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PNM outlines wildfire mitigation, explains Public Safety Power Shutoffs to Ruidoso Downs council
Summary
PNM told the Ruidoso Downs City Council how it monitors wildfire risk, trims and replaces poles, and decides whether to de-energize lines to prevent ignitions. The utility described notification steps, restoration protocols and support for customers with medical electricity needs.
PNM representatives presented the utility's wildfire-mitigation work and explained how Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) would be used in extreme conditions to reduce the risk of power lines starting fires.
"We're trying to protect our communities and trying to protect our customers ... from a catastrophic wildfire that might be caused by a power line," said Wesley Gray, identified in the meeting as PNM's executive director of field operations. Gray described an approach that combines vegetation management, pole replacements and system "hardening," weather-driven risk modeling and a staged decision process that moves from monitoring to a possible de-energization if conditions warrant.
Kevin Cardoza, PNM's local government affairs and community manager for Southern New Mexico, said the utility seeks to limit PSPS use and to avoid unnecessary outages. He said PNM uses computer modeling refreshed every six hours and deploys foresters, vegetation crews, mutual-aid linemen and contractors to inspect and repair lines.
PNM described notification steps it would take as a potential PSPS moves closer: an early "watch" 4–7 days out, a more specific "warning" 48–72 hours before an event, then day-of customer alerts by email, text, social media and local media if the utility decides to de-energize lines. Gray said restoration follows a planned, sectional approach: crews clear and verify each feeder from the substation outward before re-energizing.
The utility also discussed customer-support measures. PNM said it is reinstating a LifeWatch program to notify customers with medical electricity needs and their caregivers about PSPS risks and that it has a Good Neighbor Fund to help customers with delinquent bills.
Council members asked how residents can update contact information; PNM advised customers to update profiles on the company website so they can receive text and email alerts. PNM officials said they would continue outreach to schools, emergency managers, the county and local media and would use drones and helicopters where safe to speed post-event patrols.
The presentation was informational; no council action on PSPS was required at the meeting. The mayor thanked PNM for the briefing and asked staff to share printed materials with county officials.
