BY ERIC STROMBERG
Candidate for
Los Alamos County Council

Los Alamos County used to buy much of their electrical power from the San Juan generating station in the four-corners area. This was a coal-fired plant that was decommissioned in 2022. Los Alamos County (LAC) entered into an agreement with Foxtail Flats Solar in 2024. LAC agreed to buy 100% of the output of Foxtail Flats whether they use it or not, with the understanding that LAC could resell any amount not used.

Foxtail Flats Solar will also have some battery storage, for the times when the sun is not shining. Any amount of electricity that is needed in addition to what Foxtail Flats can provide will have to be purchased on the spot market.

What are the risks?
 We will have to buy additional power on the spot market, if need be.
 We may not be able to sell the excess power, if we can’t use it all. If we can’t use it and we can’t sell it, we still have to pay for it.
 Any power we sell might be sold at a loss.
 If all of our power is coming from Foxtail Flats, what is the risk of hailstorms damaging the solar arrays and not being able to supply us?
 Is there redundancy in the system at Foxtail Flats so that they can provide full power when parts of their system are down for maintenance?

The County decided to sign a contract with Foxtail Flats, knowing all of the risks mentioned above. My proposal is; if the County has to pay for electrical power that is not used, or if we have to sell power at a loss, the monies should come out of the general fund and not be borne by the ratepayers.

Contact me at eric@electstromberg.com

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