TILTON, IL (January 28, 2025) – Ameren Illinois customers in Tilton will see energy at work firsthand throughout the spring and summer as crews replace vintage steel pipeline and natural gas services with modern, corrosion-resistant polyethylene material.
Crews working on behalf of Ameren Illinois will upgrade approximately 3.0 miles of natural gas pipeline and approximately 180 individual customers' natural gas services from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. The upgrades will occur between CSX Railroad tracks and Route 1 and from Southgate Drive to Trinity Drive. Total project investment is approximately $2.0 million. All work should be completed by the end of September, weather pending.
"These proactive steps will ensure the continued safe, reliable delivery of natural gas today while preparing us to meet the future needs of our natural gas customers," said Bob Elliott, Superintendent of Gas Operations and Constructuon for the East Region. "Many customers think of Ameren Illinois as an electric company, but we also provide very reliable natural gas service to Vermilion County. We have more than 10 full-time natural gas employees in Vermilion County who maintain the system; respond to gas leaks free of charge, 24/7; install new services; and perform construction projects."
Ameren Illinois is asking motorists driving through these local neighborhoods to be mindful of the trucks moving and employees working near the streets and to slow down in the work zone.
"We need everyone's help when it comes to work zone safety in these neighborhoods and on every route where workers are present," said Richard Spurgeon, Manager of Safety for Ameren Illinois. "The signs and cones create their protected work area. Please slow down as you drive on these local streets and pay attention. Our co-workers want to return home safely at the end of the day."
For projects in process, a brief interruption of natural gas service is required while switching individual services over to their new services just before the work is completed. Ameren Illinois will relight natural gas appliances for any customer who requests it. If a customer is not home at the time of the service interruption, the customer may call 1-800-755-5000 to schedule a convenient time for the company to relight natural gas appliances, at no charge.
Safe Digging
As required by law, Ameren Illinois will call J.U.L.I.E. (8-1-1) prior to starting work so crews can dig safely. Customers will see paint marks and colored flags in neighborhoods and along the road to mark the location of underground utilities.
About Ameren Illinois
Ameren Illinois delivers energy to 1.2 million electric and 816,000 natural gas customers throughout central and southern Illinois. Our service territory covers more than 1,200 communities and 43,700 square miles and our mission is to power the quality of life. For more information, visit AmerenIllinois.com. Follow us on Twitter @AmerenIllinois and Facebook.