Help conserve energy
Peak Energy Demand Occurs Between
4 pm - 9 pm
Conserving during these hours helps support reliable service.
PNM is asking customers in far Northeast Albuquerque to conserve energy
As temperatures rise and electricity use increases, PNM is asking customers in far Northeast Albuquerque to help conserve energy between 4:00 pm and 9:00 pm. Working together can reduce strain on the electric system and lower the risk for outages.
How You Can Help
Raise your thermostat a few degrees
Increase your thermostat by a few degrees during peak hours to reduce energy use while staying comfortable.
Delay laundry and dishwashing
Run washers and dishwashers after 9 p.m. to avoid adding strain to the system during peak demand.
Charge EVs after 9 p.m.
Charge your electric vehicle overnight to help balance energy use and support a more reliable grid.
Turn off unnecessary lights
Switch off lights you're not using to quickly lower your home's energy use during peak hours.
Limit energy-intensive activities
Avoid high-energy tasks like baking or heavy appliance use until after peak hours to help reduce demand.
Use fans when possible
Use ceiling or portable fans to stay cool and reduce reliance on air conditioning during peak times.
Open Drapes and Windows
When outdoor temperatures drop in the evening, open window and drapes to bring in cooler air naturally and reduce the need for air conditioning.
Clear the area around your air conditioner
Keep the area around your outdoor unit clear of debris, plants, and obstructions so it can run efficiently and use less energy.
Home Energy Saving Tips and Guidance
Explore Tips on Saving Money and Energy in Your Home, a practical guide from the U.S. Department of Energy that shares ways to lower utility costs through home energy audits, weatherization, efficient heating and cooling, better lighting, smarter appliance use, water heating improvements, and renewable energy options.
Should all customers conserve energy?
Only customers in the highlighted areas of the map have received notifications and are being asked to conserve energy at this time. No other areas of PNM's grid are affected. The Northeast Albuquerque area is one of the fastest-growing areas in PNM's service territory. PNM has proposed a new grid infrastructure to serve this growing electricity demand but has not received approval for the new substation. Electric demand in this area has grown quickly, and existing infrastructure is operating at capacity. During periods of high demand, this increases the risk of system strain and potential outages.
As a reminder, there is never a bad time to save energy. Visit our Energy Efficiency pages for information on programs and tips to help save money and energy throughout the year.
Why are only some customers being asked to conserve energy?
The limited grid infrastructure in far Northeast Albuquerque is creating the situation. PNM has repeatedly sought approval to build a new substation to serve customers in this area. While today's focus is on managing near-term system conditions, the new substation is required to ensure safe, reliable service for the community.
What PNM is doing
- Monitoring system conditions around the clock
- Adjusting operations to support reliability
- Communicating with customers and community leaders
- Continuing to invest in infrastructure improvements
- Planning for future growth to better serve our community
Prepare for Potential Outages
Customers in far Northeast Albuquerque should also prepare for potential outages by building or restocking an emergency preparedness kit, planning for medical needs and making sure they have any information needed if power is unavailable.
Frequently Asked Questions
PNM utilizes an in-depth third-party consulting organization to model potential customer demand increases across the system and plan the necessary available resources needed to meet those customer needs. Because the electric grid is interconnected and PNM follows strict federal guidelines, we work closely with our FERC approved Reliability Coordinator to monitor available energy resources to meet customer demands.
Additionally, substations contain equipment that regulates the voltage of electricity for nearby homes and businesses. If power demands in an area surge beyond the capabilities of nearby substations, damage to the equipment can occur and put the entire grid at risk. As areas grow, additional substations may be necessary.
Asking customers to conserve energy is an important step to help protect the electric grid from damage caused by stressed/overloaded grid conditions. Working together as a community can be a critical part to contribute to the stability of the power grid and can prevent the need for system protection outages.
There is no guarantee that this will be the only time we encourage customers to conserve energy to help protect the grid. But there is no bad time to conserve energy. Energy savings, especially during peak time periods, saves customers energy and money.
When extreme weather leads to an increase in electricity demand, the best thing you can do to help is to lower your own electricity demand by lowering your usage. View our tips section for simple steps that customers are encouraged to take to help keep the grid safe.