COUNTY NEWS

Alamon, under contract to the Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities, will test the integrity and strength of wooden utility poles in Los Alamos County for a period of two months.  Based on the findings, preventative maintenance on a compromised utility pole may be undertaken immediately.

Starting August 31 at the ski hill, two crews will bore into, check shavings and dig around the base of wooden poles looking for signs of rot.  Poles demonstrating signs of weakness will be reinforced with braces to improve safety and extend the useful life.  Crews will also add fumigates into the pole to stop internal decay. After finishing inspections at the ski hill, crews will begin checking poles in the townsite and then finish up in White Rock.

Department officials advise that Alamon crews will need access to utility poles on residential property, including those in backyards. “We ask for customers’ cooperation to coordinate access,” stated DPU Electric Distribution Engineering Associate Alan Horton.  “Alamon’s crews will knock on the door to let residents know that they will be entering the backyard. A door hanger with a phone number will be left if additional arrangements need to be made.”

According to Horton, Alamon crews will adhere to COVID-safe practices as outlined in the executive orders issued by the New Mexico Governor and the public heath orders issued by the New Mexico Department of Health.  This includes wearing masks and socially distancing from others.

For additional information, contact the Customer Care Center, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 505.662.8333 or by email at CustomerCare@lacnm.us.