Citywide Power Problem: 8 of 8 Power Generators Down

Officials at El Paso Electric say they’re dealing with a serious power problem. All eight local generators they use to produce power are not working.

El Paso Electric is now operating on and solely providing electricity to El Paso County and Dona Ana County through electricity it purchases from the Palo Verde Nuclear Power Plant in Arizona.

The Electric Company is asking all offices and businesses to use as little energy as possible. Customers can minimize the chance power surges will occur by turning off all but essential appliances, lights and other electrical equipment. Also, minimize unnecessary travel, as traffic signals may go out of service, resulting in traffic jams.

As a result of the failing generators, El Paso and Dona Ana County are experiencing rolling blackouts. It’s system automatically powers down in certain areas at a time, so it won’t lose power completely.

Officials say most people will have to do without power for up to about two hours at a time. Also, officials say any business or office that remains closed will help the situation, since they will not be using any electricity. All staffers are on the job working to repair the generators. This is a developing story. Stay with ABC-7 and kvia.com for any new information.