The Illinois Valley Reliability Project includes constructing a new, approximately 21-mile, 138-kV transmission line, upgrading the existing Princeton substation, and building a new switching station called Lima located near Peru. The new transmission line will connect the Princeton substation to the new Lima switching station.

The Illinois Valley Reliability Project will improve energy reliability and resiliency for local homes and businesses, upgrade existing infrastructure, and support long-term economic growth in the region.

The entire Project is expected to be complete by the end of 2029. Ameren is currently in the public outreach phase of the Project. There will be ongoing outreach with stakeholders, landowners and residents, businesses and other community members before, during and after construction.

Project Timeline

• 2025: Gather public and agency input; route siting studies; final routes identified
• 2026: File routes with ICC; CPCN decision; easement acquisition
• 2027: Environmental surveys and permitting; easement acquisition; Lima switching station completion
• 2028: Environmental surveys and permitting; line construction
• 2029: Line construction; Princeton substation completion; Project in service; restoration

*All items shown are pending regulatory approvals. Schedule is subject to change.

Ameren performed a detailed study of the energy system supplying the Bureau and LaSalle County areas. The study identified reliability concerns and the need for reinforcements to continue providing safe and reliable energy to our customers. Multiple options were evaluated, and Ameren ultimately selected a plan to construct a new, approximately 23-mile, 138-kilovolt transmission line, upgrade the existing Princeton substation, and build a new switching station called Lima located near Peru, which will increase the resiliency of the local energy system. The Illinois Valley Reliability Project meets Ameren's reliability standards and provides the long-term capability to meet the energy demands of our local communities.

The public process was meant to engage landowners and stakeholders so we could learn as much as we could about the study area within Bureau and LaSalle counties. During this process, stakeholders learned about the needs and benefits of the Project, discussed questions or issues with our Project team, and provided input on sensitivities and opportunities to help our team improve the routing and siting process. We appreciate the public’s involvement and their willingness to provide input during this important phase of the Project.

Developing a transmission route is a phased process that involves collaboration with agencies, community members and landowners to collect information that helps our team understand and identify opportunities and sensitivities within the Bureau and LaSalle Project area.

Our team started by using data from publicly available sources to create our Study Area. We considered existing utility corridors, existing land use, resource areas, natural environment data and field survey data to help minimize impacts while providing feasible route opportunities.

Open House Round 1
Next, our team used data collected from stakeholders and federal, state and local agencies, as well as the four categories of routing criteria – Opportunities, Sensitivities, Technical Guidelines, and Statutory Requirements – to develop potential Route Segments that were shared with the public during our first round of open houses.

Open House Round 2
Our team then developed the Preliminary Route Alternatives using the routing criteria, as well as input received from stakeholders and community members during our first round of public engagement and shared those routes with the public during our second round of open houses. 

Open House Round 3
Using routing criteria and comments collected from the community during the second round of open houses, our team narrowed down the number of Preliminary Route Alternatives and identified Preferred Route Alternatives. We shared those routes during our third round of open houses.

File CPCN Application with ICC
After we collected data and input on the Preferred Route Alternatives, our team selected a “Primary Route” and an “Alternate Route” in the application to the ICC for a CPCN.

We started by identifying all affected communities as well as all other units of government such as school districts and soil and water conservation districts. We also identified other organizations that may have an interest in this Project, such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, State Historic Preservation Office, and more. In addition, we held conference calls individually with community officials or organizations, when requested.

Our public comment periods have closed but we have a dedicated Project hotline, 833.478.7733, and email, info@AmerenIllinoisValley.com, if you would like to send us a message.

Ameren Transmission will coordinate with various environmental-related agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Audubon Society, EPA, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the State Historic Preservation Office and others. These agencies have been invited to attend our meetings. Ameren is committed to environmental management and sustainability. Learn more at Ameren.com/Biodiversity.

Ameren Transmission 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.

As a part of Ameren’s evaluation of potential routes, the minimization of environmental impacts, including those to threatened and endangered species, is a priority. Ameren will prioritize route options that avoid or minimize impacts to threatened and endangered species.