A project update from the Citizens Electric engineering team

Citizens Electric Corporation is part of an exciting future full of potential for its members.  Major changes on the horizon will dramatically reshape the electric industry, and electric cooperatives have the flexibility and adaptability to capitalize on the moment.  A long-range plan that outlines the cooperative’s vision for maintaining its strength in the quickly evolving electric industry while taking advantage of new opportunities is set every twenty-five years and evaluated every three to four years.  Citizens Electric began advancing many of its key priorities in 2022, such as a new enhanced technology launch, and energizing a new substation. Many of these projects are part of the plan, directing the cooperative’s steps to ensure its future for safe, reliable power, keeping the members top of mind.

This year, the Citizens Electric team has maintained full momentum keeping up with the demands of the grid. There are currently three major infrastructure projects underway, across the service territory:

T17 Upgrade project in Perry County

The T17 Upgrade project, which was developed collectively with Wabash Valley Power Alliance (WVPA), took shape in Perryville near Citizens Electric Headquarters beginning in March of this year and has a projected completion date in October.  The project addresses the need to service increasing load demands, which includes rebuilding a section of line and upgrading conductor capacity size while replacing wood poles with long-standing steel. This project is part of the 69kV system that creates a path through Perryville to Altenburg, Fruitland, and Neely’s Landing.

Salem Bulk to Valley View project in Ste. Genevieve County

Citizens Electric and Wabash Valley Power are planning a new 20-mile transmission line that will connect to an existing radial line and create a looped system. The conversion to a looped system will increase reliability and minimize downtime in the event of a power outage. This project will allow the construction of two future substations, increasing flexibility and reliability to approximately 4,000 members served in the area.

Limestone Ridge project in Cape County

In collaboration with Wabash Valley Power and Ameren, this project will add a second high-voltage source to the southern end of the Citizens Electric service territory. The project includes adding one additional substation to the system near Wittenberg, MO, while upgrading another near Fruitland, MO. This project benefits members by providing a second source of transmission which will help reduce outage times during major events including storms. The Limestone Ridge Project will help support the growing loads in Northern Cape Girardeau County. The project’s completion date is set for 2024.

While our focus has remained steady on providing reliable energy to our members, today’s energy landscape and consumer expectations are far different than they were decades ago. That’s why we’re adapting, to keep pace with changing technology, evolving needs, and new expectations.