Illinois Commerce Commission clears Ameren Illinois to build new transmission line in Peoria County
Owing to its energy reliability potential, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) this week approved Ameren Illinois to build a new 138-kV transmission line for residents and businesses in Peoria County.
This line will run from Ameren’s substation in Alta to another in the city of Peoria’s Pioneer Park. The ultimate aim: increased energy pathways and reduced frequency and duration of power outages. Construction will be handled through competitive bidding, but guaranteed to be built by Illinois-based union electric workers.
The ICC’s order granted both route approval and clearance to begin construction. It followed informational meetings conducted by Ameren Illinois and input gathering from members of the public and key stakeholders.
“The approval of the Peoria County Reliability Project is a significant milestone toward improving energy reliability for the area,” Stephanie Thomson, project manager of the Peoria County Reliability Project, said. “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.”
Construction should begin in spring 2024, with an aspirational completion goal by December 2025.
