Bernalillo County is on alert as PNM, the local power company, considers a possible Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) in the East Mountains area on Thursday, April 17. While no final decision has been made yet, the county is getting ready to make sure residents stay safe and informed if the power does go out.
Why a Power Shutoff Might Happen
PNM is thinking about turning off power to help prevent wildfires during extreme weather conditions. If strong winds, dry air, or other risks become too dangerous, shutting off power can help avoid fires caused by electric equipment.
PNM has promised that if they decide to move forward with the power shutoff, they will notify affected customers directly.
How Bernalillo County Services Could Be Affected
If the Public Safety Power Shutoff happens, several county services in the East Mountains will be adjusted. Here’s what residents need to know:
Whispering Pines Senior Center – Meals will be served until noon. Afternoon programs will be canceled if there is a power outage.
Los Vecinos Community Center – Will be closed to the public.
Vista Grande Community Center – Will be closed to the public.
Parents and guardians of children attending after-school programs at these centers should start planning for other childcare options just in case closures happen.
Other Important Changes to Know
Alternative Community Center Access – Residents without power can visit any other Bernalillo County community center to access free WiFi, both inside the building and from parking lots.
East Mountain Transfer Station – This site will stay open during an outage but will only accept cash payments.
Traffic Signal Outages – Traffic lights might not work at some key intersections like NM 333 and the I-40 off-ramp and NM 14 and NM 333. Drivers should expect delays and be extra careful.
Public Safety Services Uninterrupted – Emergency services like police, fire rescue, and ambulance services will continue to operate normally, even if there’s a power outage.
Residents Should Stay Ready
PNM has made changes to its system to make it more sensitive to any trees, plants, or debris that could touch power lines. This could mean that if the power goes out, it might take longer to turn it back on because crews will need to do safety inspections before restoring service.
Bernalillo County encourages everyone to stay alert, monitor updates from PNM, and get ready for possible power interruptions.
Bernalillo County is taking smart steps to prepare for a possible Public Safety Power Shutoff to keep residents safe during risky weather conditions. While no shutdown is confirmed yet, it’s important for everyone in the East Mountains to stay informed and have backup plans ready. The county remains committed to keeping essential services running and supporting the community through any potential outage.
