PNM is asking customers in far northeast Albuquerque to reduce electricity use during the hottest part of the day as high temps strain the area’s electric grid. Residents in far Northeast Albuquerque are being asked to cut back on electricity use during the late afternoon and evening as extreme heat continues to increase demand on the power grid.

PNM said customers in the area should try to conserve energy between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m., when electricity use is typically at its highest. The utility warns that if demand exceeds what the local electrical equipment can safely handle, power outages could occur.

Conservation Recommendations

To help reduce the strain on the system, PNM recommends setting air conditioning thermostats a few degrees higher, delaying the use of major appliances such as dishwashers and dryers, and turning off unnecessary lights during peak hours.

According to the utility, the request is tied to long-standing capacity issues in far Northeast Albuquerque. PNM said it has sought to build a new substation to better serve the growing area, but those efforts have not been approved, leaving nearby substations to absorb additional demand.

Customers are encouraged to prepare for the possibility of outages as hot weather continues.

Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.