UPGRADING THE GRID

Ameren Missouri’s Smart Energy Plan has resulted in structural improvements to electrical infrastructure in St. Louis County

BY WENDY TODD

Ameren Missouri’s Smart Energy Plan has created a more reliable and efficient infrastructure to improve its service for customers, add beneficial technology and economic benefits to the region.

The utility company has performed upgrades to foundational grid infrastructure, including poles, wires, substations, transformers and cables. It has also utilized smart technology that will help reduce customer outages and provide quicker response times when they occur.

Also, in July of 2020, Ameren began installing smart meters in St. Louis and St. Louis counties to provide customized energy usage data to customers, replacing outdated equipment. The new meters, equipped with two-way communication capabilities, even allow for easier service setup and relocation for residents, as a service person does not need to visit the property.

The plan, which cost $215 million to complete, began after the Missouri General Assembly passed energy policy legislation in 2018 that enabled Ameren to begin the infrastructure upgrades.

Another specific area of the Smart Energy Plan in St. Louis County was the Metro South Reliability project that is helping 100,000 Missouri residents utilize more reliable energy. With the construction of two new transmission towers, the project created a second power supply to help prevent outages and increase energy capacity.

The infrastructure improvements also addressed the flooding in St. Louis County last summer, helping over 9,500 customers avoid extended outages.

There are ongoing upgrades to help stave off potential future flooding issues.

Mark Birk, chairman and president of Ameren Missouri, wants consumers to feel assured the infrastructure upgrades will provide better service that translates into a better quality of living.

“We continue to incorporate technology that improves system reliability,” he said. “Smart Energy Plan investments have prevented an estimated 50,000 customer outages over the last two years. We know that makes a difference for our customers at home and at work. With the expansion and extension of the Smart Energy Plan, we will be able to provide a more resilient, reliable and sustainable energy system for generations to come.”

One of the last projects of the Smart Energy Plan that began in 2022 is working to create more en- ergy reliability in downtown St. Louis. When done complete, the system will be one of the first in the nation to have smart technology in a downtown environment, helping reduce outages. This multiyear project will replace century-old systems.

The energy upgrades also have financial benefits for the region.

Ameren Missouri has worked to keep energy residential rates 18% below the Midwest average. Another economic advantage of the Smart Energy Plan is the contribution to Missouri’s economy from businesses taking part in Ameren’s financial incentives to move to the region or expand business here.

As a result, nearly 1,000 new jobs have been created in Missouri and over $450 million in capital investment has been made.

Moore On Life

BY CINDY MOORE