Ameren Illinois provides $50,000 to help Herrin transition to electric vehicles

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

HERRIN, Ill., (KBSI) — Ameren Illinois and the City of Herrin are partnering to transition the city’s municipal fleet to electric vehicles.

Through its Community Engagement and Consultation program, Ameren Illinois is providing $50,000, along with technical support and strategic planning assistance, to help Herrin develop and implement a comprehensive transportation electrification plan.

The program is part of Ameren Illinois’ Beneficial Electrification Plan, which supports municipalities and community-based organizations pursuing electric vehicle infrastructure and adoption across downstate Illinois.

“We are proud to partner with Herrin in advancing cleaner transportation solutions,” said Mark Minden, executive for efficient electrification and product development at Ameren Illinois. “Beneficial electrification supports local sustainability goals while improving efficiency and reducing environmental impact.”

City officials said Herrin recently added a heavy-duty electric truck to its municipal fleet, replacing a gas-powered vehicle. The truck is being used for city operations and is expected to reduce fuel use and maintenance costs while supporting long-term savings for taxpayers.

Ameren Illinois serves about 1.2 million electric customers and more than 800,000 natural gas customers across downstate Illinois.