COUNTY NEWS RELEASE

Please do not turn off your own gas or electric service even when planning for potential evacuation, per the Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities (DPU.

“We are aware that mixed messaging has gone out from various sources on this topic,” said Utility Manager Philo Shelton. “We are trying to rein that messaging in and get the word out to customers that DPU is the official source for utility guidance and we do not want anyone turning their own meters off under any circumstances.”

If fire were to threaten properties within DPU’s service area, DPU would initiate necessary turnoffs. DPU officials discourage customers from turning off their own utilities for safety reasons. Should an evacuation order be put in place, DPU’s staff will monitor the situation closely and cut off utilities on a neighborhood-by-neighborhood basis as necessary.