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PNM no longer planning temporary power shutoff
PNM has issued a public safety power shutoff in the East Mountains to avoid a possible wildfire sparking from downed lines in high winds. The shutdown is in effective from Thursday at noon to Friday around 6 p.m., and is subject to changing depending on the winds.
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PNM officials announced Thursday afternoon that they no longer plan to shut off power in the East Mountains due to lower than expected wind speeds.
Michael Mertz, vice president of New Mexico operations for PNM, had warned earlier Thursday that the potential outage could affect 10,500 customers, including schools in the East Mountains.
Merz described the planned outage as "a proactive measure," a public safety power shutoff, to avoid a possible wildfire sparking from downed lines in high winds.
The National Weather Service said in a social media post that winds could reach 48 mph in the Albuquerque area and East Mountains.
PNM does not expect to turn off power in Santa Fe and Las Vegas, New Mexico, but said that is subject to change depending on wind speeds and potential safety concerns throughout the day.
Merz said PNM emergency operations have been fully activated and are on standby through the day to prepare for any situations. This is the first time the power company has implemented public power shutoffs.
