Ameren Illinois, alongside East St. Louis School District 189, Highland Electric Fleets, North American Central School Bus, and the U.S. EPA’s Clean School Bus Program, has officially launched a fleet of 25 new electric school buses—one of the largest deployments of its kind in the utility’s service area. Serving students across District 189, the new fleet represents a significant step toward cleaner air and a healthier learning environment. nois’ service territory.
“Ameren Illinois is committed to making it easier for residents and businesses to embrace electric technology as a means to lower energy costs and reduce environmental impacts, said Kristol Simms, Vice President of Business, Community and Economic Development for Ameren Illinois. “Implementation of programs outlined in our beneficial electrification plan supports the state’s goal of having one million EVs on the road by 2030.”
To support the fleet, Ameren Illinois is delivering nearly 1 megawatt of new electric service to the district’s Caseyville bus depot. Through its Beneficial Electrification Plan—mandated by Illinois’ Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA)—the utility is covering 100% of infrastructure costs, offering up to $25,000 per charger (up to $625,000 total), and providing support through fleet assessments and managed charging. The launch also aligns with Ameren Illinois’ Market Development Initiative, which has reached nearly half a million customers and backed hundreds of jobseekers, scholarships, and internships. Since 2022, energy efficiency programs have installed more than 3,000 measures in District 189 schools, saving over 1 million kWh and nearly 26,000 therms. The electric bus rollout underscores East St. Louis’ growing role in shaping an inclusive and sustainable energy future.
