3,500 customers to benefit from upgraded Ferguson Substation

Ameren Missouri Smart Energy Plan enabled the $10 million project

It was 67 years ago when Union Electric first installed the substation that provides energy to customers in Ferguson, including the city's fire department, police station, jail, local U.S. Post Office and Central Elementary School.

Thanks to the Smart Energy Plan, the Ferguson Substation, which serves 3,500 customers, is now being upgraded to state-of-the-art equipment, built with smart technology that will more rapidly detect and isolate issues – speeding power restoration if a problem occurs, sometimes in seconds, instead of hours. With fewer repairs and maintenance, new substations, such as the one in Ferguson, help keep rates low for all Ameren Missouri customers.

"It's a $10 million investment in our community and that makes a big difference because it's going to improve the quality of life for our neighbors," said Ella M. Jones, mayor, Ferguson.

"Substations are the engines that keep energy flowing to homes and businesses," said Jason Woodard, director, Gateway Division, Ameren Missouri. "After energy is generated, it’s sent to substations through high-voltage transmission lines; there it's reduced so it can be safely used to power customers' equipment, appliances, and electronic devices."

"Having this kind of smart technology is going to be essential in making sure that we have a continuity of service," said Rita Heard Days, councilwoman chair of the St. Louis County Council, District 1. "As long as we can continue to turn the economy over within ourselves, I think we're doing good. As well as the jobs…providing jobs for the people who live here in Missouri."

Jones and Days were joined by Missouri Rep. Raychel Proudie (D-73, Ferguson) at a July 12 event where state and local-elected officials observed first-hand how Ameren Missouri's Smart Energy Plan projects are benefiting constituents in their districts.

At the event, they got to see two new 28,300-pound switchgear, made by AZZ Switchgear Systems in Fulton, MO, being lifted into place with a 120-ton Grove crane operated by Missouri-based contractor, Budrovich. A switchgear is known as the brain of the substation and consists of several circuit breakers, disconnect switches and fuses that allow for the protection, isolation and control of electricity-powered equipment.

Watch the Ferguson Substation Video here!

Last year alone, Ameren Missouri utilized 56% of Missouri-based suppliers for manufactured equipment, services and labor. These suppliers help support the mission of 'Built in Missouri, by Missourians, for Ameren Missouri customers.' By keeping partners and suppliers local, it helps grow Missouri's economy through job creation and retention as well as increasing local tax revenues. When the economy grows, everyone benefits.

In addition to the new substation, the upgrade included the installation of 18 new poles, 1,300 feet of overhead wire, and new underground conduit and cable. This project started construction back in December of 2021 and will go into service at the end of 2023.  

The Smart Energy Plan is a five-year plan enabled by the Missouri legislature's passage of SB 564 in 2018. In May, the Missouri General Assembly approved the renewal of the Smart Energy Plan and Gov. Mike Parson signed SB 745 into law on June 29th. This will extend the plan through at least 2028.

In the first three years of implementation of the Smart Energy Plan – 2019 through 2021 – Ameren Missouri has completed more than 2,000 projects, with a total investment of $2.7 billion, and created and helped retain nearly 9,000 jobs in the state. 

For years to come, Ameren Missouri will now be able to ensure that grid modernization projects and economic development programs can continue to improve reliability and boost vitality in Missouri communities, providing customers with a smart, secure and stable energy future.

To learn more about the Smart Energy Plan, visit AmerenMissouri.com/plan. 

Published on by Gregory Hauenstein.