LAS VEGAS, N.M. — High winds prompted a planned public safety power shutoff Thursday affecting thousands of residents and businesses in Las Vegas, New Mexico. The proactive measure, implemented by Public Service Company of New Mexico, aimed to mitigate wildfire risk as gusts swept across the state.
Approximately 2,300 PNM customers in the city's western sector lost power starting around 11:30 a.m. PNM initiated the PSPS following warnings from the National Weather Service about extreme fire conditions fueled by drought, heat, and wind.
The shutoff impacted daily life, leaving stores like Big R dark and traffic lights at intersections inoperable. Some businesses closed doors, like a Dollar General, displaying handwritten signs explaining the lack of power.
Luna Community College closed its campus for the afternoon due to the outage, citing a lack of backup power infrastructure. Other institutions, including New Mexico Highlands University and local public schools, reportedly continued operations.
Residents and businesses found themselves grappling with PNM's public safety power shutoff. Concerns arose about spoiled food, particularly for lower-income families. Despite the inconvenience, some residents acknowledged the necessity, referencing the devastating Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Fire that ravaged the area in 2022.
PNM described the action as a "last-resort step" taken after deliberation, noting its role in preventing fires amid conditions impacting Western states. The utility prepared crews to patrol lines once winds subsided, a process involving inspecting miles of lines and hundreds of poles, much of it on foot.
Officials indicated the shutoff could last overnight, potentially up to 48 hours, depending on weather and system damage. However, conditions improved sooner than initially feared.
Power has been restored to all affected customers by 10:10 p.m. Thursday, according to a PNM announcement. Don Tarry, PNM President and CEO, thanked customers for their patience and crews for their work during the event.
Mayor David Romero commented that planned shutoffs are "becoming the norm" in areas facing high wildfire risk, urging the city and residents to prepare for such events in the future.
