CPS Energy Named Frank Almaraz as New CEO
The San Antonio municipal utility chose its former chief operating officer to lead the organization permanently.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in People
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The CPS Energy board has officially selected Frank Almaraz to serve as the utility's president and CEO. Almaraz, who previously held the role of chief operating officer, has served as the interim leader of the organization since June 2026.
Why it matters
The board prioritized selecting a candidate with specific expertise in municipal utility operations and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas market. This leadership choice aims to provide stability for the city-owned utility following the departure of former CEO Rudy Garza.
The utility has initiated a 30-day contract negotiation period with Almaraz. He brings 10 years of leadership experience within the municipal energy model to the permanent role.
The players
Frank Almaraz
He is the newly appointed president and CEO of CPS Energy and previously served as the utility's chief operating officer.
Rudy Garza
He is the former president and CEO of CPS Energy who now serves as the general manager at the Lower Colorado River Authority.
CPS Energy
This is a city-owned utility based in San Antonio that provides electricity and natural gas services across Texas.
The details
Frank Almaraz takes over the top position from Rudy Garza, who recently left the utility to become the general manager at the Lower Colorado River Authority. The board is expected to hold a final vote on the employment contract during their scheduled meeting in October.
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 is scheduled to vote on the final contract.
Market Landscape
The leadership change aligns CPS Energy with the operational complexities of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas market. This appointment positions the city-owned utility to maintain its competitive stance within the regional energy infrastructure.
Residents and customers should not expect immediate changes to service delivery or utility operations as the organization transitions to permanent leadership. The appointment ensures continuity in management for the city-owned utility that serves San Antonio households.
The takeaway
Selecting an internal candidate with a decade of municipal utility experience suggests the board is prioritizing continuity and institutional knowledge. This transition highlights the importance of deep regional energy market expertise when managing public utility infrastructure.
What happens next
The CPS Energy board is set to conduct a final vote on the employment contract for Frank Almaraz during the board meeting in October 2026.
Further reading
For more news regarding leadership transitions in the region, visit the San Antonio People section.
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