Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois (ATXI) and Ameren Illinois are working together to build a more reliable and resilient energy grid for the future.
The Central Illinois Grid Transformation Program includes approximately 380 miles of new or upgraded transmission line across central Illinois with the vast majority to be rebuilt along existing corridors and co-located with existing Ameren Illinois facilities. The program also includes building three new substations and upgrades to several existing substations. Just as additional roads need to be built or expanded over time, the program will prepare the grid for the future by replacing aging infrastructure, adding transmission capacity to ensure energy reliability and resiliency, and promoting more access to energy sources for communities.
On July 2, 2025, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) approved a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity and route. The route was submitted to the ICC on February 5, 2024, after careful consideration of feedback from landowners, community members, interested agencies, and local officials. It was jointly selected by Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois (ATXI) and Ameren Illinois. The approved route includes options in Adams and McDonough counties.
Click here to view the Approved Route
For more information on the ICC filing, visit https://www.icc.illinois.gov/docket/P2024-0088.
The process of acquiring real estate is expected to begin with landowners who own property along existing corridors in early 2024, and for those who are affected by new corridors in early 2025. Those who own property along the Proposed Route should have received a letter from one of the Program’s real estate teams with more information about the next steps in the right-of-way process. Additionally, the ICC should have sent you a similar notification letter.
Affected landowners can find additional information about the real estate process by clicking here.
Construction is expected to begin in mid-2026, with an anticipated in-service date in June 2029. Our program team will maintain ongoing communication with the landowners and stakeholders during the project.
The team has gathered and reviewed data from community members, landowners, and stakeholders during different stages of the routing process. Our first series of engagement was hosted in August 2023 to gather input on the Route Segments. The second series of engagement was hosted in October 2023 to gather input on the Preliminary Route Alternatives. All input received during our two phases of engagement was reviewed and considered, along with our routing criteria during the development of the Proposed Route. If you were unable to participate in any of the phases of engagement – connect with our project team today.
Public collaboration remains a top priority for our team, and we appreciate your participation throughout our public engagement process. We encourage you to stay involved in the process by joining our program email or mailing list to receive updates on the program in your county.
For a high-level overview of the program, view the PDFs below.
Study Area (PDF) – June 2023
Route Corridors (PDF) – August 2023
Preliminary Route Alternatives (PDF) – October 2023
Proposed Route (PDF) – February 2024
Pre-construction activities are anticipated to start in 2024 for the Program. To properly design and build the structures, Ameren surveys the properties affected by the program to determine legal boundaries, soil conditions, proper foundation depth, cultural resources and environmental sensitivities. Some parcels may also require permanent or temporary access to the right-of-way for construction and maintenance at various points along the line.
Prior to construction, Ameren will conduct surveys to collect information necessary for construction to start. The field data we collect will help our engineers determine the final design and structure locations and will help to minimize impacts to cultural and biological resources during construction. Examples of types of surveys conducted include:
There will be different construction start dates in each community, but construction on the new transmission circuits is anticipated to begin in mid-2026. Construction at new or existing substations may begin earlier.
We have a designated project hotline and email address that the public can use to get in touch with members of our project team. Have a question? Please contact us using one of the methods below.