Reported by Crystal Mazza for News 4 WOAI:SAN ANTONIO -- CPS Energy announced major personnel changes Monday. The move comes after a communication breakdown over a proposed nuclear power plant and the resignation of the utility company's interim manager.
Monday marked the third day CPS Energy board members deliberated behind closed doors. Just before noon, the board returned with a three-page resolution, naming a new general manager, asking one executive to resign, and clearing some other employees of any wrongdoing.
"The board hereby appoints Jelynne Leblanc-Burley, who currently serves as CPS Energy's Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, to serve as acting general manager effective immediately."
Burley replaces former General Manager Steve Bartley, who resigned last week.
"He had ultimate accountability and authority to inform the board," CPS Energy Board Chair Aurora Geis said of Bartley.
What Bartley didn't tell the board was that CPS Energy's contract for a proposed nuclear plant was $4 billion short. The miscommunication prompted a month-long investigation.
Robert Temple, who is secretary to the board and serves on the company's nuclear development team, is also expected to resign. Three other employees were cleared of wrongdoing, including CEO Milton Lee.
Board members also discussed the need to reassure city leaders and the public that this is one mistake that won't happen again.
"We are going to have more timely communications with the council and with city staff," Geis said.
"It took a lot of hours to get to this point, and there's a lot more work to do," Mayor Julian Castro told News 4 WOAI. "But we're on journey to repairing confidence that folks had in the utility."
News 4 WOAI requested a copy of the 80-page investigation report. A CPS Energy board member said he is going to fight to get that report to us, so News 4 WOAI can provide it for viewers.
The board is asking for a final report on the investigation by its next board meeting in two weeks.
