Introduction 

Reliable, affordable energy is the foundation of every growing city—and San Antonio is growing fast. With more than 2.6 million residents in Bexar County and projections topping 3.3 million by 2035, energy demand continues to surge. To stay ahead, CPS Energy—the nation’s largest municipally owned utility—is investing $1.3 billion to expand generation capacity, modernize grid infrastructure, and integrate cleaner power sources. 

This project isn’t only about electricity. It’s about ensuring San Antonio’s homes, new developments, and commercial projects have the power they need to thrive. For homeowners, buyers, and investors, stable utilities translate directly into housing confidence, construction momentum, and long-term value. 

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Project Overview: Securing San Antonio’s Energy Future 

CPS Energy’s plan includes the construction of two new natural-gas power plants, expanded battery-storage facilities, and increased integration of solar and wind energy. 

Key Facts 

• Investment Value: $1.3 billion 

• Project Timeline: 2025 – 2030 

• Locations: South Bexar County & Calaveras Lake area 

• Goal: Replace aging generation assets, meet future residential demand, and improve grid reliability 

Together, these projects will add more than 900 megawatts of generation capacity—enough to power over 200,000 homes. 

For San Antonio, that means fewer brownouts during summer peaks, more stability for builders planning new communities, and stronger investor confidence across the housing sector. 

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Why Energy Infrastructure Matters to Real Estate 

Energy reliability affects every layer of the housing ecosystem: 

• For Homeowners: Stable power means predictable utility bills and increased comfort—major lifestyle and resale factors. 

• For Builders: Access to consistent grid capacity allows faster development approvals and reduces risk of project delays. 

• For Buyers & Investors: Communities with dependable utilities attract stronger demand and sustain long-term appreciation. 

According to the National Association of Home Builders, infrastructure quality—including power reliability—can influence up to 12 percent of perceived property value. San Antonio’s investment in modern energy systems supports ongoing residential expansion, especially in high-growth corridors like Potranco Road, TX-211, and Schertz-Cibolo. 

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Economic Impact and Job Creation 

CPS Energy’s expansion is projected to generate more than 2,000 construction and engineering jobs and hundreds of permanent operations roles. 
Indirectly, the ripple effect extends to: 

• Local suppliers and service companies supporting plant construction 

• New housing demand from incoming technical professionals 

• Commercial growth near power-plant corridors and substations 

The City of San Antonio Economic Development Department estimates energy infrastructure projects of this scale contribute $2 to $3 billion in regional economic activity over their lifespan. 

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A Statewide Perspective: Texas’s Energy Evolution 

Texas leads the nation in both energy production and population growth. ERCOT forecasts that statewide electricity demand will grow 20 percent by 2035, driven by new manufacturing plants, data centers, and residential developments. 

Across Texas, utilities are balancing natural gas reliability with renewable integration to strengthen grid resilience. 
CPS Energy’s expansion aligns with that broader strategy, ensuring San Antonio maintains reliable generation even as the state transitions toward a cleaner, more diversified mix. 

Why It Matters for Real Estate 

When statewide reliability improves, investors and homebuyers gain confidence to purchase and build in growth markets like San Antonio rather than diverting to other metros. 
Stable energy = predictable development timelines = healthier housing inventory. 

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Sustainability and San Antonio’s Climate Goals 

The expansion complements the city’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP), which targets carbon neutrality by 2050. CPS Energy aims to retire older, higher-emission plants while bringing online: 

• Solar and Wind Energy: An additional 400 megawatts of clean capacity 

• Battery Storage: Next-generation lithium systems to balance grid peaks 

• Advanced Turbines: Low-emission natural-gas units with hydrogen-blend capability 

These upgrades will reduce CO₂ emissions by an estimated 30 percent by 2030, aligning environmental stewardship with economic growth—a balance that enhances San Antonio’s reputation among eco-conscious buyers and developers. 

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Neighborhoods and Development Corridors Most Impacted 

1. Far West San Antonio (Potranco & TX-211) 
   Rapid residential expansion here depends on dependable power supply. The CPS projects near Calaveras Lake and south Bexar County stabilize capacity for these booming subdivisions. 

2. South San Antonio & Brooks City Base 
   Industrial expansion and mixed-use redevelopment will benefit from grid upgrades, supporting affordable housing near job centers. 

3. Schertz, Cibolo & Converse 
   Northeast suburbs tied to Joint Base San Antonio and new manufacturing corridors will enjoy added reliability during peak usage seasons.

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Real Estate Market Snapshot (2025 SABOR Data) 

• Median Home Price (Metro): $345,700 

• Average Days on Market: 53 (down from 66 YoY) 

• Inventory: 3.2 months (below balanced levels) 

• Annual Population Growth: +2.1 percent 

• New Construction Share: ~43 percent of active listings 

Energy expansion supports these metrics by ensuring future subdivisions can connect to the grid without delay—a factor that directly influences builder permits and project pacing.

