Smart Energy Plan Improvements in Ladue
Ameren Missouri is investing in upgrades to modernize the electrical grid in the City of Ladue.
Customers can expect typical construction impacts in work areas. This will vary based on project needs but may include increased noise, roadway restrictions, and temporary planned outages. Customers affected by planned outages will be notified before they occur.
About the Project
The project will focus on the business corridor along Clayton Road and several nearby neighborhoods. The project boundary is roughly along Clayton Road, Log Cabin Lane and Interstate 64, inclusive of Conway Elementary and Ladue Middle schools. Construction will begin in the summer of 2026 and work will be carried out in phases until the project is complete in the fall of 2027. Project dates and durations are subject to change.
Project Benefits
The first project will benefit customers by addressing several issues that can negatively impact reliability.
Trimming tree limbs that can interfere with power lines and cause outages
Upgrading approximately 6 miles of overhead lines to increase capacity to serve the growing electricity demand, especially during peak usage times
Replacing aging utility poles, approximately 40% of which are past their expected lifespan of 45 years
Adding three composite poles, which are twice as strong as traditional wood poles and support grid resiliency
Using smart grid technology to more rapidly detect outages and automatically restore power
Portions of the existing overhead lines will be converted to underground, where feasible
Project Schedule
Dates are subject to change.
Frequently Asked Questions
A feeder is a dedicated power line carrying electricity from a substation to individual customer connection points such as homes and businesses.
Undergrounding means removing overhead power lines and equipment and replacing them with underground cables and conduits. While most equipment is buried, some components must remain above ground so crews can access them safely for maintenance and repairs.
Ameren Missouri sometimes buries power lines and equipment that are especially susceptible to outages, particularly in storm-prone or heavily wooded areas. The goal is to make the electric system safer and more dependable by reducing exposure to trees, wind and severe weather.
No. Although underground cables are not visible after they are buried, some equipment must remain above ground. For instance, some poles may remain to support streetlights, telecom cables or other overhead utility uses.