Power Customers Urged To Have Spring Storm Plans

Lewisville, Texas

Last spring gave Texas residents plenty of reasons to remember what weather can do. One of those things it can do, and did plenty in 2015, is cause power outages.

Texas-New Mexico Power, which operates power lines serving 236,000 homes and businesses across Texas, was not immune to those storms. Just like last year, we'll be keeping an eye on the weather and will be ready to respond if storms cause outages.

TNMP suggests that customers make their own plans to be ready for the possibility of outages, which most often are caused by lightning or wind. The spring is TNMP's busiest time of year in terms of responding to outages.

"We really can't know exactly what the weather is bringing us or our customers in advance," TNMP President Neal Walker said. "But we all can prepare and have plans ready for when storms cause outages."

Steps Customers Can Take

  • Put the power company’s phone number in a convenient location.
    • For TNMP customers, call 888-866-7456 to report an outage or to get an update.
  • Check flashlights or electric lanterns in advance.
  • Ensure they have fresh batteries for flashlights and hand-held radios.
  • Charge phones, tablets, rechargeable lanterns and hand-held video games in the hours before a storm is expected to arrive.
  • Have snacks and drinks ready to go – but not in the refrigerator, which should stay closed while the power is out.
  • Prepare a backup plan if someone in the home depends on powered medical equipment.

Customers also may wish to discuss with children, in advance, what a power outage means, particularly after dark.

How Customers Can Stay Safe

  • Avoid using landline phones if there is lightning in the area.
    • Cordless and mobile phones are OK.
  • Teach everyone in the home to stay far away from any downed power lines, regardless of whether power is on in the area.
  • Run portable generators outside and well away from any buildings.
  • Portable generator owners also should know why they should only power specific appliances – not an entire home or business.

Staying safe when lightning is around also is important. Tips are available from ready.gov/thunderstorms-lightning

How TNMP Prepares

We prepare crews for power outage work in areas that are forecasted to be affected by incoming weather. We also have plans for quickly calling in additional crews, if needed.

Our first focus is on fixing damage that is disrupting power for the most number of customers, and finding storm-damaged equipment, particularly after dark, can be time-consuming.

Crews will work 24-7, with a strong emphasis on crew member safety, until all customers have power restored from these storms.

TNMP is a transmission and distribution service provider that delivers power to about 236,000 homes and businesses on behalf of retail electric providers in Texas. More information is available at tnmp.com/about-us.

Media contact
Eric Paul: 409-949-5685