[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6698588,"mediaKeyId","5075338-e61734b181ff26b69383fbc01ce3d36f","parentId",5075338,"title","Consultants present draft electrification study, warn of substation and conductor upgrades","audioSeconds",5062,"startMs",330000,"endMs",5392000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5075338-e61734b181ff26b69383fbc01ce3d36f&start=330&end=5392","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5075338-e61734b181ff26b69383fbc01ce3d36f/thumbnail_330000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6698588/New-Mexico/Consultants-present-draft-electrification-study-warn-of-substation-and-conductor-upgrades","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6698588-71a7743e71f10a9a631671edda7d4d49/orig.mp4?Expires=1770739891&Signature=ZKJ6iq~jnnP775zE0IJNee9hfEuN~xzcJcw5InWPdcl~~bg7ScAVbNkZ8F6BzftOcw4QyJOTq4WUmwa~k2oZ1~flgu04ADII9Y2AaCr5fmPAUw-XbDwxTkoJsWRQuSIzhxLKzDAoBgDCXBIQu3m2wKt7vC6bc0j799RbCeu254ak-SCyLbExnMQChYuUsxfdqoUVKAxN2HfrYxdeNG4VBdx-jOUudTmJDhdi9uFXbHgSdbCb-T3lRq0qtJlmZfZmtjKGRzgXOtK4VmFA~F0qxzAFC1MAf-EzWGPlcMtvWIKnu4NRGcK98ks3P~JcjC8cQgrsyQC4cH3fBc2NWUgJ~g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Los Alamos County","date","2025-06-25T00:00:00Z","article","Los Alamos Board of Public Utilities Chair Jerry Gibson introduced a partial draft of the county's electrification study on June 25, 2025, and consultants from 1898 & Company (working with Burns & McDonnell) walked the board through chapters 1–4. The contractors said the analysis — driven by scenarios for vehicle and building electrification over a 30-year horizon — focuses on winter peak impacts and will be followed by a financial summary at the July meeting.

Why it matters: the study models how rapid adoption of electric vehicles, heat pumps and other electrified loads would change distribution planning and capital requirements. Consultants told the board that under the highest-adoption scenario the county could see a roughly 44.4 megawatt increase in peak demand by 2055 and that distribution and substation upgrades would be needed to keep voltages and equipment within planning criteria.

Jake Wells, a lead consultant, said the intermediate draft contains the inputs, system assessment and the electrification forecast used for power-flow simulations. \"This intermediate draft release contains chapters 1 through 4 of the full electrification study report,\" Wells told the board. The consultants described the study's approach: convert billing and SCADA data into a Windmill power-flow model, export to CYME/Eaton for hosting-capacity analysis, and apply three illustrative adoption scenarios (high, medium, low) across 15- and 30-year horizons.

Key technical findings: the team centered analysis on wintertime peaks because of anticipated increases in space-heating demand. They used a 95% power factor assumption and modeled solar PV at a reduced output (about 70%) for minimum daylight scenarios. Hosting-capacity visuals showed that reverse power flow — not conductor overload or voltage limits — was the most common constraint near substations. On longer laterals, voltage rise became the limiting factor.

Infrastructure implications: the consultants reported the town-site and LANL TA3 substation together have a contractual capacity limit of about 20 MVA from LANL sources; to serve high-electrification scenarios they identified the need for a new Eastgate substation and upgrades at White Rock substation. For the most aggressive 2055 scenario the draft maps show conductor upgrades and as many as six new distribution feeders tied to Eastgate to move load away from constrained feeders. The team also recommended tracking capacity projects (for electrification) separately from routine asset replacement costs.

Operations and modeling issues: consultants warned about model convergence problems when adding very large amounts of load to the distribution model. They removed some single-phase service transformers from long-range power-flow runs to stabilize simulations and recommended incremental, customer-level studies to assess specific transformer impacts. The report also flags opportunities to improve the county's planning workflow by linking GIS, meter-level billing and SCADA data into a living Windmill model.

