By Kevin Hendricks
The Public Service Company of New Mexico is again considering a Public Safety Power Shutoff in the East Mountains on March 18.
Earlier this month, PNM announced plans to shut off power to 10,000 customers in the East Mountains due to high wind conditions that could create a fire risk. Later that same day, PNM announced its plans for a Public Safety Power Shutoff were no longer necessary as “the intensity of the storm appears to be lower than forecasted in the East Mountains.”
Late Monday afternoon, PNM announced that it is again considering implementing a shutoff and “is closely monitoring extreme wind and weather, particularly in the East Mountains and Las Vegas areas.”
PNM has not yet decided to cut the power but said the weather could increase the risk of wildfires and power outages. It is unclear how many customers would be affected by this possible shutoff but PNM will communicate directly with potentially affected customers if the decision to implement a power shutoff is made.
In the event of a Public Safety Power Shutoff, non-emergency Bernalillo County services may be adjusted, including programming at East Mountain BernCo Community Centers.
In a Public Safety Power Shutoff, Los Vecinos Community Center and Vista Grande Community Center would close with Spring break programs at Whispering Pines Senior Center continuing as normal beginning at 7 a.m. Parents and guardians of children enrolled in these programs will be notified of any adjustments.
Other operational changes include:
- Alternative Community Center Access – Residents impacted by an outage can visit any other Bernalillo County community center to access WiFi, available inside facilities and from parking lots.
- East Mountain Transfer Station – The facility will remain open but will only accept cash during an outage.
- Traffic Signal Outages- During an outage, drivers should expect delays and be aware of possible congestion at the intersection of NM 333 and the I-40 off-ramp and the intersection of NM 14 and NM 333.
- Public Safety Services Uninterrupted – Law enforcement, fire rescue, and emergency response services will continue operating as normal during a shutoff.
For more information on the Public Safety Power Shutoff, please visit www.pnm.com/wildfire-safety.