[Lwvcnmtopics] NM PRC meeting of October 6

[George Richmond]

Cynthia Hall, our PRC Commissioner representing district 1, invited PNM 
to come in to discuss their transformers which contains PCB's .  
(Transformers are used to reduce power from that level sent from 
generating stations to homes)  There is oil in the transformers to cool 
down the process and the oil, until 1981, contained PCB's which are 
poisonous.

Commissioner Hall asked about the replacement process, which is over 45 
years or failure, and accidents, very few.  PNM has planned maintenance 
and replacement processes and Ms Hall was comfortable with their 
comments,  I was as well. Transformers can be knocked down in 
storms...or when hot air balloons get tangled in power lines, which has 
happened several times during this Balloon Fest.

PNM is trying to drop its interest in Palo Verde Nuclear, where it has a 
small interest.  AZ PS is the lead and has the largest interest.  
However, PNM is very short of reserve power in the summer 0f 2022.  The 
company hopes to buy power on the spot market, which it can do...by 
paying top dollar.  Not the most prudent move and NM PRC will ask them 
some questions on this plan

No meeting next week as several commissioners will be taking courses as 
a part of their Continuing Education, a requirement.

George Richmond

Observer, NM PRC

-- 
George M. Richmond
152 Juniper Hill Road, NE
Albuquerque, NM 87122-1913

C: 505-280-2105
E: geomrich1 at comcast.net


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