(Albuquerque, NM) – PNM is preparing for severe weather forecasted for many of our service areas including high wind speeds and low relative humidity. Wind gusts are anticipated to reach over 60 mph on Friday March 14 in parts of Eastern New Mexico, which could increase the risk of power outages due to broken tree limbs or other wind damage.

We are encouraging all customers to prepare for potential power disruptions by taking a few steps ahead of the weather:

Stay informed. Customers should sign up for outage alerts by texting #REG to 78766 from a phone number associated with their account. Then text #ALERT to 78766.

Stay safe. Customers should 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.

Stay prepared. 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

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

PNM continuously monitors the weather by leveraging multiple weather forecasts and data to determine the best course of action to protect public safety. High winds, low relative humidity and dry ground conditions are key factors in our wildfire risk models. We update these models regularly and adjust operations to reduce wildfire risk.

Due to elevated risk of wildfires identified in current weather forecasts, specifically in the Las Vegas area, PNM may set system protection to be more sensitive to protect public safety against the risk of wildfires. This brings the possibility of more power outages of extended duration. PNM is also evaluating a possible Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) in Las Vegas as early as Friday morning, March 14, to protect public safety. As weather conditions can change quickly, PNM has not made the decision to implement a PSPS at this time.

PNM will provide an update on Thursday, March 13.

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