One of the biggest fleets of its kind in the utility’s service area, Ameren Illinois has officially launched a fleet of 25 new electric school buses in collaboration with East St. Louis School District 189, Highland Electric Fleets, North American Central School Bus, and the U.S. EPA’s Clean School Bus Program. The new fleet, which serves kids throughout District 189, is a major step in the direction of cleaner air and a healthier learning environment.
Kristol Simms, Vice President of Business, Community, and Economic Development at Ameren Illinois, stated that the organisation is dedicated to facilitating the adoption of electric technology by citizens and businesses as a way to save energy expenses and lessen environmental effects. “The state’s objective of having one million EVs on the road by 2030 is supported by the implementation of programmes outlined in our beneficial electrification plan.”
Ameren Illinois is providing the district’s Caseyville bus depot with almost 1 megawatt of new electric service to run the fleet. As required by Illinois’ Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), the utility is offering up to $25,000 per charger (up to $625,000 total) as part of its Beneficial Electrification Plan, which also covers 100% of infrastructure expenses and offers fleet assessments and managed charging as assistance. Additionally, the introduction is in line with Ameren Illinois’ Market Development Initiative, which has supported hundreds of jobseekers, internships, and scholarships while reaching almost half a million customers. More than 3,000 energy-saving measures have been installed in District 189 schools since 2022, saving more than 1 million kWh and around 26,000 therms. The introduction of electric buses highlights East St. Louis’ expanding contribution to the development of a sustainable and equitable energy future.
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