Major Grid Upgrade: New Substation Transformer to be Energized Saturday; Planned Outages Expected

EDGEWOOD, NM — Residents in the East Mountain area are looking at a more reliable future for their electrical grid, though it comes with a temporary afternoon in the dark.

Local utility officials have announced that a massive new substation transformer serving Edgewood, Sandia Park, and surrounding communities is finally ready to be energized. The installation, scheduled for completion this Saturday, January 10, 2026 represents a significant investment in local infrastructure.

A Boost for Regional Growth

The new transformer is a powerhouse addition to the local grid, boasting three times the capacity of the unit it replaces. According to utility representatives, this upgrade is designed specifically to handle the rapid residential and commercial growth the area has seen in recent years, ensuring energy stability for decades to come.

Planned Outage Details

To safely transition to the new equipment, a planned power outage is required. The outage is scheduled to last four hours:

• Date: Saturday, January 10, 2026
• Time: 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM

While a large number of members will be affected, crews have managed to keep the “heart” of Edgewood’s business district online. The main commercial corridor—including Smith’s, Walgreens, Walmart, and the surrounding homes and businesses—will remain energized throughout the process.

Affected Areas

Residents in the following areas should prepare for a loss of power during the four-hour window:

• Sandia Park & Sandia Knolls
• Cedar Grove
• Highway 344: Members north of Venus Road and all associated side roads.
• Highway 472: All members and side roads.
• Venus Road: Members located east of the substation.
• Dinkle Road to Martin Road: Areas east of Highway 344 and side roads.
• Martin Road: South from Dinkle Road to I-40.
• Edgewood 7: Members south of Sonic.
• Juniper Hills and all surrounding neighborhoods.

Preparing for the Outage

Residents are encouraged to charge mobile devices ahead of time and keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible during the 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM window to maintain temperatures.

While the four-hour interruption may be an inconvenience, officials emphasize that the result will be a significantly more robust and resilient power supply for the entire region.