CPS Energy is looking to rely more on natural gas and solar power, but less on wind, as San Antonio's electricity needs surge past what the utility forecast just three years ago.

Why it matters: Without changes, capacity will begin to fall short of demand by the early part of the next decade, which could mean higher costs for consumers — though CPS officials say they are working to prevent that.

• The city-owned utility faces a balancing act of keeping up with fast-paced growth in electric demand while pursuing its goal to be carbon neutral by 2050.

The big picture: One of the biggest changes since the forecast in 2023 is the expansion in data centers, David Kee, director of energy market policy at CPS, tells Axios. But the area's population has also boomed more than anticipated.

State of play: The annual growth in peak demand is now expected to be 260 megawatts, more than double the 115 megawatts originally forecast, per CPS figures.

Flashback: In early 2023, CPS' board of trustees approved a portfolio of energy sources as part of a plan to shutter the coal-fired J.K. Spruce 1 plant by the end of 2028, and convert the Spruce 2 coal plant to run on natural gas.

Zoom in: Kee has presented three new portfolio options to the board. The plan to end coal use is still on track.

• The one he recommends includes 40% natural gas, up from 30% in the current plan, and 28% solar power, up from 21%. Wind power would fall from 19% to 15%.

Reality check: The recommended plan gets CPS slightly closer to meeting its climate goals than the current plan, but both fall short of meeting 2040 emissions targets.

What they're saying: "We know we've got some work to do, and we continue to look at how we can continue to drive down our total emissions," Kevin Pollo, senior director of asset management, tells Axios.

What's next: Utility officials plan to present the options tomorrow to CPS' Community Input Committee.

• The board of trustees is expected to vote on a new plan at its June meeting.

The other plans

Spurs star Victor Wembanyama will play in Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals tonight against the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to a published report.

Why it matters: A flurry of speculation surrounded Wembanyama's availability after his Game 4 ejection Sunday for a Flagrant 2 foul when he elbowed Timberwolves center-forward Naz Reid in the neck early in the second quarter.

State of play: Minnesota squeaked out a Game 4 win against a Wembanyama-less Spurs squad. The series heads to San Antonio tonight tied 2-2.

• The NBA had not issued a public ruling as of yesterday afternoon, but sources told ESPN insider Shams Charania that Wembanyama will avoid a suspension and any further discipline.

What they're saying: Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson said he didn't want Wembanyama throwing an elbow but called the officiating "disgusting."

• ESPN analyst and former NBA player Jay Williams said the play was the kind of moment where "you're going to stand up for yourself."
• Former NBA star Paul Pierce said the play should have been ruled a regular Flagrant foul.

The other side: ESPN analyst and 2008 NBA champion Kendrick Perkins wanted Wembanyama suspended.

• "They better (suspend him). And if they don't, it's going to be a horrible look on (NBA commissioner) Adam Silver and the NBA if they allow him to get away with this," Perkins said on "First Take."

Six people were found dead inside a train boxcar in Laredo. The medical examiner says at least one died from overheating and suspects the others did too. Officials are working to determine if the people were undocumented immigrants. (NYT)

🩺 UT San Antonio was awarded a $44 million federal contract to study health disparities in the rural South. (SA Current)

🐶 The city opened a dog park at Concepción Park, the 20th off-leash park across San Antonio. (KENS)

😱 A new haunted experience is now open at Alamo Plaza, four years after a haunted house in the area closed to make room for a new Alamo visitor center. (SA Report)

📺 A new Bravo show called "Secrets, Lies, Texas Wives" will be set in Boerne. (MySA)

Construction on a unique play area for children is underway at Brackenridge Park.

Why it matters: The nature-based playscape is a first for San Antonio and is the first project in the historic park subject to new development guidelines.

• Projects in Brackenridge face intense scrutiny ever since a 2017 bond project in the park called to cut down trees. (Tree removal remains stalled.)

Zoom in: The 2-acre playscape will allow kids to explore and play in nature. It will feature natural climbing structures and water features as well as shaded gathering areas and native plant gardens.

By the numbers: The cost estimate for construction is around $9.7 million. It's funded through both city money and private donations.

What's next: The Brackenridge Park Conservancy will host a groundbreaking ceremony at 10am today.

• Construction is expected to finish next summer.