Smart Energy Plan Economic Development Community

May 06, 2026

Ameren Missouri Upgrades Substation in Webster Groves

New switchgear supports improved reliability for 3,400 customers

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Ameren Missouri is making critical upgrades to aging substation components in Webster Groves. These improvements include the removal of obsolete 1960s-era equipment and the installation of smart technology to support faster customer restoration.

On April 28, crews set a new switchgear in place at the Lockwood substation, near Interstate 44 and Murdoch Avenue in Webster Groves, in preparation for installation. Switchgears are like room-sized electrical breaker panels that help direct the flow of power to electric lines serving customers.

“This is like a 60-year leap forward for reliability in the Webster Groves area,” said Joe Fitzgerald, director of substation maintenance and construction for Ameren Missouri. “The modern equipment and smart technology included in this project will mean fewer interruptions for the families and businesses that make this such a vibrant community.”

Some of the benefits of this upgrade include:

Increased reliability: The new switchgear includes smart technology that can automatically reroute power through the substation to respond faster to outages and reduce customer impacts.

Upgrades to aging equipment: The retired switchgear was 60 years old and prone to age-related reliability issues. Its switching ability required in-person operation by an Ameren crew.

Reduced maintenance costs: Replacement parts for this outdated equipment can be rare and expensive. New equipment is expected to reduce those day-to-day costs.

Made in Missouri: The new switchgear was manufactured in Fulton, Missouri by nVent. Ameren has worked with more than 1,200 Missouri-based suppliers for Smart Energy Plan projects.

Support for homes and businesses: The Lockwood substation supports about 3,400 customers in and around the Old Orchard Business District. This includes Webster University and Webster Groves High School.

“Reliable electricity is essential to keeping our businesses open and our local economy moving,” said Webster Groves Mayor Laura Arnold. “Critical improvements like these help provide the reliable service our community needs and expects, and ensures Webster Groves remains a great place to live, work and shop.”

The project is expected to be placed in service by July 2026 and begin benefitting customers immediately. These upgrades are part of Ameren Missouri’s Smart Energy Plan, an ongoing effort to strengthen and modernize the electric grid and improve reliability. Through this program, the company has upgraded more than 140 substations across the state.

In 2023, Ameren crews upgraded several miles of overhead lines served by this substation. The installation of stronger composite poles, along with other storm-hardening upgrades that were part of that project, is designed to reduce impacts to customers when severe weather threatens the area.

To learn about upgrades in your area, visit Ameren.com/Reliability.