PNM to initiate strategic rotating outages during high heat

PNM realizes that anytime without power can be frustating. However, we want to ensure that all customers, and our grid are protected. That is why strategic rotating outages may be necessary.

What are strategic rotating outages?

Strategic rotating outages are systematic, temporary power outages that help protect customers from the possibility of prolonged power outages, protect the electric grid from severe damage, and bring balance to the supply and demand of electricity in the market. Rotating outages are typically the last step in a series of emergency procedures after a power supply shortage is detected.

Why are strategic rotating outages sometimes necessary?

How do I prepare and stay safe during a strategic rotating outage?

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do strategic rotating outages last?

We recognize that any time without power can be frustrating, especially during the heat of summer/cold of winter, which is why we work to minimize the time for each outage to ONE TO TWO hours. However, the duration of a strategic rotating outage will depend on the severity of the event. PNM will give customers as much notice and information as possible if and when we anticipate initiating rotating outages. We are committed to provide as much advance notice as possible, but system conditions could require immediate initiation of strategic rotating outages.

Where will strategic rotating outages occur?

Strategic rotating outages typically occur system wide and so any rotating outages would occur across the PNM service area. Most homes in our service area may experience a rotating outage. Some customers could experience multiple outages while others could experience no outage at all, depending on where they are located. Some areas, such as those with medical centers, hospitals or downtown areas may not be affected by rotating outages.

If an event has been initiated, the list of affected areas, and/or a schedule (if available) would be provided.

Who decides what areas will receive strategic rotating outages?

Because the electric grid is interconnected, and PNM follows strict federal guidelines, we work closely with our FERC approved Reliability Coordinator to monitor available energy resources to meet customer demands. Ultimately, PNM will determine which communities in our service area will experience these strategic rotating outages. Some areas, such as those with medical centers, hospitals or downtown areas may not be affected by rotating outages.

Rotating outages are categorized by how critical a customer is in terms of public safety and community well-being. Outages will be driven by what customer priorities exist on a distribution line.

Currently, the PNM system initiates strategic rotating outages alphabetically by distribution substation name combined with customer prioritization system wide, but we are working to change this to a geographic process.

Will customers with medical devices be affected by strategic rotating outages?

Customers who use medical devices may also be affected by strategic rotating outages, so customers who rely on electricity for life-sustaining equipment should always have a backup plan in place in case of rotating outages or other weather events that could cause outages outside of our control.

Is there anything that customers can do to help prevent rolling blackouts?

When extreme weather leads to an increase in electricity demand, the best thing you can do to help is to lower your own electricity demand by lowering your usage. Below are some simple steps that customers are encouraged to take to help keep the grid safe:

For more information, please go to PNM.com/conserveenergy.