Illinois Commerce Commission Approves Project To Improve Energy Reliability For Residents, Businesses In Peoria County

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) granted approval to Ameren Illinois to build a new transmission line to improve energy reliability for residents and businesses in the Peoria region. 

138-kV transmission line

The new 138-kV transmission line will connect Ameren’s substation in Alta with its substation in Pioneer Park in the City of Peoria, creating additional pathways for energy to flow to the region and reducing the frequency and duration of power outages.

The project will be competitively bid and built by Illinois-based union electric workers.

energy reliability

"The approval of the Peoria County Reliability Project is a significant milestone toward improving energy reliability for the area," said Stephanie Thomson, Project Manager of the Peoria County Reliability Project.

She adds, "In addition to opening up new pathways to bring more energy to the region, we’re keeping the construction jobs here at home and providing an economic boost to downstate Illinois.”

certificate of public convenience and necessity

Ameren Illinois held a series of informational meetings to identify the optimal route for the new line

Ameren Illinois, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ameren Corporation, held a series of informational meetings to obtain input from members of the public and key stakeholders to identify the optimal route for the new line.

The certificate of public convenience and necessity issued by the ICC provides route approval and the go-ahead to begin construction.

Benefits to the local community

"We’re appreciative of the community’s feedback to help us develop this route and receive approval to build it with Illinois-based workers,” said Stephanie Thomson, adding “Discussions with Peoria County landowners, county officials, and other state and local agencies will continue as this beneficial project progresses.”

Construction is expected to begin in spring 2024, and the new line is projected to be in service and providing benefits to the local community by December 2025.