Christ Yoder
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Beyond loss of powerthe extreme cold created a crisis of broken water pipeslow water pressure and even no service for some parts of town.
The city of San Antonio plans to create an emergency fund for repairs related to the winter storm, including broken pipes and other utility damage. The San Antonio Water System is offering a back-up plan to all customers who will only have to pay the lower of two bills. There is also an emergency ordinance in place to try to prevent price hikes as residents demand repairs.
Proposed Repair Assistance Fund
During the San Antonio City Council on Thursday morning, Mayor Ron Nirenberg proposed the idea of the relief fund, saying that as time passes there will be great need for repairs.
“We are facing the immediate crisis of restoring power and water, but then there will be an infrastructure issue for which we will need everyone on deck,” Nirenberg said. “And we’re going to need federal support, but I also think we’re going to need a fund that leads in the short term.”
The city should find the money for that. One possible option is to use federal funds received as part of the disaster declaration. However, City Manager Erik Walsh said the city will consider all available options, including working with the San Antonio Water System and CPS Energy.
“Between FEMA and local resources, we’ll have that conversation with utilities as well,” Walsh said.
San Antonio has experience with similar emergency relief plans through its Emergency Housing Assistance Program. This program has spent about $72 million since its inception last year to help with rent and mortgage payments as well as internet and utility bills and cash assistance.
No timeline has been set, but Walsh said he will present a plan to the board.
Reduction of the water bill
Broken pipes and massive leaks in some areas are worrying residents about huge water bills. On Thursday, the San Antonio Water System announced a plan to only charge customers the lower of two bills.
Residents will only have to pay an amount equal to last month’s charges or this month’s charges, whichever is lower.
“This extreme weather event has caused unimaginable hardship, and the last thing our neighbors need to worry about right now is their next water bill,” said SAWS President and CEO Robert R. Puente. , in a press release. “These are very difficult times for many, and we want to help ease the burden in any way we can.”
The plan is designed to offset the cost of abnormally high bills related to leaks that occurred during freezing. It applies to residential and commercial customers.
SAWS said it would also work with customers who need a payment plan. Currently, the SAWS is not cutting water service to any ratepayers due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Price gouging prevention
The City and County of Bexar are trying to prevent any price increases for goods and services in Bexar County, including repairs.
Late Wednesday night, Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff and Nirenberg issued an emergency order against price gouging by repair companies. The order states that prices must now reflect the same price for goods and services seen on February 11.
This applies to groceries, toiletries, restaurant meals, medications, hotels, motels, gasoline and other fuels.
As the weather clears up, contractors and repair companies are likely to be inundated with calls and it could be some time before residents get the repairs they need. Nirenberg said price gouging would not be allowed.
“Every repair company in town is going to work overtime, they’re going to try to get materials, they’re going to be competitive,” Nirenberg said during the council meeting. “We will sue you if you take advantage of our residents in this regard.”
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