Electrification plan for Los Alamos highlights demand growth and substation upgrades

In a pivotal meeting held on June 25, 2025, the Los Alamos County Board of Public Utilities delved into the future of the county's power infrastructure, focusing on electrification forecasts and the necessary upgrades to meet growing energy demands. As the sun set outside the county's municipal building, discussions illuminated the path forward for a community poised for significant growth.

The board reviewed a comprehensive analysis of potential peak energy demands projected for 2040 and beyond, emphasizing the importance of a robust power flow model. The analysis revealed that as electrification increases, particularly during late evening and early morning hours when solar generation is absent, the county must prepare for substantial system improvements. A 95% power factor was applied to account for inefficiencies in the power system, underscoring the complexities of managing increased loads.

Key findings indicated that the existing infrastructure, particularly on the west side of Los Alamos, faces capacity constraints. The need for a new Eastgate substation was highlighted as essential to accommodate the anticipated load growth, which would otherwise overwhelm the current system. In contrast, the White Rock area presented a more straightforward upgrade path, requiring only the addition of a new distribution feeder to balance the load effectively.

The board also discussed the financial implications of these upgrades, noting that a detailed financial impact summary would be included in the full report. This summary aims to contextualize the costs associated with necessary system improvements and asset replacements over the next 15 to 30 years.

As the meeting progressed, board members raised concerns about the modeling challenges encountered, particularly regarding service transformers, which were temporarily removed from the model due to convergence issues. This raised questions about the reliability of the analysis and the need for a more nuanced approach to understanding the role of these transformers in the distribution system.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the urgency of planning for electrification growth in Los Alamos County. With the proposed upgrades and new infrastructure, the board aims to ensure that the community's energy needs are met sustainably and efficiently, paving the way for a resilient future. As the discussions wrapped up, it was clear that the decisions made today would shape the energy landscape of Los Alamos for decades to come.