Smart Energy Plan

July 23, 2026

New Cool Valley substation designed to support reliability after historic flooding

Upgrades replace aging equipment and mitigate flash flood risks

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Ameren Missouri is rebuilding its Cool Valley substation as part of long-term efforts to support reliability and resilience for customers in north St. Louis County. The project replaces and upgrades a 60-year-old substation that was damaged during historic flooding in the St. Louis region on July 26, 2022.

Customers in the area have been served by temporary equipment while design and construction moved forward on a new substation. The new substation will support reliability for more than 2,800 customers.

Benefits of this project include:

• Supporting reliability: New transformers, switchgear and system upgrades will replace aging equipment and help support reliable electric service.
• Reduced flood risk: Moving the substation to a higher elevation, outside of the floodplain of a nearby creek helps protect customers from future flood impacts.
• More flexible power delivery: The addition of smart technology inside the substation creates more options to keep power flowing during storms or planned maintenance.

The Cool Valley substation was one of several facilities damaged by the fast-rising water in July 2022. Another substation in University City received similar upgrades to support reliable service after the flood damage.

“Very likely some of our employees who made this transformer will be on the receiving end of power from this substation,” said Phillip James, general manager at WEG. “The grid reliability not only improves quality of life for our employees but is really critical for us to be a successful manufacturer here.”

“The Smart Energy Plan gives us the ability to respond to events like the 2022 flooding with long-term solutions supporting a more reliable system,” said Matt Haffer, manager of substation construction for Ameren Missouri. “These investments are critical because they help us rebuild in ways that support greater reliability for customers now and in the future.”

The Smart Energy Plan is an ongoing effort to modernize the grid and make it stronger for customers across the state. The plan includes investments in aging substations, poles, wires and other equipment that support reliable energy service.