Item 5.02. Departure of Directors or Principal Officers; Election of Directors;
Appointment of Principal Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers

El Paso Electric Company (the "Company") announced today that Scott D. Wilson, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial and Administrative Officer, will be retiring from the Company as early as the end of May 2009 for personal reasons having to do with the health of a family member. The Company and Mr. Wilson are presently discussing the timing of his retirement as well as a consulting arrangement under which he would be available to assure a smooth transition of his duties and to consult with the Company on financial and regulatory matters.

The Company will appoint David G. Carpenter, Vice President of Regulatory Services and Controller, to serve as principal financial officer while the Company conducts a search for Mr. Wilson's successor. Mr. Carpenter, age 53, has served in his current position since September 2008 and was the Company's Vice President of Corporate Planning and Controller from August 2005 to September 2008. Previously, he served as Director - Texas Regulatory Services for American Electric Power Services Corporation from June 2000 to August 2005.