EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — El Paso Electric (EPE) received a national award for its response during two major wildfires that ravaged the Ruidoso area during summer 2024.
EPE was given the Emergency Response Award from the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), El Paso Electric said.
Presented to EEI member companies twice a year, the Emergency Response Awards recognize recovery and assistance efforts of electric companies following service disruptions caused by extreme weather or other natural events.
“We are honored to receive this recognition for stepping in to support our neighboring community of Ruidoso after fires affected the Lincoln National Forest,” David Rodriguez, vice president of Energy Supply and Distribution Operations. “Providing our resources when communities are under pressure is what we do every day, and we take that responsibility very seriously. This recognition speaks to our readiness to stand by our customers and to extend that same strength and support beyond our service area when others are in need.”
In June 2024, members of EPE’s team answered the call to assist in the emergency response to the devastating wildfires in Ruidoso.
“Lineworkers, field supervisors and safety representatives left their homes and families to work long, difficult shifts under dangerous conditions,” EPE said.
For a week, crews braved extreme heat, heavy smoke and rugged terrain to help the electric utility of northern New Mexico, PNM, restore power and rebuild critical infrastructure.
Crews worked 16-hour days clearing debris, resetting poles, stringing new wire and ensuring that essential services could come back online for affected residents, El Paso Electric said.
“America’s electric companies and their dedicated workforces work tirelessly throughout the year to strengthen the energy grid and to restore power — and peace of mind — for American families and businesses after extreme weather events and natural disasters,” EEI President and CEO Drew Maloney said. “EPE showcased true leadership when it stepped in to lend critical support to neighboring electric companies in their times of need – underscoring the importance of our industry’s mutual assistance network. This assistance award reflects EPE and its storm response team’s incredible commitment to the customers and communities they serve.”
The winners for these awards were chosen by a panel of judges following an international nomination process.
The awards were presented during EEI’s Fall Board of Directors and Chief Executives Meeting.
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