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Arizona Wildfires Continue to Threaten El Paso Electric Transmission Lines
June 8, 2011The Wallow Fire in eastern Arizona is approximately 15 miles from El Paso Electric’s Springerville-Luna transmission line. The pace of the fire’s movement depends on the weather conditions in the area. So far, approximately 389,000 acres have been burned. 1,943 fire fighters are currently working to contain this wild fire.
In the event that the transmission lines are compromised or damaged as a result of fires or other threats, EPE’s capability to import power from Palo Verde may be reduced and as a result EPE may have to institute power curtailment/conservation measures. Some of these measures may include rolling blackouts.
El Paso Electric is already taking steps to prepare for the loss of electricity. EPE is:
- making sure we have the equipment and materials as well as the personnel available to assist in the restoration of the transmission lines;
- making provisions for obtaining additional power from other resources; and
- coordinating with other utilities on actions to take in the event transmission lines are adversely affected.
El Paso Electric will continue to monitor the situation in Arizona. If EPE determines that curtailment/conservation measures are required, El Paso Electric will inform customers, government agencies, and the news media of the need to curtail power in EPE’s service territory.