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Knox County Connector Project

 

Ameren Illinois is proposing the Knox County Connector Project located in Knox County, Illinois. The Project includes approximately 11 miles of new and upgraded energy lines with a vast majority to be rebuilt along existing corridors and co-located with existing Ameren Illinois facilities. It will strengthen our energy system by creating a more reliable grid, upgrading aging infrastructure, and building a connection to diverse energy sources for Illinois communities.

The Knox County Connector Project includes rebuilding an existing 69 kV power line from the existing Sandburg Substation, located near Galesburg, to a future collector station near Oneida. A majority of the line will be rebuilt on new structures and will include a second power line, referred to as a “double circuit,” which will carry both 138/69 kV transmission lines. A portion of the double circuit will need to be routed around the west side of Wataga. Modifications to the existing Sandburg Substation are also included in the project. Our goal is to have this project in service and providing benefits to the local communities by spring 2026.

 

Infrastructure

Project Benefits

  • Strengthening our energy system by creating a more reliable grid
  • Upgrading aging infrastructure
  • Building a connection to diverse energy sources for Illinois communities

Ameren Selects Primary and Alternate Routes, Files Application with Illinois Commerce Commission

On February 5, 2025, Ameren submitted an application to the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) for the Knox County Connector Project. The ICC will review the Primary and Alternate Routes as part of the application and, if approved, will select which of the two routes will be built. Only one of the routes going around Wataga will be constructed. Ameren anticipates a decision from the ICC in 2025.

Landowners of record along the filed Preferred and Alternate Routes will receive mailed notification letters from Ameren and the ICC. If the CPCN is granted, we will notify landowners along the full route. Easement negotiations may take place before a decision is made. Our goal is to have the project in service by spring 2026.

For more information on the ICC filing, visit icc.illinois.gov/docket and enter 25-0128 in the docket search box. 

 

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Project Maps

 


July 2024


August 2024


August 2024


February 2025

 

Knox County Connector Project Timeline

  • 2024: Data Collection and Design – Gather public, stakeholder and agency input
  • 2025: Primary and Alternate routes identified, CPCN Application Filing –File Primary and Alternate routes with Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC)
  • 2025: Surveys and Real Estate – Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) decision; Engineering and permitting; Environmental surveys and permitting Easement acquisition process
  • 2025: Preconstruction and Construction – Preconstruction activities; Construction begins
  • 2026: Construction – Project in Service

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

 

Our Project team gathered and reviewed data and collected input from community members, landowners, and stakeholders in the Study Area during three different stages of public engagement, which occurred in August, September and October 2024. Each round of public engagement was designed to gather public feedback on the Study Area. All input received was reviewed and considered during the development of the Preliminary Route Alternatives and the Preferred Route Alternatives. Once all comments were collected, reviewed and considered, Ameren selected and filed the Preferred and Alternate Routes with the ICC. We appreciate everyone’s participation during the routing study and public involvement process.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Ameren Illinois is proposing the Knox County Connector Project located in Knox County, Illinois. The Project includes approximately 11 miles of new and upgraded energy lines with a vast majority to be rebuilt along existing corridors and co-located with existing Ameren Illinois facilities. It will strengthen our energy system by creating a more reliable grid, replacing aging infrastructure, and building a connection to diverse energy sources for Illinois communities.
Communities in the Knox County area is currently supported by one Ameren Illinois 138 kV transmission line that serves as the backbone for the energy system. Continuing to rely on these transmission sources could, in the event of a failure, result in power limitations or power outages, resulting in extended restoration times and community-wide impacts. As we continue to serve, support and invest in our communities, the Knox County Connector Project will allow us to continue supporting future energy needs.
The Project will be complete by March of 2026. Ameren Illinois 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. Our schedule currently anticipates construction starting as early as spring 2025.
Ameren performed a detailed study of the energy system supplying the Knox County area. The study identified redundancy and reliability concerns and the need for reinforcements to continue providing reliable energy to our customers. Multiple options were evaluated, and Ameren ultimately selected a plan to construct an additional 69,000-volt transmission line in the area, which will increase the resiliency of the local energy system. The Knox County Connector Project meets Ameren's reliability standards and provides the long-term capability to meet the energy demands of our local communities.

Involvement

The public process is meant to engage landowners with our team so that we can learn as much as we can about Knox County. During this process, stakeholders can learn about the need and benefits of the Project, discuss questions or issues with our Project team and provide input on sensitivities and opportunities to help our team improve the routing and siting process. We look forward to the public's input and our public process is aligned with the Project’s milestones.
Developing a transmission route is a phased process that involves the collection of information to understand and identify opportunities and sensitivities within Knox County. Over a series of public open houses, we'll gather data from the project area and begin to narrow down route corridors through opportunities and sensitivities that meet technical guidelines. During this collaborative process of working with agencies, community members and landowners, Ameren Illinois will develop constructible routes that minimize impacts and then identify at least two routes that will be filed with the Illinois Commerce Commission.
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 in the Program Area, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, State Historic Preservation Office and others. Our team is also available to meet individually with community officials or organizations, as requested.
We appreciate your participation. We not only want your comments, but we also encourage them. You can submit questions, leave a comment, provide input, or express concerns on the website. We also have a dedicated Project hotline 833.478.7733. If you leave a message, a Project representative will return your call. You can also send us an email at info@knoxcountyconnectorproject.com.

Environmental

Ameren Illinois will coordinate with various environmental related agencies including the, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, State Historic Preservation Office and others. We also invite these agencies to attend our meetings. Ameren Illinois is committed to environmental management and sustainability. Learn more at Ameren.com/Biodiversity.
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.
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. As a part of this routing evaluation, Ameren will prioritize those route that will avoid or minimize impacts to threatened and endangered species.

Contact Us

We have a designated project hotline and email address that the public can use to get in touch with members of our project team. Have a question? Please contact us using one of the methods below.

Call Us: 833.478.7733

Email Us: info@knoxcountyconnectorproject.com

Mail Us:

Ameren Illinois Pioneer Park Operating Center
Attn: Knox County Connector Project
8420 N. University Street
Peoria, IL 61615
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