Grid modernization options: the presentation summarized potential investments — distribution-scale batteries, modular substations and fault location/isolation/service-restoration (FLISR) — noting some technologies may not be cost‑effective in the near term for a predominantly underground system. The consultants described volt‑VAR (voltage‑reactive power) inverter settings and PNM's (Public Service Company of New Mexico) approach as one precedent for limiting high‑voltage events caused by rooftop PV.

Board questions and next steps: board members pressed the consultants on how the study separates costs that are due to asset aging versus new capacity needed for electrification; consultants said chapter 4 and the forthcoming financial analysis will separately track capacity improvement projects and asset replacement. Several board members asked for more county‑specific inputs (vehicle registration or assessor data) and for higher‑resolution service‑transformer analyses. The consultants said they will present the financial totals and methods to minimize customer impacts at the July meeting.

The draft is explicitly labeled intermediate; consultants and staff told the board the final draft — including financial implications and recommended project phasing — will be presented at the next meeting for further discussion.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Los Alamos County - Board of Public Utilities on 2025-06-25 5:30 PM - Jun 25, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Consultants and Los Alamos staff presented chapters 1–4 of a draft electrification study showing winter-peaking electrification scenarios that could require an Eastgate substation, several new feeders and distribution upgrades; a full financial analysis will follow in July.","taxTitle","Los Alamos, New Mexico","taxId",51137,"location","New Mexico","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6698577,"Board approves $988,917 contract to replace Trinity Drive primary electric line; 20% contingency authorized",197,6695000,6892000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5075338-e61734b181ff26b69383fbc01ce3d36f&start=6695&end=6892","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5075338-e61734b181ff26b69383fbc01ce3d36f/thumbnail_6695000.jpg","/articles/6698577/New-Mexico/Board-approves-988917-contract-to-replace-Trinity-Drive-primary-electric-line-20-contingency-authorized","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6698577-0cf5a948872b29c4389a8507fb146a76/orig.mp4?Expires=1770739891&Signature=g2Gou~dl57qcS8alWlCoEiCLGTKDV--gjWBjt1e6BKmW6vcbUp8g93-yr3SUZ6wR662-zEYoSX47xqFp~Vn9ir2cCm9rKl2PdRhPpMYh4QVRumM4fkTPGEtLov3vyWfIxxL8uvlfY8p~5bHECJchAkA-kmAHTrUG-bHUl8O7dLo9pHLVwZqg2LZRhYDCtOcN2yGghCx95ETHtp3FkEXsL~PmeVHQG3VcDS16ImHYmguJb8jjVvgI9yH6FU8RTzFOFm3C8mEIYr7-uuXHNg48iwLJ3ltiVP5zrt07zJZqPbvvE~F0VWDgOxLG6gT2xyyKczCulmQVsP-Ccvm99g-fMA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Board of Public Utilities on June 25 voted unanimously to award bid number 25‑45 for the Trinity Drive primary electric replacement to Double Eee LLC for $988,917.01 plus a 20% contingency of $197,783.40 and a six‑month contract term. The board instructed staff to forward the award to legal counsel for contract execution.

Why it matters: the project replaces aging direct‑buried primary conductors that have caused repeated faults in a dense residential corridor and will improve reliability for customers in the southwest townsite and for critical customers such as the medical center.

Project scope and route: Electric distribution staff said the work begins at the intersection by the gas station and proceeds west to Timber Ridge, running principally under the sidewalk because an existing conduit corridor behind the curb is not available. The work will replace deteriorated underground conductors that feed apartments, the LA Medical Center and other critical loads and will connect to recent work on Oppenheimer Avenue.

Traffic and construction impacts: staff said the contractor plans rolling, localized traffic control using the center turn lane as a buffer zone; work will not take the entire roadway at once. Sidewalk closures are expected while trenching proceeds. Staff attempted to coordinate with Comcast, and the contractor will stage work in short runs to minimize duration of impacts.

Contract award and vote: the board moved to award the contract to Double Eee LLC, with the stated bid amount and 20% contingency. The vote was recorded via roll call: Member Hunter — yes; Member Hollinger — yes; Member Stromberg — yes; Chair Jerry Gibson — yes. The motion passed 4–0. Staff said the project budget used carryover funds because related Oppenheimer work used prior allocations.

