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Ameren Illinois Works Around the Clock to Restore Power

July 17, 2020
The utility activated its Emergency Operations Center after severe storms rolled into its service territory.

Ameren Illinois crews and storm support personnel worked throughout the night to restore service to more than 17,900 customers who were without power as a result of severe storms that rolled through the upper half of the Ameren Illinois service territory at two different times on the evening of July 11.  

Ameren Illinois activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at 10 p.m. to coordinate restoration, logistical support and communication. Crew members reported that the bulk of the damage was a result of trees falling on power lines with more than 100 downed poles and wires. The Peoria Metro, Bloomington-Normal, Champaign-Urbana, and Decatur areas were among the hardest hit.

About 480 personnel remained engaged in restoring service to those customers who remained without power. Additional field personnel arrived throughout the night on July 11 and continued arriving the following day.

“In the immediate aftermath of the Saturday's severe weather events, we mobilized tree removal personnel and electric line resources to the affected areas," says Dave Wakeman, senior vice president of operations and technical services, Ameren Illinois. “With daylight, we're getting a good look at the extent of the damage we sustained to our infrastructure. This was a powerful storm that knocked down hundreds of large trees. We'll be working throughout the day to restore power as safely and efficiently as possible." 

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