Knox County Connector Project
Ameren Illinois is developing the Knox County Connector Project located in Knox County, Illinois. The project includes approximately 11 miles of new and upgraded energy lines with the vast majority to be rebuilt along existing corridors and co-located with existing Ameren Illinois facilities. It will strengthen our energy system by creating a more reliable grid, upgrading aging infrastructure and building a connection to diverse energy sources for Illinois communities.
About the Project

The Knox County Connector Project includes rebuilding an existing 69-kilovolt power line from the existing Sandburg Substation, located near Galesburg, Illinois, to a future collector station near Oneida, Illinois. A majority of the line will be rebuilt on new structures and will include a second power line, referred to as a “double circuit,” which will carry both 138-kilovolt and 69-kilovolt transmission lines. A portion of the double circuit will need to be routed around the west side of Wataga. Modifications to the existing Sandburg Substation are also included in the project. Construction will begin in fall 2025 and is anticipated to be in service and providing benefits to local communities by spring 2026.

In February 2025, Ameren submitted an application to the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), requesting review and approval of the Project. On August 7, 2025, the ICC approved the Primary Route and issued a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) for the Project. The new transmission line is anticipated to be in service and providing benefits to the local communities by spring 2026.

Community Benefits

Reliability

Strengthening our energy system by creating a more reliable grid

Upgrades

Upgrading aging infrastructure

Energy Sources

Building a connection to diverse energy sources for Illinois communities
Project Schedule
The project schedule above will be updated as major milestones are met. Schedule is subject to change.
Our Project team gathered and reviewed data and collected input from community members, landowners and stakeholders in the Study Area during three different stages of public engagement, which occurred in August, September and October 2024. Each round of public engagement was designed to gather public feedback on the Study Area. All input received was reviewed and considered during the development of the Preferred Route Alternatives. Once all comments were collected, reviewed and considered, Ameren selected and filed the Primary and Alternate Routes with the ICC. We appreciate everyone’s participation during the routing study and public involvement process.

With the Preferred Route approved, landowners are being contacted by the Knox County Connector Project team to discuss real estate and field studies. This important milestone in the project process is dependent upon open communication and lays the foundation for the future phases of construction.

For more information on the ICC filing, visit icc.illinois.gov/docket and enter 25-0128 in the docket search box.

Maps

Approved Route (PDF)
Study Area – July 2024 (PDF)
Preliminary Route Alternatives – August 2024 (PDF)
Preferred Route Alternatives – August 2024 (PDF)
Primary & Alternate Route – February 2025 (PDF)
Interactive Map
Project Fact Sheet (PDF)
Contact Us
We have a designated project hotline and email address that the public can use to contact members of our project team. Have a question? Please contact us using one of the methods below.

Phone: 833.478.7733

Email: info@knoxcountyconnectorproject.com

Mail: Ameren Illinois Pioneer Park Operating Center
Attn: Knox County Connector Project
8420 N. University Street, Peoria, IL 61615