CPS Energy Named Frank Almaraz President and CEO
The city-owned utility selected its former chief operating officer to lead its operations across Texas.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in People
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The board of CPS Energy has named Frank Almaraz as the utility's permanent president and CEO following his tenure as interim leader. The appointment concludes a search for a candidate with specialized experience in municipal utility management and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas market.
Why it matters
The leadership change arrives as the city-owned utility navigates complex regional grid requirements and municipal operations. The board prioritized a candidate with deep familiarity with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas market to ensure continuity in service delivery.
The utility has entered a 30-day contract negotiation period with Almaraz. He brings 10 years of leadership experience within the municipal energy model to the role.
The players
Frank Almaraz
The new president and CEO of CPS Energy who previously served as the utility's chief operating officer.
CPS Energy
A city-owned utility provider serving the San Antonio area and wider Texas market.
Rudy Garza
The former president and CEO of CPS Energy who now serves as the general manager at the Lower Colorado River Authority.
Lower Colorado River Authority
A regional utility organization that manages water and electric resources.
The details
Almaraz, who previously served as chief operating officer at CPS Energy, stepped into the interim leadership role in early June 2026. He succeeds Rudy Garza, who departed to serve as general manager at the Lower Colorado River Authority. The board is expected to formalize the employment agreement by the upcoming October board meeting.
Timeline
June 2026: Frank Almaraz began serving as interim leader.
September 2026: The board named Almaraz as the permanent president and CEO.
October 2026: The board will vote on the final contract.
Market Landscape
The appointment follows a standard pattern of municipal utilities prioritizing executives with proven compliance track records within the constraints of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas market. This transition maintains leadership continuity following the departure of Rudy Garza.
Operators relying on local municipal utility infrastructure should monitor the October board meeting for finalization of the leadership contract. The appointment signals a commitment to maintaining existing operational strategies within the current Texas energy framework.
The takeaway
The transition to a permanent CEO provides organizational stability for stakeholders during a critical period of utility operations. Operators should watch the October board meeting minutes for potential shifts in policy or strategic direction under the new leadership.
What happens next
The CPS Energy board is scheduled to vote on the permanent contract at the October board meeting.
Further reading
For more updates on executive changes in the region, visit the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by San Antonio Express-News.
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