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Expert Insight: Tami Price on Energy and Equity 

According to Tami Price, Realtor in San Antonio, 

“Infrastructure is the backbone of housing stability. When CPS Energy invests in future capacity, it reassures both builders and buyers that San Antonio is planning for longevity. Reliable power and sustainable growth go hand in hand—and that’s exactly what attracts long-term homeowners.” 

Tami adds that areas gaining new grid capacity often experience stronger appraisal performance and faster resale timelines within 12–18 months of completion. 

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Energy Reliability as a Housing Value Driver 

1. For Homeowners 

Stable energy grids reduce outages and maintenance concerns, improving quality of life and protecting home systems from surge damage—factors that influence resale value. 

2. For Buyers 

Communities served by newer infrastructure are more attractive for those seeking energy-efficient living. Many builders now integrate solar-ready roofs and EV charging tied to CPS Energy programs. 

3. For Sellers 

Marketing “energy-reliable location” can differentiate listings, especially in summer months when grid strain becomes a topic of local concern. 

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Economic Spillover and Commercial Growth 

Power stability encourages business investment, which in turn supports the housing market. The new facilities are expected to attract: 

• Advanced Manufacturing Firms requiring stable electricity 

• Data Centers and Technology Firms moving into the I-10 and I-35 corridors 

• Retail and Service Growth in developing master-planned communities 

Each corporate relocation creates jobs and boosts housing demand nearby, reinforcing appreciation cycles in both resale and new-construction segments. 

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Sustainability Meets Affordability 

While the energy mix shifts toward renewables, CPS Energy remains focused on keeping rates below national averages—a critical advantage for housing affordability. 

Lower operational costs mean: 

• More disposable income for mortgage payments 

• Reduced carrying costs for investors 

• Improved ROI for builders and landlords as residents favor efficient, well-powered homes 

Stable utility pricing is often overlooked but essential to San Antonio’s reputation as one of Texas’s most affordable large metros. 

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Community Benefits and Resilience 

Beyond housing, the expansion enhances: 

• Grid resilience during extreme weather events 

• Water-energy coordination through advanced cooling systems 

• Community education programs about energy efficiency 

CPS Energy plans to reinvest part of project revenues into home-weatherization and low-income efficiency initiatives, helping reduce costs for residents across the city. 

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Buyer, Seller & Investor Takeaways 

For Buyers 

• Seek new communities tied to CPS’s upgraded grid zones. 

• Ask builders about energy-efficiency incentives and EV-ready garages. 

• Expect long-term value stability due to infrastructure reliability. 

For Sellers 

• Highlight proximity to upgraded energy infrastructure. 

• Market homes as “sustainably powered and future-ready.” 

• Emphasize lower risk of outages—an appealing feature for relocation buyers. 

For Investors 

• Target neighborhoods in South Bexar County and TX-211 where new grid capacity precedes development booms. 

• Evaluate rental ROI in communities benefiting from commercial growth. 

• Monitor upcoming transmission projects that could elevate land values along expansion routes. 

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Looking Ahead: A 10-Year Energy Outlook 

By 2030, CPS Energy’s generation portfolio will include: 

• 45 percent renewables 

• 40 percent natural gas 

• 15 percent other sources (including battery storage and hydrogen-ready systems) 

This balanced approach ensures cleaner power without sacrificing reliability, positioning San Antonio as a model for sustainable urban expansion. 

For the housing market, that translates into: 

• More consistent builder activity 

• Lower vacancy rates in developing suburbs 

• Stronger buyer confidence as energy becomes a selling point 

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Conclusion 

CPS Energy’s $1.3 billion power plant expansion represents far more than a utility upgrade—it’s an investment in San Antonio’s future. By combining grid stability, job creation, and sustainability, the city is positioning itself for decades of steady growth and housing resilience. 

For homeowners, buyers, and investors, infrastructure isn’t just background noise—it’s the signal of where value will grow next. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When will the CPS Energy expansion be complete? 
Construction is scheduled through 2030, with the first plant operational by late 2027. 

Q: How much new capacity will be added? 
Roughly 900 megawatts—enough to power over 200,000 homes. 

Q: Will this impact utility rates? 
CPS Energy aims to maintain rates below state averages through long-term efficiency savings. 

Q: How does this support San Antonio’s climate goals? 
By replacing older plants and adding renewables, the project cuts emissions by 30 percent by 2030. 

Q: Which areas of San Antonio benefit most? 
Far West, South, and Northeast corridors where new housing and industrial projects are emerging. 

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For expert guidance on how San Antonio’s infrastructure investments affect your real estate goals, contact Tami Price, Realtor.