Smart Energy Plan project boosts reliability in South St. Louis County

Upgrade replaces 50-year-old equipment servicing the area

Ameren Missouri is putting the finishing touches on a Smart Energy Plan upgrade supporting increased reliability for more than 10,000 Oakville residents and businesses. This fall, Ameren installed new equipment, called a switchgear, at its Ringer Road substation in South St. Louis County. The switchgear replaces an older unit and is equipped with smart technology which can identify outages and reroute power, reducing outage times from hours or days to minutes, even seconds.

The switchgear was specially designed to be set with a forklift instead of a crane due to overhead line constraints.

“Smart technology is a big investment for Ameren, but also for our customers, especially when it comes to storm response,” said Tommie Bugett, director of Ameren’s Archview division. "We can quickly switch power to make repairs while keeping customers' lights on.”

The switchgear was produced and manufactured by Avail Switchgear Systems in Fulton, Missouri, continuing Ameren’s commitment to support local and in-state businesses through its Smart Energy Plan. Members of the Avail team joined Ameren officials and state legislators representing the area to view the setting of the new equipment.

“When we walk through our shop every day, we see how much equipment we’re building for Ameren,” said Richard Bode, general manager of Avail’s Fulton facility. “We couldn’t be more appreciative of that and hope to continue that for many years to come.”

The new switchgear is slated to be in service by the end of 2023. This upgraded technology represents a $2 million investment through Ameren Missouri’s Smart Energy Plan in the Oakville community. "This project is more than just wires and equipment, it is an investment in the quality of life for those living in this community," said Rep. Michael O'Donnell, R-St. Louis. "I am thankful for the work Ameren is completing through its Smart Energy Plan to create a more resilient and reliable electrical grid for my constituents."

The Smart Energy Plan was enabled by the Missouri legislature's passage of Senate Bill 564 in 2018 and approved for extension and expansion by the General Assembly in 2022. Through the Smart Energy Plan, Ameren is working to upgrade and modernize the electrical grid, while also improving reliability throughout its service territory.