New energy infrastructure improves reliability in southeast Missouri

Ameren Transmission partnered with Wabash Valley Power Alliance (WVPA) to complete project

Communities spanning from Perry County to the city of Cape Girardeau and beyond are now benefiting from more reliable energy thanks to a recently completed transmission infrastructure project. The Limestone Ridge Project includes the construction of a new, approximately 15 mile, 138-kV transmission line and two state-of-the-art substations.

Through the project, Ameren Transmission collaborated with WVPA to improve reliability, provide additional energy capacity for local manufacturing facilities, and allow for future expansion of the energy grid.

“Our customers are at the center of everything we do, and this project will benefit them for decades to come,” said Shawn Schukar, chairman and president, Ameren Transmission. “The Limestone Ridge Project is a great example of local utilities working together to transform the energy grid for future generations while investing in the communities we serve.”

The project was completed on time and utilized local labor throughout the construction process.

“We’re proud to partner with Ameren to create this new pathway of energy in southeast Missouri,” said Mike Zahner, president, Zahner and Associates. “This critical infrastructure project underscores the role local companies play in getting transmission projects completed efficiently, effectively and with the community in mind.”

More than half of the new transmission line is co-located along the existing WVPA right-of-way.

“As our energy needs continue to increase across the country, it is important we take critical steps now to ensure power gets where it needs to go,” said Jeff Conrad, president and chief executive officer, WVPA. “This project puts our communities one step ahead to secure future reliability and economic growth.”

Crews completed the project in December 2023, and land restoration efforts will continue into spring 2024.

“Ameren completed this project on time, which successfully improves reliability and meets the capacity needs of the major manufacturing companies in our area,” said Mike Sauer, presiding commissioner, Perry County Commission. “We appreciate Ameren’s commitment to working with community partners to not only deliver cost-effective, high-value projects but also make sure the final route was informed by robust input from local stakeholders.”

For more information on the new transmission line in southeast Missouri, please visit the Limestone Ridge Project's website.