At a public hearing in late February, Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, officials and engineering consultants reviewed the findings of a comprehensive electrical grid study that outlines both strengths in the city’s distribution system and critical infrastructure needs, including the addition of a second substation transformer.
The grid study, commissioned by the city and conducted by T&D Services of Albuquerque, New Mexico, provides an in depth assessment of the electrical distribution network. The study serves as the foundation for pursuing a federal grant or grants aimed at improving infrastructure in communities vulnerable to power disruptions.
Representatives from T&D Services presented the results of their engineering review, describing the city’s electrical grid as being in generally good condition. They identified maintenance needs, such as replacing aging glass components and outdated switches, and emphasized the importance of addressing safety concerns where equipment is too accessible to the public.
The new grid study will replace the city’s 2015 assessment, an important update, as most major grants require engineering studies that are no more than five years old, the city noted.
Gwen Valentino of the South Central Council of Governments outlined current grant opportunities and noted that federal and state programs increasingly require community engagement to demonstrate public support for major infrastructure projects. This means residents can expect more opportunities to provide input, ask questions, and participate in discussions on large-scale improvements, the city said.
Valentino emphasized that while federal grants are highly competitive, the Council of Governments has a strong record of securing funding when applications are supported by current engineering reports and updated technical studies.
The study identified a significant vulnerability in the city’s electrical system -- although Truth or Consequences operates with two transformers at the substation, each capable of supplying power to half the community, the system becomes strained if one fails during peak summer demand. While the remaining transformer can carry the full load under normal conditions, high temperatures and widespread air conditioning use would push it to its limits, creating a borderline situation in which the city might be unable to maintain reliable electrical service, the city said.
To address this risk, the city has already applied for approximately $2.5 million in grant funding to renovate the existing substation, rebuild the current transformer, and add a third transformer to create redundancy.
Electric Department Director Bo Easley provided additional updates about the location of a future substation in the grid. He noted two possible sites for a future substation: the north end of a golf course and the back side of the National Guard Armory.
A third option, proposed by Asplundh, involves installing a third transformer near the existing two, though Easley emphasized the need for engineering analysis to determine the most effective configuration.
A representative from T&D mentioned greater success would come from separating the third transformer at its own substation.
The city's Cedar circuit remains the highest‑priority area because of expected growth, including a new travel stop, which will increase power demand in that part of town. Placing a substation closer to the northern area aligns with this anticipated development, the city noted.
Truth or Consequences receives part of its power supply from Sierra Electric Cooperative, which will need to conduct a line study to confirm that its transmission system can continue supporting the city if a new substation is built on the north end.
Sierra Electric currently serves several residents in the area and has expressed interest in maintaining its partnership with the city. The city’s existing power supply contract is set to expire in 2030.
The Tri State transmission line runs behind the golf course, and locating a new substation closer to that line would help reduce construction costs, the city said.
