OCI Holdings Launches Large-Scale Energy Storage Project in Texas OCI Holdings' U.S. subsidiary, OCI Energy, has initiated construction on a significant energy storage system (ESS) project in Texas, marking a key step in the company's strategy to secure long-term power sales revenue through direct operation of ESS facilities. The project, known as the Alamo City ESS Project, is being developed in partnership with local energy company CPS Energy. The groundbreaking ceremony, held on May 19, was announced by OCI Holdings, which highlighted the project's scale and its potential impact on the region. The ESS will have a capacity of 120 megawatts (MW) and a storage volume of 480 megawatt-hours (MWh), built on a site spanning approximately 140,000 square meters in Bexar County, San Antonio, Texas. The facility is targeted for commercial operation by 2027, with the expectation that it will meet the electricity demand of around 30,000 households for up to four hours during peak periods. The project is part of a broader initiative by OCI Energy to expand its ESS portfolio, which the company aims to use to complement the intermittency of solar power. A key component of the project is a 20-year long-term storage capacity agreement (SCA) signed with CPS Energy, which ensures the supply of power to the San Antonio area. This agreement is critical for stabilizing revenue streams and aligning with the growing demand for reliable energy storage solutions. Financial incentives play a significant role in the project's viability. The initiative meets the tax credit requirements under the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (OBAA Act), making it eligible for up to a 30% investment tax credit (ITC) and a 10% energy community bonus.#san_antonio #cps_energy #oci_holdings #oci_energy #bexar_county
North Side Family Files Lawsuit Against CPS Energy After House Explosion A family from the North Side of San Antonio, severely injured in a house explosion, has filed a lawsuit against CPS Energy, alleging the utility company’s negligence led to the disaster. The lawsuit, obtained by KSAT Investigates, names Timothy Nowell, Kimberly Nowell, and their child as plaintiffs. The family, who lived in the first home to explode on Preston Hollow Drive last month, is represented by Lyons & Simmons, LLP, a Dallas-based law firm. The lawsuit claims CPS Energy failed to maintain its natural gas system, resulting in a leak that caused the explosion. Attorneys accuse the utility of gross negligence, stating CPS Energy was aware of the risks but ignored them. The suit alleges the explosion was preventable and part of a pattern of dangerous conditions in the gas distribution system. Similar claims were made in a previous case involving an East Side family injured in a 2021 explosion. In that case, a Bexar County jury awarded $109 million in damages, though CPS Energy later paid only $3 million. The Nowell family’s case is linked to a second explosion on Preston Hollow Drive, which occurred approximately two-and-a-half hours after the first incident. The lawsuit highlights the proximity and timing of both events to emphasize the ongoing danger posed by CPS Energy’s infrastructure. The family remains in critical condition at Brooke Army Medical Center, with their teenage daughter also attending MacArthur High School. Principal Joaquin Hernandez confirmed the school is providing support to Ms. Nowell’s classes and counseling to students affected by the tragedy. The Nowells are seeking more than $1 million in damages each and have requested a jury trial.#cps_energy #timothy_nowell #kimberly_nowell #lyons_simmons_llp #brooke_army_medical_center
Thousands without power in San Antonio as cold front storms in A significant number of residents in San Antonio are experiencing power outages as a cold front sweeps through the city, bringing strong winds and dropping temperatures. Over 12,000 homes and businesses are without electricity, with the number rising to 12,053 by late Sunday evening. The outages are concentrated in several areas, including neighborhoods near Prue and Babcock Roads, Loop 410 near Mission Del Lago, and stretches of Highway 90, Highway 211, and I-37. CPS Energy crews are working to address downed tree limbs and power lines, though restoration efforts may take longer due to the high wind conditions. The cold front, which arrived late in the season, has sent gusts of wind up to 45 mph through the city, with some gusts reaching 55 mph. These winds have caused tree limbs to fall and unsecured objects to be uprooted, complicating repair efforts. The National Weather Service issued warnings about securing loose items and advised residents to prepare for wind chills that could drop into the mid-20s. Temperatures in the city have plummeted into the 40s, with some areas in the Hill Country and southern Edwards Plateau expected to see lows in the low to mid-30s. CPS Energy posted on X, stating that crews are monitoring conditions and prepared to respond safely as needed. They noted that restoration times may be extended due to the high winds, which pose safety risks for workers. The utility company also highlighted that many outages are still under assessment, with over 50 active issues reported. The cold front is part of a broader weather pattern affecting Texas, with the National Weather Service warning of strong wind gusts across Central and South Texas. Wind speeds are averaging 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 55 mph.#san_antonio #cps_energy #prue_road #babcock_road #loop_410
Power outages leave over 18,000 customers without power as cold front sweeps through SAN ANTONIO - Over 18,000 customers are facing some level of power outage as a cold front with winds exceeding 50 mph moves through South Central Texas. The outages, reported by CPS Energy, are primarily concentrated on the South and West Side of San Antonio. Around 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, the utility company noted over 18,000 customers had been affected by more than 55 outage incidents across the city. CPS Energy stated it is actively working to address the disruptions and restore service as quickly as possible. The cold front, which brought strong winds and colder temperatures, has caused widespread power failures, with the majority of affected customers located in the city’s South and West Side neighborhoods. The utility company’s outage map, accessible via its website, provides real-time updates on the status of power restoration efforts. CPS Energy has not yet released specific details about the cause of the outages, though the extreme weather conditions are likely a contributing factor. Residents in the affected areas are advised to stay informed through local news outlets and the CPS Energy website for updates on service restoration. The situation is being closely monitored as crews work to resolve the outages and minimize the impact on households and businesses. This is a developing story, with further updates expected as the situation evolves.#san_antonio #cold_front #cps_energy #south_side #west_side
