05/13/2009 UPDATE: Workforce (VIDEO)
The Ameren Illinois Utilities have mobilized more than 1,200 pieces of equipment, including line trucks, bucket trucks, backhoes, bulldozers and even helicopters and boats. A total of about 60,000 gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel have been used to keep the equipment operating.
Since the storm restoration effort began, the AIU workforce, which peaked at 2,200 field and support personnel, have used 1,350 utility poles, about 135 miles of electric wire, 21,000 insulators, 110 transformers and 340,000 other items to replace or repair damaged equipment and facilities.
The Ameren Illinois Utilities self insure the risks associated with the costs of restoring service following storms. In addition, as investor-owned utilities, AIU is not eligible to receive government assistance funds or low-cost loans associated with disaster recovery.
