CPS Energy named Frank Almaraz interim CEO on June 4, 2026, in San Antonio, following the retirement announcement of Rudy Garza and his move to lead the Lower Colorado River Authority. The decision, made at a board meeting, places Almaraz at the helm of the utility that serves approximately 970,000 electric and 390,000 natural gas customers across San Antonio and Bexar County.
The change matters because the utility is the region’s sole electricity provider and a key economic driver, with $10.1 billion generated for the city since 1942. Leadership continuity is central to maintaining reliabilityaffordability, and execution of long-term strategies that underpin power supply, safety culture, and enterprise technology upgrades. Last updated: June 5, 2026.
Board action and transition timeline
The board activated its CEO Search Committee, led by Chair Francine Romero with Erika Gonzalezto conduct a national search for a permanent leader. Romero said, “The Personnel Committee has confidence that his background and experience make him the appropriate leader to serve in this interim role.” The utility indicated it remains unclear whether Almaraz will seek the permanent position, while the search proceeds in parallel.
Rudy Garza will remain with CPS Energy through June 30, 2026, to support a smooth handover before taking the general manager role at LCRA in July. During the transition, Almaraz oversees supply and delivery teams for electricity and natural gas to ensure uninterrupted service. The utility has also begun internal planning around its budget cycle and potential rate considerations that are drawing scrutiny from the San Antonio City Council.
Almaraz’s experience and operational focus
Almaraz previously held senior roles at CPS Energy from 2011 to 2026, including Chief Power, Sustainability, and Business Development Officer, and most recently returned as Chief Operating Officer in February 2026. He also served as CEO of Braya Renewable Fuels and interim CEO of Hawaii-based Young Brothers, LLC from January to February 2026, broadening his executive portfolio across energy and logistics. He has served on boards including the DoSeum, the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the American Gas Association.
Almaraz signaled continuity in strategy and operations. “Our team is committed to continuing on the strategic path laid out by the board over the past several years,” he said. His remit includes maintaining system reliability during peak demand, advancing enterprise technology transformation, and sustaining customer service standards in a market where customers cannot choose alternative providers. The utility reiterated its focus on safety and resiliency while managing growth in a critical service territory.
Garza’s tenure and strategic frameworks
Garza’s period of leadership has been defined by strategic plans—Vision 2027Vision 2030and Horizon 2050—that strengthened the generation portfolio and reinforced a safety-first culture. His role in stabilizing operations following Winter Storm Uri was highlighted by local leaders, who credited the organization’s ability to secure investments that support resilient, clean, and affordable energy. “I’m thankful for Rudy’s steadfast leadership,” said San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Joneswho serves on the CPS Energy board.
Garza reflected on the transition, noting pride in the leadership team and the organization’s “One Team” approach to long-term planning for Greater San Antonio. The utility emphasized that these frameworks remain embedded in current planning and will continue to guide decisions under interim leadership. Those plans intersect with budget deliberations and potential rate adjustments that must align with broader city fiscal considerations.
Why it matters for San Antonio
Founded in 1860, CPS Energy is the largest municipally owned combined electric and gas utility in the United States, operating as the sole retail electricity provider in its service area. The scale of its customer base and its monopoly position elevate the impact of leadership changes on service continuity, pricing, and long-term infrastructure investment. The utility’s commitment to job creation, education, and economic development remains integral to its approach.
As the interim structure takes hold, the board’s search process and Almaraz’s operational stewardship are designed to preserve momentum on technology upgrades and generation planning. The utility is coordinating with city stakeholders on the timing and review of any proposed rate measures, while maintaining a focus on affordability and resilience. Further updates will follow as the search advances and as Garza completes his transition to LCRA.