Schedule and procurement notes: staff said they had one responsive bidder; staff allowed additional schedule buffer to account for weather and holidays. The contract term is six months; staff expect to complete the work before winter weather impacts the corridor.

Board comments: several board members recommended considering non‑metallic riser materials on future projects (fiberglass conduit) to reduce bonding and corrosion issues. The board also asked staff to coordinate closely with NMDOT and to minimize sidewalk and traffic disruptions.","The Board of Public Utilities voted 4–0 to award bid 25‑45 for the Trinity Drive primary electric replacement to Double Eee LLC for $988,917.01, with a 20% contingency ($197,783.40) and a six‑month contract term; work will trench under sidewalks and require localized traffic control.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6698583,"Wastewater operators report White Rock plant online; clay mains and blockages remain focus",417,6296000,6713000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5075338-e61734b181ff26b69383fbc01ce3d36f&start=6296&end=6713","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5075338-e61734b181ff26b69383fbc01ce3d36f/thumbnail_6296000.jpg","/articles/6698583/New-Mexico/Wastewater-operators-report-White-Rock-plant-online-clay-mains-and-blockages-remain-focus","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6698583-eda0f12202873d6c7699f89ca7d3db68/orig.mp4?Expires=1770739891&Signature=MyH1MjGPPaJIa1nxx~Jp0L7iTL8-P6TO-9C5GOXVhjQWKNPvXGmd8xEAEBTJTWKVYQ4HzO5c9FDlEWSHHFQoCu7~V-H-RCOtzyNEAgdu1lqZwGV0FyhQOf06GrNCA4P-B9ZTt3FiN4J5JN-toQlAkmFXOZpCZxFi5WqdEJpFGJ50Grzl0EmCLphdl80F66N9mR7F-rM94Ebdma45b3UicaIwfx2di8gfhtofrBLFd~zDw8Q9pal7SpUdnHqisHby8~QtOyZxuOCZ0NzbzMX7GDGO6D7SjtjA5tT5FBV4LNmbmFWDDQaAfIxwZ2qc0eR7RRwVt~QwyIeUVkyEns4aRA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Los Alamos wastewater staff reported to the Board of Public Utilities on June 25 that both the White Rock and Los Alamos treatment plants are operating and producing high‑quality effluent, and that a recent gravity sewer tie-in eliminated a critical lift station at Bio Canyon.

Why it matters: the department said the system's near‑term maintenance priority is aging clay mains, which are prone to cracking and root intrusion and drive much of the costly reactive work and lift‑station repairs.

Clay pipelines and maintenance: Wastewater Superintendent Clay (last name not provided in the transcript) summarized recent work: the White Rock plant has been brought online and is operating well; a new gravity sewer segment re‑routed flow away from an older lift station; and many lift stations received upgrades. He told the board that collection crews — a small, cross‑trained team — are identifying weak spots and responding to unplanned blockages.

Public outreach and causes of blockages: staff and outreach personnel said public education has become critical because many blockages stem from so‑called “flushable” wipes, fats/oils/grease and inappropriate items being discharged to household sewers. Staff praised recent public outreach (school and community tours, Science Fest demonstrations) and said that continued messaging is essential to reduce costly obstructions.

Comparisons and testing: board members asked whether the county's wastewater testing and surveillance (for viruses, etc.) is consistent with other counties. Staff said the county performs virus and chemical profiling and works with a commercial lab (BioBot testing was discussed) and that adding tests such as measles would require adding tests to the lab profile; staff said they would follow up with cost and logistics.

Next steps: staff said long‑term priorities include targeting clay‑main replacement in the townsite, tracking budget variances tied to reactive work, continuing lift station modernization, and maintaining public outreach to reduce sewer blockages. The board thanked staff for the update and for public‑education efforts.","Wastewater staff told the Board of Public Utilities that the White Rock treatment plant is operating well, several lift station upgrades are complete, and aging clay pipelines and sewer blockages (wipes, fats/oils/grease) are the top maintenance concerns.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Consultants present draft electrification study, warn of substation and conductor upgrades

Board approves $988,917 contract to replace Trinity Drive primary electric line; 20% contingency authorized

Wastewater operators report White Rock plant online; clay mains and blockages remain focus