S&C was selected by City Public Service (CPS) to provide crisis communications support to the only power utility in San Antonio. CPS was facing negative public resistance to its plan to build a new utility substation, and a new transmission line.

Local residents were fearful of possible health risks associated with electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by the new substation and the aesthetics of the distribution system. In response to community concerns, S&C prepared fact sheets explaining the substation site and EMF in detail. A special exhibit for EMF demonstration using common daily items such as an alarm clock was developed and displayed at public meetings and during TV interviews.

In preparation for key public meetings, S&C created poster boards, PowerPoint presentations, media advisories, press releases, and provided media coaching for CPS executives. A contingency plan was generated to manage negative media coverage at the public meetings before the final CPS Board vote.

As a result of S&C’s strategic communications planning and execution, the Fair Oaks Ranch City Council unanimously approved the substation in their community and the CPS board unanimously approved the entire project. S&C’s keen insight into community and media relations and ability to work hard and adjust to constantly changing conditions led to CPS’s success.