News Releases

COLLINSVILLE, IL (APRIL 23, 2020) – As part of its plan to modernize the energy delivery infrastructure in central and southern Illinois, Ameren Illinois plans to complete a major natural gas transmission pipeline in the Decatur area.

Starting in June, Ameren Illinois crews will install the final one-mile of a four-mile segment of modern, 10-inch steel pipeline that runs from the company's delivery station in Elwin, Illinois to the south end of Decatur.  The newer pipeline replaces vintage steel natural gas transmission pipeline from the 1930s.

The pipeline project is expected to be completed by the end of September and will strengthen the integrity and reliability of the company's natural gas system. In addition, it will support economic development for communities in and around Decatur and Macon County. The total investment for the project is approximately $7 million.

"This upgrade is part of our overall statewide plan to enhance and improve our natural gas system," said Richard J. Mark, Chairman and President, Ameren Illinois. "With these enhancements, Ameren Illinois is taking proactive steps to prepare for the future needs of our natural gas customers. We're excited to bring these enhancements to our customers in Macon County."

Ameren Illinois operates and maintains approximately 1,250 miles of natural gas transmission lines and over 17,000 miles of distribution lines that feed service to more than 800,000 Illinois customers within a 43,700 square-mile territory in central and southern Illinois.

• Under its infrastructure-upgrade plan, Ameren Illinois has replaced nearly 200 miles of mechanically coupled steel pipes with newer, high-performance polyethylene pipe that is less prone to leakage.
• The company has upgraded and replaced nearly 100 miles of vintage steel pipes with modern, high strength steel pipes that are part of the gas transmission system within the Ameren Illinois service territory. The gas transmission system is the backbone of the gas delivery network that runs cross country delivering natural gas to communities and customers.   
• The company is also upgrading approximately 70 regulator stations where gas is received from interstate pipeline companies.  The upgrades will allow Ameren Illinois to improve the performance of its gas transmission systems in a safe and reliable manner.

Safe Digging
As required by law, Ameren Illinois will call JULIE (8-1-1) prior to starting work so crews can dig safely. Customers will see paint marks and colored flags to mark the location of underground utilities. Customers will also receive notifications by mail of the work being planned in the area.

About Ameren Illinois
Ameren Illinois delivers energy to 1.2 million electric and 807,000 natural gas customers throughout central and southern Illinois. Our service territory covers more than 1,200 communities and 43,700 square miles and our mission is to power the quality of life. For more information, visit AmerenIllinois.com. Follow us on Twitter @AmerenIllinois and Facebook.