Ameren Transmission testing new technology to help meet growing demand for energy
By using what is known as “dynamic line rating” technology, existing transmission lines may be able to carry more energy, enhancing reliability, lowering costs and increasing safety
Ameren Transmission Company announced it is testing advanced technology aimed at improving reliability on its existing transmission system. Known as dynamic line rating (DLR) technology, this innovative approach gives grid operators real-time insight into highly localized weather data and the precise operating conditions of transmission lines. With this real-time information, operators can safely move electricity when and where it's needed most.
By utilizing these potential capacity gains on some of the busiest transmission lines already in place, DLR helps strengthen reliability, improve operations and reduce costs, delivering direct benefits to customers across the region.
"Strategic deployments of dynamic line ratings are on the leading edge of grid-enhancing technologies in the United States," said Shawn Schukar, chairman and president of Ameren Transmission Company. "When you look at the fast pace of increasing demand for energy in our region, this technology could help be a strong complementary tool as more robust transmission infrastructure is being built. It can also help us better understand where, how and when new transmission infrastructure needs to be built."
Ameren is partnering with Heimdall Power to install 30 sensor units on its transmission system. These sensor units, called Neurons™, clamp directly onto transmission lines. Installation sites were strategically selected to test the technology on some of the most congested lines on Ameren's transmission system. Congestion occurs when the demand to transport electricity across a specific transmission line exceeds the conventional rating of the line.
"The real time aspect could be particularly valuable on days when weather conditions are favorable. We may see the most value on cold or windy days," said Robert Clausius, senior manager, Transmission Asset and Compliance Management for Ameren Transmission Company. "These conditions can cool down a transmission line and allow more energy to flow through it. We should have more flexibility for safely and reliably rerouting energy to get where it needs to go."
Temperature, direct sunlight, ice and wind all directly affect how much energy a transmission line can safely carry, which is called capacity. Without real-time visibility into these conditions, Ameren is forced to rely on conventional assumptions that dictate the safe capacity for a transmission line. Heimdall Power's technology has been proven in the field to enhance the ability to utilize all the capacity of transmission lines, which maximizes value, while also contributing to safe and reliable operations.
"We are building a smarter energy grid," said Clausius. "Heimdall Power's technology has performed successfully around the world. This leads us to believe there's a real opportunity in bringing it to Ameren to strengthen the grid, operate it even safer and help our customers save money by getting more value out of the assets that we already have."
The first 15 sensors were installed in December 2025. Ameren plans to complete the deployment of 15 more sensors later this year. Further decisions about future deployments will be made as more information is gathered through the pilot project.