City Utilities of Springfield, Mo., has been awarded a $3 million grant from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to help strengthen Springfield’s electric grid.
The funding will be used to replace aging utility poles and transformers, with a focus on poles that are more than 50 years old.
With CU’s required local match of $1,473,900, the total investment in the project is $4,473,900 to improve the reliability and resilience of Springfield’s electric grid.
Next year, CU will use the funds to replace 135 utility poles and transformers throughout Springfield and will prioritize customers who have experienced a higher frequency of outages. In all, the funds will be used to replace approximately 531 utility poles and transformers over the next four years.
"Replacing this equipment before it fails will help reduce the risk of unexpected power outages. As utility poles age, they become more susceptible to damage from high winds. By proactively replacing them, CU expects to reduce pole failures and improve service reliability for customers. The project also includes replacing older transformers with new models that are easier and faster to repair," the public power utility noted.
“Proactively replacing aging infrastructure is not only more reliable, but it’s also more cost-effective,” said Dwayne Fulk, President-CEO of City Utilities. “This grant allows us to continue to deliver strong value for the essential services that power our community every day.”
This grant complements the nearly $10 million CU has budgeted for tree trimming and pole replacement in fiscal year 2026.
"Together, these investments will help strengthen the electric system while supporting CU’s ongoing commitment to reliability, safety, and long-term value for the Springfield community," it said.
