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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) — The Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) is asking residents of Las Vegas, New Mexico, to prepare for weather-related power outages as high winds are expected to impact the state Thursday afternoon. According to PNM, a public safety power shutoff in Las Vegas is taking place as of 11:30 a.m. this morning.
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Wind gusts are expected to reach over 50mph throughout the state, increasing the risk of power outages from broken tree limbs or other wind damage, PNM says. The National Weather Service has issued Red Flag Warnings across the state due to extreme wildfire risk. This has led PNM to change settings on part of a system to reduce the risk of powerlines causing a wildfire. The settings automatically de-energize power lines when strong winds cause debris or trees to make contact with the line. This makes power outages more likely, but it also reduces the chance of a fire starting.
The shut-off will remain in place until the extreme weather conditions have passed. About 2,300 customers in the area can expect this outage to last overnight and up to 48 hours, depending on conditions and potential damage. PNM says power could be restored as early as 3 a.m. Friday, April 18, as long as there is no wind damage. The company asks you report outages in your area by texting #REG to 78766, then #OUT to 78766. You can also go online or give them a call at 888-DIAL-PNM.