, customer solutions specialist; Ida Cervera, accounts receivable representative 2; Cynthia Delgado, manager of customer contact operations; Joann Galvan and Chris Navarro, manager of field services operations; Jacob Perez, contact center supervisor; Lisa Riley, senior program/project manager; Guillermo Rodriguez, revenue assurance and meter quality supervisor 34
Community Programs
Crystal Del Toro, general business analyst 2
Energy Delivery and Customer Services
Mary Alvarez, scheduler; Matthew Bryand, Alvino Robles and Sean Shodrok, distribution trainee; Armando Cantu and Arless Lenz, program/project manager; Aidan Cortez and Daniel Martinez, cable splicer trainee; Ronnie Hardaway, electrician foreman; Adrian Huron, general trainee;
Araceli Laguna, data control clerk 2; Jay Maddox, heavy crew foreman; Adam Marin, manager of overhead engineering; Donald McCroskey II, manager of civil engineering; Alberto Medellin and Andres Centeno, electrician trainee; Robert Miller, cable splicer foreman; Nancy Rodgers, senior information development specialist; Edward Sanchez III, general designer 1; Kristina Vazquez, general designer 2; Edwin Willeford, UED foreman; ArDeanna Hicks, executive business program manager
Enterprise Information Technology David Wheeler, senior manager of telecommunications
Enterprise Support and CIO Paul Andrade Jr., mechanic trainee
Financial and Administrative Services
Travis Chrest, director of security operations; Santos Taboada, application security analyst 3
Gas Delivery
David Hernandez, Bryce Hickman, Travis Holzhaus and Andres Mendez, general trainee; Lillian Morales, data control clerk 2; Hector Villarreal, construction coordinator
Generation and Strategy
David Kee, energy market policy manager
Power Generation
Eric Heinsohn, supervisor of production operations; Sheldon Lyssy, I&E foreman; Ronda Reisdorph, supervisor of business support; Jose Trevino Jr., senior manager and generation duty officer; Tommy Tolbirt, supervisor of production operations
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:
Jason Polendo, Corporate Support Operations, on the passing of his father, Daniel Polendo. Juan Garcia Jr., Accounts Payable Department, on the passing of his father, Juan Garcia. Ramon M. Gonzales, Customer Solutions and Delivery, on the passing of his father, Ramon Gonzales. Marie Siller, Gas System Engineering, on the passing of her mother, Eufemia Hernandez.
Deanna Solis, Fleet Operations, on the passing of her father, Jesus Solis. The family and friends of Atanacio Castro, who retired in 1991 from the Operations Department. The family and friends of Charles Tackett, who retired in 1982 from the Meter Reading Department. The family and friends of Charlie Eisenhauer, who retired in 1988 from Materials and Transportation.
The family and friends of Evelyn Davis, Sandra Pelkey, Application Development who retired in 2007 from the Plant and Support, on the passing of her Services Division. mother, Kathleen Hein. The family and friends of Harry Lyndon Hoch, Substation Electric Grubb Jr., who retired in 1983 Construction, on the passing of from the Production Department. his sister, Machell Miller. The family and friends of Henry Jacqueline Martinez, Customer Geisler, who retired in 1990 from Call Center, on the passing of her the Construction Department. husband, Carlos Martinez.
The family and friends of Jesse Solis, who retired in 2003 from the Gas Systems Division. The family and friends of Marvin Bickford, who retired in 1983 from the Operations Department. The family and friends of Rollyn Tolleson, who retired in 2000 from the Transmission Division. The family and friends of Vivian County, who retired in 2003 from the Distribution Engineering Division. The family and friends of Patrick Campa, who retired in 1996 from the Distribution Department.
