CU receives $3M grant

City Utilities of Springfield is the recipient of a $3 million grant from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

The funding is earmarked for the replacement of aging utility poles and transformers, with a focus on poles that are at least 50 years old, according to a news release. CU is providing a local match of $1.5 million, bringing the investment in the project up to roughly $4.5 million.

“Proactively replacing aging infrastructure is not only more reliable, but it’s also more cost-effective,” CU President and CEO Dwayne Fulk said in the release. “This grant allows us to continue to deliver strong value for the essential services that power our community every day.”

CU next year plans to use the funds to replace 135 utility poles and transformers throughout its system. Over the next four years, CU intends to replace roughly 531 utility poles and transformers.

During fiscal year 2026, CU budgeted nearly $10 million for tree trimming and pole replacement, according to the release.