Public Safety Power Shutoff - pnmprod
Wildfires and Public Safety Power Shutoff
With a strong commitment to ensuring community safety, PNM has implemented a public safety power shutoff plan.
What is a Public Safety Power Shutoff?
One critical tool available to us to prevent wildfires is the Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS), in which we may temporarily shut off power to your neighborhood during dangerous weather conditions to prevent our electric system from becoming a source of ignition. These safety shutoffs are a measure of last resort for keeping you and your community safe.
Our priority is to safeguard our customers and communities. Public safety power shutoffs are a necessary tool to prevent electrical infrastructure from becoming a potential ignition source in high-risk areas, helping to minimize the wildfire risk.
Customers residing in areas identified as high fire risk zones are encouraged to stay informed, have emergency plans in place, and take necessary precautions to mitigate the impact of potential power outages.
- Keep refrigerator or freezer doors closed as much as possible to keep food cold.
- Buy dry or block ice to keep the refrigerator as cold as possible if the power is going to be out for more than four hours.
- Build or restock your emergency preparedness kit, including food, a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.
- Make sure you have alternative charging methods for your phone or any device that requires power and be sure to charge cell phones and any battery powered devices.
- Know where the manual release lever of your electric garage door opener is located and how to operate it, in case you need to leave your home.
- Keep at least a half tank of gas in your car. Gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps.
- If you or a family member uses medical equipment that requires electricity, talk to a doctor or health care provider about how you can prepare for its use during a power outage.
PNM remains committed to open communication and timely updates to affected customers.
Outage Map
Sample Wildfire Safety Plan
By having a pre-made plan with multiple contacts in different situations, you increase your chances of receiving timely assistance and support during power outages or evacuations caused by wildfires. Regularly review and update your emergency plan to ensure preparedness and peace of mind.
Neighbor A
Lives nearby and can provide immediate assistance in case of a power outage or evacuation. They have a vehicle and are familiar with your medical (or water) needs.
Friend B
Lives in a different neighborhood but within a reasonable distance. Friend B is aware of your situation and can accommodate you during an evacuation, offering a safe place to stay.
Family Member C
Lives in a different city or town, providing a more distant but reliable option for evacuation if the wildfire threat extends beyond your local area. Family Member C is prepared to travel to assist you in an emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a public safety power shutoff?
One critical tool available to us to prevent wildfires is the Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS), in which we may temporarily shut off power to your neighborhood during dangerous weather conditions to prevent our electric system from becoming a source of ignition. These safety shutoffs are a measure of last resort for keeping you and your community safe.
Why is PSPS happening?
PNM believes that a PSPS event is necessary to help reduce the risk of electrical infrastructure becoming an potential ignition source for high-risk areas.
What should I expect before a PSPS event?
4-7 days ahead: When we see extreme weather forecasts, we begin planning up to a week in advance.
3 days ahead: We send initial notifications about possible a power shutoff to local and tribal governments, emergency officials, first responders, hospitals, and other critical infrastructure and service providers.
2 days ahead: We send initial notifications to customers, and notification updates to local governments and agencies.
1 day ahead: We send updated timing information to all customers.
0-4 hours ahead: Whenever possible we send notifications that power is likely to be shut off.
Please note: Erratic or sudden onset of weather conditions may affect our ability to provide advance notice to customers.
What should I expect during and after a PSPS event?
Power shutoff: We¿ll inform you when power has been shut off.
Preparing to Restore Power: We will let you know when field crews have begun to inspect our lines to determine whether it is safe to restore power.
Power restoration: We¿ll inform you when power has been restored.
PSPS all-clear: We¿ll also inform you about which circuits are no longer being considered for PSPS
How will I be notified about a PSPS event?
We intend to notify affected customers approximately two days in advance of a potential power shutoff. This notification will be sent via email, text, or phone call. We may also send another notice to customers one day before a potential power shutoff. We will keep customers updated regularly on our website and social media channels. We will also notify affected customers when power has been restored. You can sign up for alerts by texting #ALERT to 78766.
Who decides when a PSP event is triggered?
PNM works closely with our emergency partners in New Mexico to forecast and determine when a PSPS will be initiated. Ultimately, PNM is the decider and will always have the safety of our customers, communities, and environment as a top priority.
When will PNM call a PSPS event?
Strong winds combined with dry ground conditions can increase wildfire threat. These same winds can cause vegetation or other items to blow into power lines and could result in an ignition, possibly creating a significant wildfire. Under these situations, we may shut off power to customers to keep you and your community safe. SCE considers a number of factors and conditions before declaring a PSPS, including but are not limited to:
- High winds
- Low humidity
- Dry vegetation that could serve as fuel
- On-the-ground observations
- Fire threat to electric infrastructure
- Public-safety risk
