Last week’s weather-driven crisis will be etched in San Antonio’s collective memory as some of the most difficult days in modern history.
The record-setting deep freeze accompanied by snow, sleet and frozen roads led to massive statewide power outages that forced many San Antonians to endure extended periods of time without electricity even as temperatures dropped to single digits at times and remained below freezing for days.
That situation led to frozen water pipes in thousands of homes, businesses and neighborhoods, and left many San Antonians without water for several days.
The disastrous chain reaction was launched when ERCOT, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas which controls the state’s electric grid, required CPS Energy and other Texas utilities to use rotating blackouts to save energy because of a statewide electricity shortage.
The events understandably angered residents who expect – and deserve — better service.
I support the call for legislative hearings on ERCOT’s handling of this situation. ERCOT needs to explain how the state’s power grid failed so dramatically during this weather event.
Every elected official in Texas should work to make sure that ratepayers are not saddled with the excessive costs for power during the weather event.
And we need answers locally as well so we can be better prepared for the next extreme event.
Recovery is now underway, and many San Antonians are coping with broken water pipes as a result of the big freeze. We are working to make sure that the cost of repairs doesn’t fall on the shoulders of average San Antonians.
On Monday, I announced the creation of the SAWS’ Community Pipe Repair Fund that can help people quickly deal with the damage caused by storm-related frozen pipes.
Generous contributions from Spurs Sports & Entertainment and Wells Fargo have enabled us to start the effort with $275,000 already in the fund. The Spurs have committed $250,000 to the fund and Wells Fargo has agreed to contribute $25,000 – enabling us to launch with $275,000 in the CPR fund.
This assistance will enable residents to take care of plumbing issues quickly. Helping each other get through hard times is the San Antonio way, and we will get through this together.
We expect funds from FEMA to help with the recovery at some point, but our neighbors need help now. And these funds will provide much-needed assistance.
The SAWS’ Community Pipe Repair Fund will provide assistance to SAWS residential customers in Bexar County who suffered water pipe damage in their home because of the recent winter weather event.
The fund will be hosted by the San Antonio Area Foundation, and the repair program will be administered by SAWS until all funds are exhausted.
The program will prioritize emergency pipe repair that risks causing harm to the life, health, or safety of the occupants. Homeowners and renters can apply. Renters will need to get approval from their landlord. Applicants will have meet certain eligibility requirements.
Reimbursements are available for storm-relating plumbing repairs so if you have already made the repairs, you can still apply for assistance from the CPR.
To apply for assistance from the CPR fund, go to Saws.org/CPR. Applications for relief also can be made at this website.
And remember that if you need rental assistance or other help as you cope with the one-two punch of the COVID-19 pandemic and the winter storm, the city has a fund set up to help.
If you need rental assistance or help paying your utility bill, you can get help from through the city’s Emergency Housing Assistance Fund. On the internet, go to https://covid19.sanantonio.gov/Services/Rent-and-Mortgage-Help-Housing to apply. Or you can call 210-207-6459.
Ron Nirenberg is mayor of San Antonio.
