Ameren Missouri files updated Smart Energy Plan, increases investments to $7.6B

Published on February 28, 2020 by Kevin Randolph

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Ameren Missouri, a subsidiary of Ameren Corporation, filed Wednesday an updated five-year Smart Energy Plan with the Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC) that increases grid modernization investments to $7.6 billion.

“We are keeping our customers at the center of everything we do,” Marty Lyons, president of Ameren Missouri, said. “The Smart Energy Plan means investment in state-of-the-art technology, equipment, and controls to reduce outages and restore power faster when they happen. We’ve been able to continue our system upgrades and create significant jobs while lowering rates over the last two years.”

Ameren Missouri noted that it expects to acquire two wind facilities this year. The plan also calls for additional solar generation and battery storage. The company will install 120,000 smart electric meters this year and expects all of its customers to have smart meters by the end of 2025.

The company noted that it completed more than 900 grid modernization projects last year, including adding 9,000 new storm-resilient utility poles, more than 180 smart switches, and 13 new or upgraded substations.

“Ameren Missouri will continue to invest in smart technology to provide reliable energy for our customers while also bringing them clean, renewable sources of power,” Lyons said. “This plan helps customers now and for generations to come.”