During the recent Los Alamos County Board of Public Utilities meeting, significant discussions centered around the management and upgrades of the county's SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system, which is crucial for monitoring and controlling water and energy resources.

The board addressed concerns regarding the transition of SCADA system control from Los Alamos County (LAC) to Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). Board members expressed frustration over the limitations LANL faced in managing the system, which has reportedly led to operational challenges. The county is now investing in upgrading its SCADA system to regain control and improve monitoring capabilities. A $500,000 investment in fiber optics aims to enhance direct communication between facilities, moving away from outdated microwave systems that have proven unreliable.

The discussion also highlighted the need for better asset management tools for hydroelectric operations. Current systems have become cost-prohibitive and do not meet the specific needs of Los Alamos County's smaller hydro facilities. The board is exploring alternative solutions, including developing a custom tool using SharePoint, which could provide the necessary functionalities without the recurring costs associated with cloud-based services.

Another key topic was the operational efficiency of the Elvato plant. Board members raised concerns about the plant's declining energy production over the years and questioned whether the costs of maintaining it were justified. The board is considering options for potentially mothballing the plant to reduce expenses while still keeping it operational for future use.

Overall, the meeting underscored the board's commitment to improving infrastructure and ensuring that the county's energy and water management systems are both efficient and cost-effective. As these discussions progress, residents can expect updates on how these changes will enhance service reliability and sustainability in Los Alamos County.