Substation replacement addresses historic flood damage in University City

Historic rainfall on July 26, 2022, caused millions of dollars in damage to homes, businesses and infrastructure. In University City the River Des Peres rose out of its banks and into the surrounding neighborhood, flooding nearby homes and an Ameren substation on Waldron Avenue.

In response to the water damage, Ameren Missouri installed a temporary mobile substation to restore power to approximately 2,700 customers in the area. Through the Smart Energy Plan, Ameren Missouri is replacing that temporary equipment with a new transformer and switchgear, both projected to serve the area for the next 50 years.

The project also includes a new flood wall to protect against future water issues. “Historic flooding created a number of challenges for this neighborhood,” said Tommie Bugett, director of Ameren Missouri’s Geraldine Operating Center. “The Smart Energy Plan is helping us build back better and support reliable service to the community.”

To date, Ameren Missouri has invested in upgrades to more than 100 substations across the state through the Smart Energy Plan. The new equipment at the Waldron substation was placed into service in mid-2024.