Electric grid upgrades support reliability in Spanish Lake

Multi-faceted approach includes smart technology, storm-hardening improvements and more

Distribution lines are the last leg of the energy journey from a generation source to a customer's home. These lines are found throughout Ameren Missouri's service territory, everywhere from farm fields to suburban backyards to the busiest streets of the state's largest cities. Due to their local nature, upgrading distribution lines can have a direct impact on reliability.

In Spanish Lake, Ameren Missouri is deploying its Smart Energy Plan to storm-harden more than two miles of distribution line to support increased reliability for more than 1,400 customers, including critical facilities such as Christian Hospital. As a part of the project, the company has strategically installed composite power poles. These hardened fiberglass poles are stronger than traditional wooden poles and act as an anchor to prevent cascading damage, which often speeds restoration times. Ameren Missouri also installed smart switch technology throughout the community, providing rapid outage detection and automatic restoration, reducing both the size and duration of potential outages. Additionally, the project included removing overhead power lines that cross Highway 367 and burying them underground.

Construction of the upgraded distribution line is expected to be complete by the end of 2025.

“Moving highway crossings underground greatly reduces the risk of weather-related issues and eliminates the potential for traffic hazards,” said Orlando Rodgers, superintendent of Berkeley Operations, which covers most of north St. Louis County. “In this case, we’re moving not one, but three lines that share this crossing. That’s going to make a big difference for safety and reliability throughout Spanish Lake.”

In addition to this project, Ameren Missouri has made several other improvements throughout Spanish Lake. In 2023, crews replaced aging substation equipment serving the community. Earlier this year, the company upgraded more than a mile of overhead power lines along Riverview Drive. These two projects will serve as critical service backups for the new St. Louis Zoo Wildcare Park under development in Spanish Lake.

“Ameren Missouri has taken a strategic, intentional approach to supporting this community and the infrastructure they need for power and energy,” said St. Louis County Councilwoman Shalonda Webb. “And that is so vital to economic development in our community. As we try to grow and transform here in North County, we need reliable power.”

To learn more about Ameren Missouri's Smart Energy Plan, please visit AmerenMissouri.com/plan.