Legislators view energy grid investments in northeast Missouri

Smart Energy Plan projects improve reliability in Foristell and Warrenton

"It's critical that we have a reliable electrical service to our citizens here in Missouri and the country," said Rep John Wiemann, (R-103, O'Fallon), Missouri House Speaker Pro Tem.

Rep. Wiemann was joined by two other state representatives to view the installation of a new Viper smart switch, near Foristell, at one of two Smart Energy Plan educational events hosted by Ameren Missouri in early November. Reps. Richard West (R-63, Wentzville) and Ron Hicks (R-102, Dardenne Prairie) also attended the Foristell event. Rep. Jeff Porter (R-42, Montgomery City) attended an event in Warrenton where a new power line extension is improving electric service to more than 1,300 customers, including the local Walmart.

"We need their support," said Mark Birk, senior vice president, customer and power operations, Ameren Missouri. "It's important that legislators understand what we're doing to build the energy grid of the future."

Watch the Foristell and Warrenton Projects Video here

The Foristell project will help improve reliability to more than 850 Ameren Missouri customers who are supplied energy along a seven-mile power line from the New Melle Substation. The Smart Energy Plan project, which was completed at the end of November, included the installation of a new utility pole to support the new Viper smart switch.

The Warrenton Smart Energy Plan project involved an extension of both overhead and underground electric lines. In addition to 6,500 feet of new underground cable and overhead wire, nearly 20 new poles were installed. This will improve reliability to many of the commercial businesses along the Highway 47 corridor, north of I-70 in Warrenton. The nearly $2 million project will be completed by years-end.