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File #: 20606-25    Version: 1
Type: Briefing/Report (Dept, BCC) - No action requested Status: Business
File created: 8/26/2025 In control: Board of Public Utilities
On agenda: 9/3/2025 Final action:
Title: White Rock Substation Reliability Plan
Presenters: Stephen Marez; Dennis Astley
Indexes (Council Goals): Quality Excellence - Effective, Efficient, and Reliable Services, DPU FY26 - 1.0 Provide Safe and Reliable Utility Services
Attachments: 1. A - WR Substation Presentation

Title

White Rock Substation Reliability Plan

Body

Three alternatives to provide emergency power to White Rock were identified and evaluated.  One is to purchase an available transformer that meets the design requirements that may or may not meet future growth needs.  Second is to work with a neighboring utility to use a mobile substation that can be connected to provide emergency service to White Rock.  We are in the process of getting a mutual aid agreement with PNM in place to expedite this option if needed.  Third is to work with LANL to connect to their power line through town and lower the voltage to the operating voltage of White Rock.  This is in the process of being completed so that we can merely operate a switch and be connected to a LANL substation circuit.

All three options are detailed in a slide show presentation for the BPU work session.

 

We have identified some refurbished transformers available for sale and will compare their offers against new transformer bids that will be collected.  Several manufacturers have shown interest in producing new transformers for DPU.  Delivery timelines will be a factor to consider when selecting a suitable transformer.

 

In addition to emergency plans, we are working with companies that rebuild transformers in an attempt to sell the failed unit so that we can begin work on the foundation for a replacement transformer.

Attachments

A - WR Substation Presentation