Lightning Blamed For New Mexico’s Latest Power Outages

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's largest electric provider has restored power to thousands of customers following multiple outages throughout central New Mexico. Public Service Co. of New Mexico reported outages from Santa Fe to Albuquerque and south toward Belen on Monday afternoon. Residential and business customers were affected. Utility spokesman Pahl Shipley said the initial investigation indicates lightning played a role in the disruption of a high-voltage transmission line in northwestern New Mexico. The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning Monday afternoon as storms crossed over the region. PNM customers have experienced a number of outages in recent weeks. More than 3,000 customers in the Albuquerque area had their power go out Sunday evening. In early August, lightning was to blame for a major outage in parts of central New Mexico.