Ameren Illinois crews are beginning a series of electric infrastructure upgrades across Knox, Warren and Mercer counties designed to boost reliability and prepare the regional grid for future demand.
A major part of the effort is the conversion of the Monmouth Substation from a 4-kilovolt electric system to a more robust 12-kilovolt system. Two new 22 megavolt-ampere transformers, five smart switching devices, and regulator circuits will be added inside the substation. The higher-capacity equipment is designed to improve resiliency and meet increased demand from residential and business customers.
Additional upgrades include increasing transformer capacity in Arpee, Seaton and Viola; installing smart switches in Aledo; and enhancing the underground electrical network in downtown Galesburg.
“Substations do not get a lot of fanfare, but they are critical elements in a reliable, resilient energy grid,” said Ron Juarez, director of North Region Electric Operations at Ameren Illinois. “With these enhancements, Ameren Illinois is taking proactive steps to meet today’s demand and prepare our system to accommodate the future needs of our electric customers.”
Together, the improvements are designed to reduce the frequency and duration of outages and strengthen overall system performance. All enhancements are expected to be completed and in service by the beginning of September.
