-- Biomethane gas created by landfill decomposition would power local bus fleet

CPS Energy and VIA Metropolitan Transit announce details about a new fuel 
supply partnership that will provide Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) created by 
landfill biogas to VIA's fleet of over 500 buses, beginning in 2021.
 
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The announcement highlights CPS Energy's partnership with the region's mobility 
provider to supply renewable fuel for use in its compressed natural gas (CNG) 
fleet. VIA has a diversified active fleet portfolio consisting of 502 buses 
powered primarily by CNG fuel, with some diesel-electric hybrid, electric, 
diesel and propane vehicles in use. VIA's conversion to a CNG fleet began in 
2017 and is designed to reduce NOx emissions by 97% from the diesel buses they 
replaced. This unique partnership supports VIA's efforts to be environmentally 
responsible by providing a negative- to low-carbon emission product to fuel its 
vehicles. 

"CPS Energy thinks globally and acts locally to bring innovative solutions to 
our community. We are excited about this new venture with San Antonio's 
long-term public transportation company," said Paula Gold-Williams, President & 
CEO of CPS Energy. "VIA has been a great leader and partner in many of our 
community's endeavors. Now, both CPS Energy and VIA are taking this important 
step forward together to help improve the Environment. Importantly, RNG, a new 
technology, will help reduce San Antonio's carbon footprint. For CPS Energy, it 
is also one more component of our creative Flexible Path(SM) strategy, which 
has been designed to leverage emerging environmental stewardship opportunities, 
while we keep our customers' bills Affordable and our services Reliable." 

Naturally, the landfill decomposition process produces methane, which without 
intervention is released into the air.  Alternatively, RNG uses that methane to 
create renewable and environmentally sustainable biomethane. RNG can be blended 
with and is interchangeable with traditional natural gas.  The enhanced natural 
gas is then distributed through San Antonio's existing gas lines as normal.
 
When used as a vehicle fuel, RNG provides a substantial environmental 
benefit—an 85% reduction of CO2 emissions relative to diesel fuel. The 
distribution and use of CNG gas emphasizes both CPS Energy's and VIA's goal of 
reducing emissions and preserving the environment and should be available for 
VIA's CNG fleet in the fall of next year.

"This is a natural next step in our continued partnership with CPS Energy to 
provide a cleaner, 'greener' future through the use of renewable energy," VIA 
President/CEO Jeffrey C. Arndt said. "Incorporating RNG fuel technology is part 
of VIA's ongoing commitment to offer sustainable transit options that keep San 
Antonio moving."

VIA operates the nation's largest CNG fueling station to power its CNG fleet. 
The addition of RNG fuel will include use of existing infrastructure while 
expanding VIA's collaboration with CPS Energy. 

Australian-headquartered EDL, a global producer of sustainable, distributed 
energy, will design, construct, own, and operate the RNG production plant in 
Converse, Texas. The RNG will be injected into CPS Energy's natural gas system. 
Groundbreaking for the new facility is expected later this year with an 
anticipated completion timeline of fall 2021.

Globally, changes to reduce emissions and preserve the environment are a 
significant focus.  For their part, CPS Energy stands ready to provide 
customers with reliable fuel sources to help power their vehicles. 

About CPS Energy

Established in 1860, CPS Energy is the nation's largest public power, natural 
gas, and electric company, providing safe, reliable, and competitively-priced 
service to 860,934 electric and 358,495 natural gas customers in San Antonio 
and portions of seven adjoining counties. Our customers' combined energy bills 
rank among the lowest of the nation's 20 largest cities – while generating $8 
billion in revenue for the City of San Antonio for more than seven decades. As 
a trusted and strong community partner, we continuously focus on job creation, 
economic development, and educational investment. True to our People First 
philosophy, we are powered by our skilled workforce, whose commitment to the 
community is demonstrated through our employees' volunteerism in giving back to 
our city and programs aimed at bringing value to our customers. CPS Energy is 
among the top public power wind energy buyers in the nation and number one in 
Texas for solar generation.

About VIA Metropolitan Transit

VIA provides safe, reliable transportation options that put opportunity within 
reach for millions of passengers each year. VIA serves 14 member cities and the 
unincorporated areas of Bexar County, operating seven days a week on 92 routes 
and mobility-on-demand options that connect our community, support economic 
vitality, and enhance quality of life throughout our region. In 2019, VIA 
provided nearly 37 million rides across San Antonio and Bexar County and 
continues to provide essential service in a safe environment. Visit VIAinfo.net 
for more information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 
 
CPS Energy Media Contact 210-353-2344 or toll free at: 833-331-6397

SOURCE CPS Energy