ST. LOUIS – Ameren is upgrading its power infrastructure to improve reliability during severe weather through its Storm-Hardening Program.
The effort includes replacing aging wooden poles with stronger composite poles, as well asl upgrading conductors, and installing smart switches. Composite poles are designed to bend in strong winds as opposed to breaking. They are designed with structured fins at the very bottom, which anchors it better into the ground.
Ameren says 7,000 composite poles have already been installed across its service area as of early 2026, helping reduce the frequency and duration of outages for residential customers, businesses, and critical facilities…