ST. LOUIS, Mo. -- Ameren Electric hopes to shorten its recovery time after power outages with the help of new Mobile Command Centers.Â
The stations will allow crews to better transport needed materials to sites of intense storm damage causing power outages. These trailers measure about 24 by 8 feet and attach to utility trucks. They include wi-fi access, computers, a generator, ways to view drone footage of an area and an awning outside.Â
"Ameren continually looks at technology and equipment to enhance the resiliency of our energy grid, improve customer reliability and reduce power outages in the aftermath of severe weather," said Vice President of Electric Operations of Ameren Illinois, Luke Wollin. "We feel our Mobile Command Center trailers will have an immediate impact on our restoration efforts moving forward."
The new centers join Ameren's material trailers and mobile substations, which provide crews with a trailer full of needed tools and a temporary substation if a neighborhood is out.
"The Mobile Command Center trailers will give the company a single point of contact for crews, while also being available for use during mutual assistance response efforts outside Ameren's service areas," said Vice President of Energy Delivery for Ameren Missouri, Ryan Arnold. "We will be able to deploy the command centers quickly and can have them set up and fully operational in minutes. It's going to make communications and coordination much more efficient. Most importantly, it will help us improve restoration times for our customers after a storm."
