Mexico: Unusually low temperatures causing power outages in several northern states Feb. 16-18 /update 1

Event

Severe weather is likely to continue causing widespread power outages across northern Mexico, Feb. 16-18, with unusually cold temperatures prompting a spike in the load on the utility. Authorities stated that more than one million users continue to be affected by outages as of Feb. 16, particularly in the states of Nuevo Leon, Chihuahua, Tamaulipas, and Coahuila. Since the beginning of outages Feb. 15, close to six million users have been affected. Disruptions are likely to continue in northern Mexico through at least Feb. 18, and officials have asked residents in the most affected states, as well as Sonora, Sinaloa, and Durango, to minimize the use of electricity.

Additionally, authorities are enforcing planned outages throughout central Mexico late Feb. 16. Officials at the National Energy Control Center (Centro Nacional de Control de Energia) would implement rotational power cuts 1800-2300 Feb. 16 in Aguascalientes, Colima, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Jalisco, Mexico State, Michoacan, Nayarit, Puebla, Queretaro, San Luis Potosi, and Zacatecas, to save energy to use in the high-demand northern states.

The outages will likely continue through at least late Feb. 18. Business and transport disruptions are likely; power cuts could also create delays at some regional airports. Some airports in northern Mexico, especially in the state of Chihuahua, were affected Feb. 15; however, activity had resumed by early Feb. 16.

Advice

Charge all communication and portable electronic devices when possible. Unplug electronic equipment that is not connected to surge protectors. Exercise caution when driving in areas affected by power outages. Ensure that generators are functional if operating in affected areas. Confirm business appointments. Verify that security systems are working, including after power resumes. Follow all security personnel instructions.

Resources

CENACE Updates