#United States #St. Louis #Ameren Missouri #Smart Switches #Smart Energy Plan

Ameren Missouri's Remarkable Achievement in 2025

In the first half of 2025, Missouri faced unprecedented weather challenges, including ice storms, tornadoes, and high winds. Amidst this tumultuous backdrop, Ameren Missouri has proudly announced a new reliability milestone that showcases its commitment to delivering consistent energy to its customers.

Technology Making a Difference

One of the key contributors to Ameren Missouri's impressive track record is its innovative Smart Energy Plan, particularly the deployment of smart switch technology. These automated devices installed along the electric distribution lines have successfully prevented over 150,000 outages during significant storm events so far this year. This achievement is more than double the previous record set in 2023, underscoring the effectiveness of the technology.

Smart switches work by detecting outages instantly and redirecting power from alternate sources. This ability not only diminishes the size and length of outages but also allows maintenance crews to focus on repairs without long interruptions for customers. Therefore, many customers affected by outages only experience brief flickers of power driven by this smart technology.

Numbers That Speak volumes

Here are some compelling figures that illustrate the impact of these smart switches:

• - 59,000 outages were prevented during the tornado outbreak on March 14.
• - Approximately 43 million outage minutes were avoided in just the first six months of 2025.
• - Since 2021, 90 million outage minutes have been averted, thanks to smart switch deployment.
• - In total, 325,000 customer outages have been avoided during significant storms since 2021.
• - Over 1,800 smart switches have been set up under the Smart Energy Plan, and these advancements have improved reliability by up to 40%.

Tim Lafser, senior vice president of energy delivery for Ameren Missouri, remarked, “While we focus on performance during major weather incidents, our smart switches are operational around the clock to enhance reliability every day.” This underscores the pivotal role that such investments play in bolstering the energy infrastructure of Missouri.

Facing the Storms

Notable severe weather events in 2025 included Winter Storm Blair in January and a swift succession of tornadoes in the spring months. The ongoing implementation of smart switch technology has been crucial in mitigating the impacts of these storms, allowing for rapid restoration of service.

In addition to smart switching, Ameren Missouri has invested in upgrading its infrastructure. This includes using stronger composite poles that prevent damage, enhancing over 250 miles of overhead power lines since 2019 to withstand adverse weather conditions. Such advancements guarantee not only quick restoration but also promote safety and efficiency for future energy demands.

Commitment to Community

Ameren Missouri emphasizes its commitment to the communities it serves, relating the reliability of energy supply to the quality of life for its customers. Lafser stated, “Keeping energy dependable means more than just keeping the lights on; it supports families in living uninterrupted lives and fuels economic growth throughout Missouri.”

Looking ahead, Ameren Missouri plans to expand its deployment of smart switches this year while continuing to bolster infrastructural reliability. Upgrades will encompass substations, underground cabling, and further enhancements to overall energy delivery systems.

Conclusion

Ameren Missouri stands as a beacon of resilience amidst a staggering storm season to deliver safe, reliable energy. With advanced technologies and strategic investments, the company upholds its mission of powering the quality of life for the 1.3 million electric customers in its service region. For more details on ongoing projects, visit AmerenMissouri.com/SmartEnergyPlan.