(Albuquerque, NM) – PNM is closely monitoring extreme wind and weather in New Mexico for Tuesday, April 1, which could increase the chance of weather-related outages. Strong winds could cause power outages throughout PNM's service area. Customers, especially those who rely on electricity for medical equipment, should prepare for the possibility of extended power outages. We continue to monitor weather, and crews are prepared to respond to outages.

System Sensitivity Controls Enabled
With elevated fire risk in areas around New Mexico, PNM may, based upon current conditions, set its system to be more sensitive to any contact between its powerlines and tree branches or other debris. In this case, devices on the system would automatically de-energize lines when contact occurs and remain de-energized until a PNM crew is able to inspect the line for damage and makes any needed repairs. As a result, weather-related outages of an extended duration are more likely through Tuesday, April 1, when the wind event is expected to peak.

All PNM customers are reminded to prepare for possible weather-related outages by taking a few steps ahead of the weather:

Stay informed.
PNM is asking our customers to update their contact information with us so that we can provide notifications if a Public Safety Power Shutoff is planned. Update contact information at PNM.com/login or by calling us at 888-DIAL-PNM.
Stay safe.
Stay away from downed power lines. If you see a downed power line, do not touch it or anything in contact with it. Call 911 and PNM immediately at 888-DIAL-PNM. Always consider a power line energized and dangerous.

The American Red Cross advises customers prepare a power outage kit including water, food, flashlights, and medications. For more tips from the American Red Cross visit https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/power-outage.html 

If someone in your home relies on electric-powered medical equipment, have a backup power source and enroll in PNM's LifeWatch program for notifications at PNM.com/LifeWatch.

Report an outage.
PNM may not be aware of an outage in your area unless you report it by texting #REG to 78766 and then #OUT to 78766, by going online at PNM.com/outage, or by calling us at 888-DIAL-PNM.

Sign up for Outage Alerts by texting #REG to 78766 and then #ALERT to 78766, from a number associated with your PNM account.

For outage updates, visit PNM.com/outagemap.

For more information on wildfire safety, visit PNM.com/Wildfire-Safety.