Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Xcel Energy and the electric cooperatives* in eastern New Mexico and across the region have declared an "Energy Alert" and are urging customers cut back on their use of electricity.
The alert is in effect Monday evening until 9 p.m. (MDT), according to an Xcel news release.
"Xcel Energy and the electric cooperatives declare an Energy Alert only when a reduction in electricity use is urgently needed to maintain the electricity system and service to customers, the release stated.
Adrian Rodriguez, president of Xcel Energy - New Mexico, Texas, stated in the release:
“We are making a public appeal to our customers to turn off lights and appliances unless it would harm their health. We take our responsibility to supply energy to our customers very seriously, and we declared this Energy Alert only after exhausting all other options. Our customers have helped us through similar situations in the past, and we look to them today to help us maintain the integrity of their electricity system.”
Suggestions on how reduce electric load, according to the release, include:
* Either turn off air conditioning or increase your thermostat setting to 85 degrees, slowly lowering the setting after 7 p.m. to a more comfortable setting. This does not apply to customers who depend on air conditioning for health reasons.
* Put off household chores that involve electrical appliances until after 7 p.m. (dishwashers, washing machines, clothes dryers, vacuum cleaners, etc.)
* Put off tasks at work, if possible, that would demand electricity (power tools, maintenance equipment, etc.).
* Turn off televisions and electronic equipment unless they are necessary to conduct business or to ensure your health and safety.
* Turn off unnecessary lighting, leaving on only enough to move about safely indoors.
"However, elderly people or people who have health concerns should NOT turn off their air conditioners," the release stated.
The release continued:
"Xcel Energy and the electric cooperatives forecasts indicate that, unless customers cut back on use, electricity demand will exceed the amount of electricity the companies will be able to supply. Failure to reduce electricity demand could result in controlled electric service interruptions within the region."
