LaSalle Link Project

Ameren Illinois is proposing the LaSalle Link Project to improve energy reliability for local customers in the LaSalle County area. This Project includes the construction of a new 138 kV transmission line to connect the Corbin substation in Oglesby, Illinois to the North Utica substation near North Utica, Illinois. Our goal is to have this new line in service and providing benefits to the local community by the Summer of 2025.

As we continue to serve and invest in our communities, new projects — like the LaSalle Link Project – allow us to continue supporting the needs of our customers in your area. Communities in the LaSalle County area are currently supported by two Ameren Illinois 138 kV transmission lines that serve as the backbone for the energy system. Continuing to rely on these transmission sources in the event of a power outage poses a high risk of community-wide impacts within the area. The LaSalle Link Project community benefits are to:

• Improve local energy reliability by creating additional pathways to support current and future energy needs
• Help minimize power outage impacts to the local communities
• Support expansion needed for continued area growth
• Upgrade aging substations

The LaSalle Link Project will be complete by Summer of 2025. Ameren Illinois submitted an application to the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) on September 23, 2022 for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) for the LaSalle Link Project.

The expected timing for a decision is early 2023. If approved, easement negotiations will begin with affected landowners in mid 2023 with construction anticipated to start in Spring 2024.

Ameren performed a detailed study of the energy system supplying the LaSalle County area. The study identified redundancy and reliability concerns and the need for reinforcements to continue providing safe, reliable and environmentally safe energy to our customers. Multiple alternatives were evaluated, and we ultimately selected a plan to construct an additional138,000-volt transmission line in the area. We believe this is the most efficient solution that will increase the resiliency of the local energy system. The LaSalle Link Project meets Ameren's reliability standards and provides the long-term capability to meet the energy demands of our local communities.

The total investment, including line and substation upgrades, is currently estimated to cost approximately $33 million.

We anticipate using galvanized steel monopole structures. The structures will range between 80- 120 feet tall, depending on terrain. We estimate 7-8 structures per mile with an average span range of 700-800 feet between structures. The average steel monopole structures will have drilled pier, concrete foundations with diameters ranging between 6-10 feet and depths ranging from 25-35 feet for most structures, depending on structural loading and soil conditions. The conductors will meet or exceed the minimum clearance of 21 feet to grade required by the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC).

Throughout two phases of engagement, our project team collected input and information from landowners, community members, and agencies, to understand and identify opportunities and sensitivities within the project’s Study Area to help improve the routing and siting process. Our team reviewed all comments received during the in-person Open Houses, Virtual Open Houses, local community meetings, by email, mail and/or phone calls. These comments were considered as we used our routing criteria to determine the Primary Route. The Primary Route represents the best combination of technical guidelines, while utilizing Opportunities and minimizing impacts to Sensitivities within the surrounding areas.

After collecting data and input from the community through our public outreach and planning phases, one or more routes will be developed and filed with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) as a part of Ameren Illinois' request for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN).

Once a CPCN is granted, it will include details of the ICC approved final route. Ameren Illinois representatives will begin contacting landowners for the purpose of conducting good faith negotiations for an easement for the new line. Details of the Project, what property rights are needed, location of the easement and compensation will be discussed with each landowner. Landowners will receive a one-time easement payment. Payment is made in the form of a check, at the time of or shortly after the time that each landowner provides an executed easement to Ameren Illinois. In most cases, landowners will be offered an advanced payment (by Ameren Illinois at the time of easement payment) for anticipated crop loss and restoration of crop land.

The requested easement width for the LaSalle Link Project will be 100 feet. Access roads to the right-of-way for construction and maintenance at various points along the line often require additional easement agreements, which may be permanent or temporary. Should these be required, landowners will be compensated for any additional usage of their property.

Complete our online form to submit comment. Please be sure to provide all your contact information, including email or phone number and a team representative will get back to you.

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Ameren Illinois will coordinate with various environmental related agencies such as U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, State Historic Preservation Office and other local interest groups. We'll be working with these agencies and organizations throughout the development of the LaSalle Link Project.

Ameren Illinois uses an avian-safe structure design and flight diverters where necessary as part of our corporate Avian Protection Plan to minimize impacts to migratory birds and meet regulatory requirements.