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Cross-Functional Efforts create success by christine patmon
Two straight months of severe weather, including major storms on both the Battle of Flowers and Memorial Day holidays, put our storm restoration efforts to the test. Thousands of lightning strikes led to more than 35,000 outages during each holiday weekend. Numerous downpours showered more than 19 inches of rain on our area between March and May, making it the third wettest spring in history. NEARLY 550 TEAM MEMBERS IN BUSINESS AREAS ACROSS THE COMPANY HELPED GET THE LIGHTS BACK ON FOR OUR CUSTOMERS. Some of their efforts took place while they and their loved ones experienced wind damage, flooded roads, or outages at or near their own homes. Our team members have no problem putting others first – it’s what makes us the best at what we do and the envy of utilities across the nation.
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HERE’S WHAT A CROSSFUNCTIONAL STORM RESTORATION EFFORT LOOKS LIKE: CLAIMS responded to and handled customer calls regarding property damages. CUSTOMER ACCOUNTS AND OPERATIONS responded aroundthe-clock to outage reports and kept large commercial accounts aware of outages and estimated restoration times. DESKTOP SERVICES provided support for any PC issues that were impacting critical personnel. FLEET OPERATIONS assisted by servicing a number of vehicles and responding to various road calls, which supported the crews by keeping them on the job site. GAS DELIVERY safeguarded the public from downed electrical wires, supported the dispatching of gas odor complaints to help System Operations focus on electric service restorations and assisted in locating gas and electrical infrastructure to expedite electric service repairs. GOVERNMENT RELATIONS kept key stakeholders and elected officials informed of the major outages and shared news releases regarding storm restoration efforts. JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO ENERGY SOLUTIONS (JBSA) managed around-the-clock outage reports affecting JBSA military installations and kept JBSA leadership informed of restoration efforts. METER SHOP worked wire down duty and assisted with contractor crews.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND BRAND MANAGEMENT arranged a news briefing, distributed news releases, responded to numerous media inquiries and shared critical safety messages and storm updates while responding to customer comments and questions via social media. SAFETY AND HEALTH EXCELLENCE provided weather alerts from the National Weather Service, and sent a Safety Work Alert to employees on the dangers of low water crossings and critical voltage testing before starting work on equipment and lines. SUBSTATION MAINTENANCE worked on storm restoration of substation equipment. SUPPLY CHAIN staffed the East, South, and Northside district storerooms around the clock so crews would have access to all of the materials they needed, including transformers, poles, cross arms, lightning arrestors, cutouts, fuses and other critical equipment. SYSTEM PROTECTION AND TESTING responded to several substation operations to determine the cause of an operation, and verified or tested equipment before placing it back into service. SYSTEM RELIABILITY AND CUSTOMER OPERATIONS checked the more than 77,000 AMI meters communicating with the Outage Management System to prevent truck rolls. TRANSMISSION MAINTENANCE worked on storm restoration of overhead distribution and transmission circuits and services.
TRANSPORT OPERATIONS AND WIRELESS OPERATIONS worked on resolving down fiber issues and responded to radio issues or Gas SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) connections that may not have been responding. Support from all of these areas along with IBEW LOCAL 500 and NAPE made it possible for DISTRIBUTION CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE to restore power to customers. Team members from five service centers worked throughout both holiday weekends. Resources included foremen, journeymen, trainees, apprentices, pole crews, equipment operators, troublemen, contract tree workers and contract environmental crews.
Group EVP & Chief Delivery Officer Jelynne LeBlanc Burley the executive leader of the largest number of employees (more than 1,800 in Energy Delivery, Customer Accounts and Operations, and Gas Delivery) - applauded all involved for their focus on safety during the hazardous weather events. “All of you have done such an incredible job of placing a priority on your safety and that of others working around you.We should all be proud of our safety performance in incredibly challenging weather conditions. Let’s continue to work towards zero harm as we enter drier summer months and ensure everyone goes home to their family the way they arrived at work.”
PRSRT STD MAIL U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
SAN ANTONIO, TX PERMIT NO. 251
At our 16th annual Kids Fish Day at Calaveras Lake, more than 120 team members including Richard Taylor (top photo) welcomed almost 40 kids from Any Baby Can of San Antonio for a day of fishing and other outdoor activities.