Xcel Energy to shut power off to 180 customers near Post on Tuesday due to wildfire risks
Xcel Energy is expected to shut off power to around 180 customers near Post on Tuesday to mitigate growing wildfire risks.
Xcel Energy cites "exceptionally high wind speeds, low humidity and an abundance of dead or dry brush and grass," as factoring into the company's decision.
Dig Deeper: Xcel Energy considering power shutoffs in West Texas due to fire, wind conditions on Tuesday
This comes after the company shut off power to 140 customers in eastern New Mexico due to the same conditions on Monday and alerted West Texans to the same situation in the area on Tuesday.
According to the company, it's reaching out directly to affected customers, including those who use medical equipment that relies on electrical service, to encourage them to prepare for the Public Safety Power Shutoff.
Xcel Energy expects these potential power outages to begin at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 4.
Others are reading: Abbott activates Texas fire fighting resources, local officials urge precaution
'We are continuing to evaluate all factors in this evolving weather pattern. Through our analysis, we have reduced the area that could be impacted by a Public Safety Power Shutoff in the South Plains region,' said Adrian Rodriguez, president of Xcel Energy in New Mexico and Texas.
Customers can check the status of outages on the Xcel Energy outage map.
Xcel Energy is urging its customers to check their account information and communications preferences are up to date through the Xcel Energy website.
The website hosts an outage map that displays information on the number of customers out and the anticipated time for restoration when available. Customers can also stay informed by following Xcel Energy on Facebook and X.
Customers can also visit the PSPS Event website for more information.
Others are reading: Texas lawmakers want to give state more oversight, resources for wildfire management
Xcel Energy is encouraging its customers to be prepared for an electric outage by keeping phones and other devices charged and building an outage kit with items that do not require electricity, including:
Battery-powered radio.
Flashlights.
Batteries.
Backup phone chargers.
A phone that does not require electricity.
Non-electric alarm clock.
Bottled water and non-perishable food.
Manual can opener.
First aid kit.
Extension cords (for partial outages).
Manufacturer's instructions on how to manually open power-operated doors (e.g. garage doors).
Xcel Energy phone numbers – (800) 895-1999 for residential or (800) 481-4700 for business.
Xcel Energy also reminded customers with medical equipment that relies on electric service to have a backup power supply in case outages occur.
Mateo Rosiles is the Government & Public Policy reporter for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Got a news tip for him? Email him at mrosiles@lubbockonline.com.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Xcel Energy to shut power off near Post due to fire threat, wind
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