Warren, Knox, Mercer county residents to get electric upgrades. Nida Tazeen May 27, 2026, 3:35 a.m. CT Ameren Illinois is upgrading its electric infrastructure in Warren, Knox and Mercer counties. A significant part of this project involves converting the Monmouth Substation from a 4-kilovolt system to a 12-kilovolt system, according to a community announcement. The upgrade includes installing two new 22-megavolt-ampere transformers, five smart switching devices and regulator circuits in the Monmouth Substation. These enhancements are expected to improve the system's resilience and meet the growing electricity demand from residential and business customers. Additional upgrades involve increasing transformer capacity in Arpee, Seaton and Viola, installing smart switches in Aledo and enhancing the underground electrical network in downtown Galesburg. These improvements aim to reduce the frequency and duration of outages and strengthen overall system performance. Ameren Illinois seeks to prepare for future demand. "Substations do not get a lot of fanfare, but they are critical elements in a reliable, resilient energy grid," Ron Juarez, director of North Region Electric Operations at Ameren Illinois, said, according to the announcement. "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. We're excited to bring these benefits to the region." The enhancements to the substations and underground network are expected to be completed and in service by the beginning of September. This story was created by reporter Nida Tazeen,[email protected], with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more atcm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct. Deal of the Day Recommendations are independently chosen by its editors. Purchases you make through its links may earn The Times Record Company a commission.

LIHEAP and other energy assistance funds available for Ameren Missouri customers. Ameren Missouri offers energy assistance programs year-round; LIHEAP, annual EA and winter ECIP applications due May 31 Ameren Missouri reminds its customers that energy assistance is available through a variety of programs, including Missouri's Low Income Home Energy Assistance program. Interested customers can apply even if their bill is not past due. While Ameren Missouri's programs are available year-round, the deadline to apply for LIHEAP's annual Energy Assistance (EA) program and the Winter Emergency Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) through the Missouri Department of Social Services is May 31. Ameren Missouri partners with community action agencies, such as Community Action Agency of St. Louis County (CAASTLC) Inc., to help customers apply for LIHEAP and additional energy assistance programs. "Energy assistance is more than financial relief; it brings peace of mind," said Linda Huntspon, CEO of CAASTLC. "As we observe Community Action Month this May, we encourage families to seek support through LIHEAP and Ameren Missouri programs before funds expire. If you're unsure whether you qualify, please reach out to us. We are here to help because no one should face energy insecurity alone." Through LIHEAP's EA program, the state provides a one-time payment for either heating or cooling bills. Those in financial crisis may also qualify for the state's Winter Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) through May 31, and Summer ECIP from June 1 to Sept. 30. A disconnection notice is required for ECIP but not for the EA program. "We all need help from time to time. If you're struggling to pay your bill, we have energy assistance programs designed to help you through tough times," said Joe Solari, vice president of customer experience for Ameren. "In partnership with hundreds of community agencies, Ameren Missouri offers programs for customers needing assistance with their energy bill." For customers who need help paying their bills, Ameren Missouri offers numerous energy assistance programs and options: * Keeping Cool provides up to five bill credits of $50 from May through September for income-eligible customers including senior citizens, those with children under age 5 and individuals who have a documented chronic medical condition or disability. * The Dollar More Program can help eligible customers with up to $600/year for a past due bill. Customers can also donate to this program to help others in need. * The New Start Energy Relief program helps unhoused electric customers return to permanent housing and reestablish service. * Veterans Energy Assistance is available to active-duty military, veterans and their families, providing up to $600 to help pay past-due utility bills. For more information, call 211. * The Weatherization program helps fund improvements for qualifying homeowners and renters such as insulation and the sealing of doors and windows. * Flexible payment arrangements and payment agreements can be made with Ameren Missouri.