Central Illinois Grid Transformation Program
Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois (ATXI) and Ameren Illinois are working together to build a more reliable and resilient energy grid for the future.
About the Project
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.
Community Benefits

Reliability

Improving energy reliability for the surrounding region and local communities

Growing Opportunities

Growing economic development opportunities

Energy Sources

Promoting access to diverse energy sources

Increased Capacity

Increasing transmission capacity to meet changing energy needs

Lower Costs

Supporting lower energy supply costs
Proposed Route Selected and Filed

On Feb. 5, 2024, ATXI and Ameren Illinois jointly submitted an application to the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) for the Program. For more information on the ICC filing, visit https://www.icc.illinois.gov/docket/P2024-0088.

On July 2, 2025, the ICC issued a Final Order and CPCN and approved a route that includes options in Adams and McDonough counties (the Approved Route). The Program team is working with federal, state and local agencies to determine the final routes in those areas, along with any necessary permitting.  

 

Public and Stakeholder Involvement

The team 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.

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.

The process of acquiring real estate along the Approved Route is currently underway with landowners that own property along existing transmission corridors and is anticipated to begin for those affected by new transmission corridors in fall 2025. Affected landowners can find additional information about the real estate process by clicking here.

Pre-construction activities, including field surveys, are taking place throughout the Program area. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2026, with different start dates in each community.

The Program is scheduled to be in service by June 2029. 

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Contact Us

General Information
Public and Stakeholder Involvement
Environmental and Agency Coordination
Routing/Line Design
Real Estate
Pre-Construction Activities
Construction