BONNIE, IL — Linemen are working to modernize the Ameren Illinois energy delivery system in the Village of Bonnie to enhance electric service reliability for nearly 500 customers.

In January, Ameren Illinois contractors began work just south of Mount Vernon to the Village of Bonnie along Illinois Route 37. The crews are replacing nearly 90 power poles and power lines for nearly 4 miles. The Illinois Department of Transportation is grading the route along Rt. 37. Ameren Illinois’ investment in this project is $3.1 million. Weather permitting, work should be completed in early June.

“This upgrade is part of our overall statewide plan to build a cleaner, greener, more resilient grid,” said Jason Klein, Division Director, Ameren Illinois. “With these enhancements, Ameren Illinois is taking proactive steps to prepare for the future needs of our electric customers. We’re excited to bring these enhancements to our customers in Jefferson County.”

The enhancements are part of Ameren Illinois’ multi-year initiative to modernize its energy delivery system. Since 2012, the company has implemented hundreds of projects, added new technology and strengthened poles, wires and distribution equipment.  As a result, reliability has improved by an average of 17 percent and the time of an outage has been reduced by 19 percent.