Utility recognized for its commitment to emergency response, safety and restoration efforts following a natural disaster.
(ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.) – The Edison Electric Institute (EEI) announced today that PNM and the company's mutual assistance team were selected to receive a prominent award for their work with outage restoration following "Superstorm" Sandy.
Edison Electric Institute annually recognizes companies that put forth an exemplary effort to assist other utilities with outage restoration by presenting the Emergency Assistance Award. PNM was chosen following an international nomination process, and the award was presented during EEI's Winter CEO meeting.
"Superstorm" Sandy left approximately 8.5 million people in 15 states and the District of Columbia without power. Over a 19 day period, the 40 member PNM mutual assistance team traveled more than 5,000 miles, to restore power to approximately 50,000 homes, assisting three utility companies.
"PNM's restoration assistance following Hurricane Sandy was truly remarkable," said EEI President Tom Kuhn. "Getting the lights back on quickly and safely following a major storm is never easy. Working through the industry's mutual assistance program, PNM's crews were essential in helping their fellow utility companies restore service in affected neighborhoods. Importantly, PNM's assistance also shows their compassion in helping others in their time of need. I congratulate them."
Sandy required an unprecedented response from the electric utility industry to help restore power to millions of people in heavily populated areas. TNMP was one of 39 companies to receive 2012 Emergency Assistance Awards.
PNM's nomination cited extraordinary efforts by employees to respond to customer concerns and restore power, including one employee who potentially helped save a life when he discovered an elderly man who fell from a tree and landed on a fence.
"PNM is extremely proud to accept this award from EEI. This award is a testament to our employees' commitment to safe restoration practices. We were pleased to assist the utilities companies on the East Coast,” said Pat Vincent-Collawn, president and CEO of PNM Resources. "It was a pleasure and honor to accept the award today on their behalf."