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Public Safety Power
Shutoff (PSPS)
Current PSPS Status:
Everything looks good.
Next update: 00/00/205 00:00
Next update: TBD
Next update: 00/00/205 00:00
PSPS Imminent
Last Updated: 07/23/2025 11:49 am
Safety Comes First
A Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) is a last-resort safety action. If weather forecasts show extreme wildfire riskthink high winds, dry fuels, and low humidityPNM may shut off power to parts of the grid to avoid unintentional sparks that could potentially lead to catastrophic wildfires. These outages can last from a few hours up to 48 hours, depending on conditions and necessary inspections. A PSPSand while rare, it's a powerful tool to protect lives, property, and our beautiful New Mexico landscape.
Who's Affected
PSPS events primarily affect customers living in High Fire Risk Areas. If you're in one of these areas, especially during dry, windy conditions, you could experience a temporary outage as a wildfire safety measure.
When Is It Initiated?
Only when absolutely necessaryand based on real-time fire weather forecasts. Decisions are made quickly to stay ahead of danger, but we will communicate early, clearly, and often.
What to Expect
Our alerts follow a clear three-phase system:
Watch
(24 Days Before Possible Shutoff)
We're closely monitoring wildfire conditions.
While no shutoff is planned yet, forecasts show increased fire danger. Our system may be placed in Wildfire Safety Mode if there the National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the affected area, which means power lines will automatically shut off if debris makes contacthelping prevent ignition but possibly causing longer outages.
What PNM is doing:
- Reviewing forecasts multiple times a day with our Wildfire Response Team.
- Prepping crews and materials in case of an upcoming PSPS.
- Notifying local and state emergency officials.
- Checking availability of mutual aid crews and outside electricians.
- Making early resource plans that need more than 24 hours to coordinate.
What you should do:
- Refill prescriptionsespecially if you have less than a week's supply.
- If you rely on medical devices that need power, make a safety plan now.
- Talk with friends or family about your backup plan in case of a 48-hour outage.
- Update your contact info in your PNM account.
- Postpone large grocery trips and flexible plans during this high-risk period.
- Watch weather forecasts and check PNM.com/PSPS regularly.
Advisory
(Within 24 Hours of Possible Shutoff)
Fire danger remains high and forecasts haven't improved.
If conditions continue, we may need to shut off power for safety. We'll keep you informed every step of the way.
What PNM is doing:
- Deploying or preparing crews in high-risk areas.
- Securing contractor and helicopter support for fast inspections.
- Cancelling time off for key staff.
- Staying in close contact with emergency officials.
What you should do:
- Charge all essential devices, including medical equipment, flashlights, and phones.
- Top off your car's gas tank (gas pumps won't work without power).
- Stock 48 hours' worth of drinking water and shelf-stable food.
- Confirm your safety plan with family, friends, and neighbors.
- Make backup plans for anything scheduled tomorrow.
Warning
(Day of)
Real-time data shows conditions may require a shutoff today.
If a PSPS is needed, it may happen quickly and without additional notice.
What PNM is doing:
- Staging crews at shutoff points, ready to act immediately.
- Monitoring weather and wildfire risk minute by minute.
- Mobilizing mutual aid if needed for fast power restoration.
- Posting regular updates to PNM.com/PSPS and social media.
What you should do:
- Fully charge phones and medical devices while power is on.
- Check in with vulnerable family, friends, or neighbors.
- Review your outage plan and make sure you¿re ready to go without power for up to 48 hours.
- Visit PNM.com/PSPS for the latest updates and resources.
In each phase, we'll let you know the most up-to-date status of your region by keeping PSPS Status Alert module above updated. Bookmark this page to get the latest updates.
What Can I Do?
As we work hard to keep our communities safe, here's what you can do to stay informed and prepared.
Get notified of PSPS updates
If a PSPS is initiated, we'll notify you directly through texts, emails, and calls. It's important that your contact information is updated to receive these important communications.
Be patient as power is being restored
As conditions improve, here's how the power gets restored:
Wildfire and weather conditions must first improve.
Crews perform visual inspections of power lines (this may require daylight and aerial support).
Any necessary repairs are made.
Power is safely restored the full process may take up to 48 hours.
You'll receive a notification when your power is back on.
Luna Community College, Media Arts Center Auditorium (Bldg. R), 336 Luna Drive, Las Vegas, NM 87701
Clayton Civic Center, 124 North Front
Venue TBD
Vecinos Community Center, Gymnasium, 478 1/2 Old Highway 66, Tijeras, NM 87059
Attend an informative event
Stay informed and prepared by joining PNM at upcoming community events focused on wildfire safety and learning more about our Pubic Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) process. These gatherings are designed to share critical information, local resources, and practical tips to help protect your home and neighborhood. Check the table for event names, dates, and timesyour participation makes a difference.
Answers to Your Questions
What is a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)?
A Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) is when PNM is forced by extreme weather conditions to turn off power on parts of its system in order to avoid starting a wildfire.
Why is a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) happening?
The Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) is used to keep communities safe by preventing electrical equipment from becoming a possible ignition source. Strong winds, dry conditions, and fire threats can turn power lines into ignition sources. A Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) helps prevent wildfires by shutting off power when these conditions pose a severe risk.
What should I expect before a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) event?
PNM monitors extreme weather and will notify you in advance whenever possible:
4-7 days ahead: Monitoring extreme weather forecasts and preparing for potential shutoffs. Notifying local and tribal governments, emergency officials, hospitals, and first responders.
2-3 days ahead: Notifying customers via social media, PNM.com and local news.
1 day ahead: Notifying customers with details.
0-4 hours ahead: Providing customers with alerts before power is shut off.
What should I expect during and after a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) event?
During a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS): Power is shut off to reduce wildfire risk. PNM customers to receive updates.
After a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS): PNM crews inspect power lines and equipment for safety before restoring power. You will be notified once restoration begins and when power is fully restored.
How will I be notified about a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) event?
PNM will notify you via text, email, or phone call based on your preference noted in your PNM account. Updates are also posted on our website, outage map, and social media channels.
Who decides when a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) event is activated?
PNM works closely with emergency partners in New Mexico to monitor fire risks and weather conditions. PNM ultimately makes the decision to implement a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS), always prioritizing safety. PNM will determine if a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) is required to keep communities safe and prevent electrical equipment from becoming a possible ignition source.
When will PNM call a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) event?
A Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) is triggered when weather conditions create a significant fire risk, including:
- High winds that could cause power lines to arc or fall.
- Low humidity that increases fire spread potential.
- Dry vegetation that acts as fuel.
- On-the-ground observations of fire hazards.
Who is most affected by Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) outages?
Customers in High Fire Risk Areas (HFAs) are more likely to experience a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS). However, power grid interconnectivity means outages may also impact areas outside of HFAs.
High Fire Risk Areas are; Clayton, Cochiti Pueblo, East Mountains (Sandias), Las Vegas, Mescalero Apache Nation, Ruidoso, Santa Fe, Silver City, and Tesuque Pueblo.
How long will my power be out?
Power will remain off until conditions are safe for restoration. Our teams inspect equipment before turning power back on. While restoration typically takes a few hours, it can take longer depending on weather and system damage.
Can you provide information on PNM's recent regulatory filings related to wildfire safety?
See the 2025 PNM Wildfire Mitigation Plan and the PNM Public Safety Power Shutoff plan filings.
View the 2024 PNM Wildfire Mitigation Plan and the PNM Public Safety Power Shutoff plan filings.
