Otero Electric Co-op Making Progress Restoring Power in Cloudcroft, Mescalero and Mountain Villages

OCEC members in Cloudcroft, Timberon, Mayhill, Pinon, Weed, Hwy. 244 leaving Cloudcroft, and surrounding areas were affected by a power outage that began early Sunday  when the region experienced very high winds.

There have been multiple reports of trees and powerline down, but the biggest issue crews face right now is that there was damage structure on the transmission line that provides power to the above communities.

Repairs continue and are taking some time and members in these areas can expect to be without electric service with a goal of full operational capacity on Tuesday. 

Additional crews have been called in to help make repairs. At this time there is no estimated time of full restoration.

If you see downed lines, stay away from them and do not attempt to remove trees or tree limbs as they could be energized. Report the locations of the downed lines and trees on the line by calling 800-548-4660.

Power has been restored to the majority of the Village of Cloudcroft. There are still areas without power due to trees on the lines and lines that are down. Crews will continue to work on areas that are damaged to continue with restoration.

Remember, if you encounter a downed line or tree on the line, DO NOT attempt to move the line or remove the tree as they could be energized. Report them to OCEC immediately.

While there are still some members without electricity, OCEC crews made a lot of progress in restoring service today. The system started the day yesterday with over 7,500 meters off and ended with about 1,100 who remained off last night.

Work has begun again this morning for further repairs. 

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