As part of a multi-year plan to build a next generation energy delivery system and create jobs in central and southern Illinois, Ameren Illinois announced it is investing approximately $15.5 million to improve natural gas and electric service for residential and small business customers in and around Jefferson and Washington counties.  “Over time, the upgrades we’re making now will provide our customers with access to more programs, pricing options and energy efficiency tools to help them manage their energy usage and better control their costs,” said Eric Kozak, Director of Division VI Operations for Ameren Illinois.  “These improvements will also help us detect outages sooner and restore service more promptly.”  Local customers have begun to receive notification about upcoming electric and natural gas meter upgrades, which are scheduled to begin in late May and continue throughout 2015.  The two-way advanced meters will provide better information for restoring outages and give Ameren Illinois customers more meaningful information about their energy usage.  Benefits include more reliable energy, more energy usage control and more customer information.  Ameren Illinois will contact customers in advance of meter upgrades.  Customers do not need to take any action or be present as long as installers have clear and safe access to the meters.  The upgrades will take about 10 to 15 minutes and will be performed by Ameren Illinois or Apex contracting crews displaying Ameren photo-ID badges.  Installers will never ask for payment of any kind.  There will be a brief interruption to a customer’s electric service, but no gas service interruption during the upgrade.  If a customer is not present, a door hanger will be left to let them know if the upgrade was completed.  Electric and gas meters will be upgraded on separate visits to each property.  In Nashville, Ameren Illinois is upgrading and fortifying power lines from the intersection of Lebanon and Washington Streets to Washington County Hospital and Rural Health Clinic with an investment of $300,000.   Customers with questions can visit AmerenIllinois.com/focus or call Ameren Illinois Customer Service at 1-800-755-5000.