This morning we spoke with Regina Ruiz from the City of Santa Fe to discuss the potential public safety power shutoff by the Public Service Company of New Mexico. With winds expected to reach up to 70 miles an hour in some areas, we discuss the precautions being put in place to prevent fires caused by downed power lines.
The concern stems from the high winds potentially knocking down power lines, which could ignite fires, reminiscent of incidents observed in other regions. Regina explained that while this would be unprecedented for Santa Fe, it is a necessary consideration to mitigate fire hazards, especially given the area’s dry weather conditions.
Preparing for such a significant shutdown involves multiple layers of community readiness. Residents are encouraged to ensure they have adequate backup power supplies, particularly if they rely on electric medical equipment. As many as 35,000 customers, including those in Santa Fe and the Pueblo of Cochiti, might be affected. The possibility of a 24-hour power outage requires the community to stockpile essentials like non-perishable food and water.
Communication plays a pivotal role in this process. Regina emphasized the importance for residents to make sure that their contact information is updated with PNM for timely alerts. Additionally, the smart911.com service provides a way for locals to receive critical updates from the City of Santa Fe, ensuring they aren’t left in the dark—literally and figuratively.
The contingency plans extend to local services, with the city ready to adjust operations at senior centers and libraries as necessary. Even as these centers remain open, there’s awareness that an escalation could necessitate early closures, particularly if power shutoffs happen.
Emergency response teams are alert and prepared, with enhanced staffing to manage any emergent needs that high winds might bring about, including downed power lines. Regina stressed that the focus was on safety and urged the community to treat any intersections with non-functional traffic lights as four-way stops to prevent accidents.
In such events, community support becomes vital. Assistance for neighbors—especially those reliant on power for medical equipment—and staying informed collectively can mitigate the impact. Understanding these protocols and preparing accordingly not only preserves community safety but also exemplifies the resilience and readiness that Santa Fe aims to cultivate in its approach to emergencies.
City of Santa Fe News Release (below)
City of Santa Fe Prepares for Possible Power Outages
SANTA FE, NM, March 5, 2025— City of Santa Fe officials urge residents to prepare for a possible PNM Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) on Thursday. A PSPS is a tool used in mitigation of wildfires by preventing the electrical system from becoming a source of ignition during high winds. This could mean Santa Fe area residents may not have power from Thursday afternoon until Friday, PNM explained at a press conference Wednesday. A high wind warning forecast in Santa Fe is expected to last from 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. Thursday, March 6, 2025, with wind gusts predicted up to 70 mph.
According to PNM, the PSPS could affect 35,000 customers in the Santa Fe area and the Pueblo of Cochiti. As of Wednesday evening, PNM says it has not decided whether to have a PSPS, the decision will be made Thursday morning at 11 a.m.
PNM has the ability to send out information directly to affected customers, however residents need to update their contact information on PNM.com.
The City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is activated to coordinate emergency alerts if needed.
The City of Santa Fe urges residents to prepare now with an outage plan for food and resources, including back-up power for any medical equipment.
If you have an emergency, please call 9-1-1. Please do not call 9-1-1 for updates regarding any power outage. Call PNM for downed power lines: (888) 342-5766
City of Santa Fe Community Services, including libraries, recreation centers and senior centers will operate on their normal schedule but may close at 12:00 PM. The GCCC pool will be closed through March 7th, due to the potential power outage.
If PNM does not proceed with the power shutoff, all Community Service Facilities will remain open as originally scheduled, with the exception of the GCCC Pool.
Santa Fe Municipal Court will be closing at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, March 6, 2025, following the constitutionally required hearings.
City of Santa Fe trash and recycling services will run on a regular schedule. However, residents are asked to hold off on putting out recycling bins Thursday, if possible, due to the high winds. Also, residents are asked to take in bins in a timely manner due to the wind.
The Santa Fe Regional Airport has generators and plans to continue operating as usual.
Safety Tips for Residents from Santa Fe First Responders:
In anticipation of extreme weather impacting our community, the Santa Fe Police will have additional staff available to keep our community safe and to respond to emergency situations. The Santa Fe Fire Department will also have additional staff on hand.
-If you don’t have to be on the road, please stay home.
-Keep your cellphone charged in case you need to make a call for assistance in an emergency.
-Check on family and neighbors during a power outage.
-If the power goes off to traffic lights, treat intersections with traffic lights as a 4-way stop. Be patient with other drivers.
-Have your emergency kit prepared and ready to use.
How to Prepare for the Planned Power Shutoff
1️. Be Ready for Power Loss Starting Thursday Afternoon
- It is possible that large areas of Santa Fe may lose power for up to 24 hours due to wildfire risks.
- Check PNM’s outage map for the latest updates on affected areas: https://outagemap.pnm.com
2️. Stock Up on Essentials Before the Shutoff
- Charge phones, medical devices, and backup power sources.
- Gather flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, and bottled water.
- Fill up your gas tank and have cash on hand in case ATMs and card machines go offline.
3️. Plan for Medical & Safety Needs
- If you rely on electric-powered medical equipment, arrange for backup power or relocate to a powered facility.
- Identify the nearest emergency shelter or warming/cooling center in case you need assistance.
4️. Prepare for Traffic Disruptions & City Service Closures
- Traffic signals may be out – treat intersections as four-way stops.
5️. Stay Informed & Connected
- Sign up for Alert Santa Fe to receive real-time emergency notifications. https://www.smart911.com/smart911/ref/reg.action?pa=AlertSantaFe
- Follow City of Santa Fe and PNM social media for the latest updates.
6️. Be Ready for Power Restoration Delays
- Power may take several hours or longer to restore as lines are inspected.
- Avoid opening refrigerators/freezers frequently to keep food cold longer.
PNM is urging all customers to be prepared for weather-related outages. Sign up for PNM Outage Alerts by texting #REG and then #ALERT to 78766 from a number associated with your account.
Learn more about how to prepare for a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) at PNM.com/wildfire-safety.
Report outages at PNM.com/outage or text #OUT to 78766.
