Residents of New Mexico are being warned to prepare for possible power outages as high winds and dry weather increase the risk of wildfires. This alert came from electric providers during a public hearing held by the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission in Santa Fe on Thursday.
The hearing is part of a series of workshops organized after the devastating wildfire season in 2022. Utility companies discussed the importance of implementing public safety power shutoffs to protect both residents and their infrastructure. They emphasized that these shutoffs are necessary to prevent wildfires and to avoid the financial repercussions that can arise from lawsuits related to fire damage.
The 2022 wildfire season was particularly harsh, with the largest fire in New Mexico’s history taking over four months and costing hundreds of millions of dollars to contain. Gabriel Aguilera, chair of the Public Regulation Commission, highlighted the severe impact of these disasters. He noted that utilities often face lawsuits, and insurance may cover only a small portion of the damages, leaving them vulnerable.
One specific case mentioned during the hearing involved PNM, a major utility company. PNM is currently facing a lawsuit from victims of the McBride Fire, which started when a tree fell on one of their power lines. This incident underscores the real dangers that can arise from utility operations during high-risk conditions.
As wildfire risks continue to rise, New Mexico residents should stay informed and prepare for the possibility of power outages as a safety measure.