KPUB Fall Newsletter 2025

THE KPUB

Energy Hub | FALL 2025

CEO

CORNER

Planning Today to

Power Tomorrow 5th Annual Bucket Truck Ride Event

Our largest Bucket Truck Ride Event ever!

MASCOT UNVEILED

There’s a new squirrel in town — meet Kerrby! After a community naming contest that sparked 577 submissions and 331 unique names, Kerrby scampered to the top as a fan favorite. His name honors Kerrville and the local power that keeps our community energized. Kerrby made his debut in costume at KPUB’s Bucket Truck Ride Event, where he quickly stole the show! Thanks to everyone who participated!

HERE ARE THE COMMUNITY MEMBERS WHO MADE THE WINNING NAME SUBMISSION

• Beth Hixon • Carolyn Beatty • Chip Bueche • Cooper Gray

• Elle French • Kim Rhoades • Nancy Payte • Radonna Freeman

• Rhonda Ahrns • Tee Willis • Valerie Klaerner

We’re nuts about our new mascot — and his name that proudly celebrates Kerrville and our local community!

As the seasons change, preparation becomes our greatest strength. A little planning now can make all the difference in keeping your family safe, comfortable, and confident as we approach the winter season.

Inside this newsletter, you’ll find emergency preparedness tips and tools to have a plan in place to ensure you’re safe and ready when the cold arrives.

This past summer’s Hill Country flood and the February 2021 snowstorm are just two examples of the extreme weather events our community has faced.

Together, they have shown how unpredictable Texas weather can be and how valuable preparation truly is, as well as the resilience we share. While our community’s recovery continues, including repair work at our Hunt Substation, these experiences highlight not only the critical role reliable power plays in our lives, but also KPUB’s commitment to stand alongside our neighbors every step of the way.

KPUB’s storied history reminds us how far we’ve come— growing and serving the Hill Country since 1987—and how we continue to plan ahead for the future. Now, we are taking a strategic and historic step into power generation ownership for the first time.

Construction on our new facility will break ground soon to ensure stable, low rates for our customers for decades to come. We’re powering forward and planning for the future together, because this is your KPUB, and your power.

SMART THERMOSTAT PACKAGE DRAWING WINNER

Erica Marquez

Mike Wittler

KPUB General Manager & CEO

Farrah Cheney

Andrew Borkowski

Ximena Rosario

Jenna Montgomery

Olivia Lewis

Learn more and follow project updates at kpub.com/power.

KPUB Plugged Into

Our Community

Hunt Substation Update:

Rising Strong After the Flood

When the Hill Country flood struck on July 4, the Hunt Substation experienced unprecedented flooding, with 6 to 8 feet of water inside the facility. Power was briefly lost before our crews quickly rerouted customers through the Ingram Substation— our critical short-term solution to keep the lights on while long-term plans were set in motion.

Within days, our partners at the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) delivered a mobile substation transformer to Hunt, allowing KPUB to continue delivering safe, reliable power. By September, Hunt’s substation was re-energized using a temporary modular configuration.

While the electronic systems—relays, controls, and communications equipment— must be completely replaced, the most expensive equipment, including the transformer and circuit breakers, remains in good condition.

Looking ahead, our long-term plan is to rebuild the Hunt Substation stronger and more flood-resilient. Although the site sits only partially within a designated 500year flood plain, the flooding far exceeded those projections.

To safeguard against future storms, LCRA and KPUB will elevate critical equipment—including the control house—well above the levels reached during this historic event.

Emergency Preparedness Tips from KPUB Have a Plan in Place

Think back to the February 2021 winter storm. What did you and your family need most— whether you had power or not? Use those lessons to guide your planning for the next extreme weather event.

If you or a loved one relies on electric-powered medical equipment, please remember that being designated on KPUB’s medical necessity customer list does not guarantee an uninterrupted power supply. That’s why it’s essential for all customers with medical needs to have a backup plan in place for a sustained outage. Your plan should include alternatives, such as a generator, to keep critical equipment operating safely.

Build an Emergency Kit

When severe weather strikes, it may take time for conditions to improve or for help to arrive. A well-prepared emergency kit can make the difference in keeping your household safe, healthy, and comfortable.

Stock enough supplies to last at least 72 hours so your family is ready if power is out or travel is limited.

Food & Water: Nonperishable food and one gallon of water per person, per day.

Medical Needs: Prescriptions, first aid, and if needed, backup power for equipment.

Other Essentials: Blankets, flashlights, batteries, chargers, and a battery-operated radio.

Pets: Don’t forget their food and comfort items.

Powering Innovative Ways to Help You Save The cheapest energy is the energy you didn’t use!

• FREE home energy audits

Tips Before a Storm

Tips During an Outage

• Online home energy calculator

• Fully charge phones and power banks.

• Keep your gas tank full.

• Stay warm by closing off unused rooms and dressing in layers.

• Have an appropriate supply of generator fuel on hand.

• Keep refrigerator/freezer doors closed.

• Rebates for energyefficient home improvements

• Before freezes: insulate pipes, remove hoses, and cover faucets.

• Use flashlights, not candles.

• Have safe heating sources ready.

• Treat all downed power lines as dangerous.

• Remember the Four Ps: People, Pets, Pipes, Plants.

• Never use stoves, ovens, or cars in garages for heat.

With a little preparation, you can face extreme weather with peace of mind knowing your family is ready and safe.

Learn more at kpub.com/saveenergy Questions?

Call 830.257.3050 or email energy@kpub.com.

2250 Memorial Blvd Kerrville, Texas 78028

830.257.3050 | KPUB.COM

FREE Hea

Kits!

COMMUNITY EVENTS

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Save Energy & Money!

Community Weatherization Event

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2025 | 10 A.M. – 1 P.M. DIETERT CENTER

Hea

Kits!

FREE

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KPUB Power Hour:

Ready, Set, Winter Prep

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2025 | 8 A.M. – 9 A.M. KPUB BOARDROOM

Learn how to prepare your home, manage your electric bill, and keep your family safe during cold snaps.

We’ll cover emergency planning and share how KPUB has strengthened our systems and processes since the 2021 winter storm—plus what to expect if rotating outages ever occur again.

Learn more at kpub.com/powerhour.

RSVP to energy@kpub.com or 830.257.3050.

Get ready for winter and save on your energy bills! Join KPUB and the Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG) for our Community Weatherization Event.

We’ll share free funding opportunities, give away heat blanket kits with weather stripping and energy-saving tips, and answer your questions about rebates, free energy audits, bill discounts, payment assistance, and more. Plus, everyone who attends can enter a drawing for a free Nest Smart Thermostat!

Don’t miss this chance to prepare your home for the season and keep more money in your pocket!

Learn more at kpub.com/weatherization or contact us at energy@kpub.com or 830.257.3050.

KPUB Community Blood Drive

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2025 | 9 A.M. – 2 P.M.

By appointment only. Sign up now to help save lives!

Learn more at kpub.com/blooddrive.