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Utility manager reports transformer replacement, project delays and staffing retirements
Summary
Utilities manager Filo Shelton briefed the board on a planned 12 MVA White Rock transformer delivery in December (expandable to 22 MVA), supply-chain and lease delays at the Foxtail Flat project, multiple retirements among power-system operators, and federal furloughs affecting land-acquisition schedules.
Utilities manager Filo Shelton gave a multi-topic operations update to the Board of Public Utilities on Oct. 22. Shelton said the failed White Rock transformer will be replaced by a 12 MVA unit expected to be delivered Dec. 4; the installed transformer can be expanded to 22 MVA to meet future electrification needs.
Shelton reported the developer-led Foxtail Flat project has slipped due to a delayed lease and a supply-chain shortage for an on-load tap changer; project mobilization is now planned for late January with commercial operation projected for mid‑2027. He also said multiple long-tenured power-system operators have retired this year and hiring replacements has been slower than expected.
Other operational items included the receipt of a mutual-aid agreement under legal review, federal agency furloughs that are delaying land-acquisition and ECA paperwork, and ongoing coordination with LANL and federal partners for tie-line work. Board members asked follow-up questions about temporary power capacity, the feasibility of partial transformer operation and fast-charger availability; staff answered where possible and noted some matters required developer follow-up or are subject to federal scheduling constraints.
