COLLINSVILLE, IL (May 5, 2021) – A new Ameren Illinois transmission substation in Louisville will enhance energy service reliability, flexibility and load capacity of the company's local electric grid in Clay County and neighboring counties.
Grading and foundation work on the 16-acre site adjacent to the existing Louisville South Substation is under way and workers will begin building the 138kV Tanner substation facility in mid-May. The two-year, $33 million project will also add new power lines between the two substations to increase service redundancy.
"Substations do not get a lot of fanfare but they are critical elements in a reliable, resilient energy grid," said Ron Juarez, Director of East Region Electric Operations, Ameren Illinois. "When phase one of this project is completed in early December, we will be able to potentially re-route power from other substations in the area to reduce the duration of an outage for our customers. It will also facilitate the efficient transmission of cleaner energy being generated at nearby solar facilities."
Ameren Illinois is asking motorists driving along this busy stretch of highway to be mindful of the trucks moving and employees working near the route and to slow down in the work zone.
"We need everyone's help when it comes to work zone safety along this route and on every route where workers are present," said Karen Boulanger, Director of Safety for Ameren Illinois. "The signs and cones create their protected work area. Please slow down as you drive on Highway 45 and pay attention. Our co-workers want to return home safely at the end of the day."
The enhancements are part of Ameren Illinois' multi-year initiative to modernize its energy delivery system. Since 2012, the company has implemented hundreds of projects, added new technology and strengthened poles, wires and distribution equipment. As a result, reliability has improved by an average of 22 percent and the time of an outage has been reduced by 16 percent.
About Ameren Illinois
Ameren Illinois delivers energy to 1.2 million electric and more than 800,000 natural gas customers throughout central and southern Illinois. Our service territory covers more than 1,200 communities and 43,700 square miles. Our mission is to power the quality of life. For more information, visit AmerenIllinois.com. Follow us on Twitter @AmerenIllinois and Facebook.
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