LEWISVILLE, TEXAS – As the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season kicks off, Texas-New Mexico Power (TNMP) has completed a series of significant infrastructure upgrades and emergency preparedness initiatives aimed at strengthening the electric grid and ensuring rapid response in the event of severe storms. With forecasters at NOAA predicting an above-normal level of hurricane activity this year, TNMP is urging customers—especially those in coastal areas—to take steps now to prepare for potential impacts.
Under TNMP’s System Resiliency Plan, the utility is taking bold steps over the next three years to strengthen the grid and prepare for potential storms. Upgrades include:
- Over 10,000 poles replaced, along with crossarms and insulators*
- Approximately 25,000 poles will be inspected*
- Proactive trimming and risk assessments nearly 5,000 distribution miles*
- Remote sensing to allow TNMP to assess and prioritize issues and identify infrastructure impacts
*numbers are system-wide
“Investments like these are a cornerstone of our commitment to keeping communities safe and connected, especially during extreme weather,” said Keith Nix, Vice President of Operations and TNMP’s Incident Commander. “But it’s not just about the equipment — it’s about being ready to act when a storm hits.”
Preparedness in Action: Company-Wide Hurricane Simulation
In addition to physical infrastructure improvements, TNMP recently conducted a full-scale tabletop hurricane simulation to test its emergency response under an updated Incident Command System (ICS) structure. Participants assumed key roles and worked through a realistic and dynamic hurricane scenario that mirrored the complexities of a major storm event.
Supporting roles were also filled across regional operations, public communications, industrial customer relations, and safety teams.
Over two simulated operational periods, TNMP teams responded to evolving storm injects, practiced cross-regional coordination, and developed real-time Incident Action Plans. The drill was designed to sharpen decision-making, reinforce role clarity, and improve response efficiency.
“Exercises like this are vital,” said Sara Yingling, Public Information Officer. “They prepare us to communicate clearly and effectively when our customers need us most.”
Customer Preparedness Starts Now
TNMP urges customers, especially those in coastal areas, to begin preparing now:
- Create and practice a family emergency plan
- Assemble an emergency supply kit
- Follow TNMP on social media for updates
- Attend local preparedness events
For more hurricane preparedness tips, visit Power Outages | Texas-New Mexico Power
About TNMP
Texas-New Mexico Power (TNMP) is a transmission and distribution utility serving more than 270,000 homes and businesses across Texas. TNMP is committed to providing safe, reliable, and efficient energy while investing in long-term infrastructure improvements to support growing communities.