Council approves $1.128M emergency budget revision to replace White Rock transformer and add redundancy

Los Alamos County authorized an emergency budget revision Oct. 28 to pay for a rebuilt replacement transformer and related work at the White Rock substation.

The approved budget revision (2026-17) totals $1,128,000 and will be funded from the Electric Production Reserve Fund. Utilities staff described a three-pronged response to recent transformer issues: (1) a temporary tie line connecting to Los Alamos National Laboratory to provide redundancy while work proceeds; (2) installation of a rebuilt replacement transformer for the failed unit; and (3) a mutual-aid arrangement with PNM for a mobile transformer option to provide short-term support during outages.

Mr. Shelton, Utilities staff, said the rebuilt transformer will increase station capacity to match projected demand and the county's electrification needs. A vendor has begun rebuilding a unit and staff expect delivery in early December; placement requires a deep foundation (site geotechnical work showed the replacement pad will need 25'30 foot caissons to reach bedrock in the wash area) and a large crane for installation. Staff estimated the transformer installation may take one to two months after delivery depending on foundation work and scheduling.

The council approved the revision on a 7-0 roll call. Staff said they will pursue a mutual aid agreement with PNM to secure mobile transformer resources for emergency response going forward.

Quote "This transformer is a rebuilt transformer that's going to increase the capacity to serve the community," Utilities staff said during the meeting.

Next steps Utilities staff will proceed with the transformer delivery and foundation work and execute mutual-aid arrangements. Staff will update council as construction milestones occur and as project costs are finalized.