El Paso Stores & Malls Re-Open Despite Borderland Power Problems

A lot of El Paso’s big stores and restaurants were back in business Thursday. But given the borderland’s current utility problems as a result of the winter blast, should they have opened their doors in the first place?

Some El Paso leaders, including County Judge Veronica Escobar, were hoping businesses would do a little more to help conserve energy.

“The Electric Company asked that they be part of the solution,” Escobar told ABC-7. “The City Manager and I ask the same thing.”

In a written El Paso status update, city officials said the following:

“Emergency Management officials have a difficult time asking public employers to close when the largest utility users are not making accommodations. Everyone?s cooperation is necessary or the utilities will institute mandatory cut-offs.”

Cindy Fought, Area Marketing Director for Sunland Park and Cielo Vista malls told ABC-7 the shopping centers provide a safe haven from inclement weather.

“Most of our malls are centrally located and close to major expressways, making them ideal locations for a reprieve from the weather,” Fought said.

A spokeswoman for Target said their stores remained open so that El Pasoans would be able to access emergency supplies.

Nevertheless, many businesses including Bassett Place mall closed early Thursday evening at the request of the El Paso Electric Company.