With the approach of spring, PNM is advising customers in high fire-risk areas to prepare for potential Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) due to extreme weather conditions. These shutoffs aim to prevent power lines from sparking wildfires during high winds and other severe weather events.
PNM has identified several areas that could be affected by a PSPS, including Clayton, Cochiti Pueblo, East Mountains (Sandias), Las Vegas, Mescalero Apache Nation, Ruidoso, Santa Fe, Silver City, and Tesuque Pueblo. The company will communicate directly with customers in these regions through emails, postcards, and bill messages.
"The safety of our customers and the communities we serve is our number one priority," said PNM President and CEO Don Tarry. He emphasized that while PNM crews work year-round to mitigate wildfire risks, extreme weather may necessitate power shutoffs for safety reasons.
In case of a PSPS event, PNM assures customers that power will be restored as soon as it is safe. The duration of outages will depend on various factors such as the persistence of severe weather conditions and the extent of any damage caused.
To keep customers informed before, during, and after a PSPS event, PNM will provide updates via its outage alert system, online platforms like PNM.com, social media channels, and local media partnerships. Coordination with local government agencies and first responders is also part of their preparedness plan.
PNM encourages residents in high fire-risk areas to stay informed by ensuring their contact details are up-to-date on their accounts or by signing up for alerts. They also advise building an emergency preparedness kit and having a Wildfire Safety Plan in place.
For more information about preparing for wildfire season or the PSPS process, customers can contact PNM at wildfire.safety@pnm.com or visit pnm.com/wildfire-safety.
PNM serves nearly 550,000 customers in New Mexico and is committed to transitioning its electricity supply to 100% carbon-free while maintaining reliability.
Information from this article can be found here.
