New line to build connections to additional energy sources for the community
PEORIA, Ill. (Oct. 9, 2025) – Customers in Knox County, Illinois, are set to benefit from improved energy capacity and reliability following the Illinois Commerce Commission’s (ICC) approval of the final route for the Knox County Connector Project.
This energy infrastructure upgrade is scheduled to begin construction later this year. The project is designed to meet current and future energy needs in Knox County, ensuring customers receive dependable service for years to come by enhancing the community's connection to more energy sources.
“This is an important investment for the region because it replaces aging infrastructure that, in some cases, is more than 100 years old,” said Shawn Schukar, chairman and president of Ameren Transmission of Illinois. “Upgrading these lines ensures we can continue delivering safe and reliable energy to the customers we serve.”
The Knox County Connector Project includes approximately 11 miles of new and upgraded energy lines, with the vast majority to be rebuilt along existing corridors and co-located with existing Ameren Illinois facilities. The new line will connect the Sandburg substation in Knox County to a collector substation near Oneida, extending access to more energy sources.
“With 10 of the 11 miles located along existing corridors, this route will have minimal impacts to landowners,” said Suzanne Pohlman, project manager for the Knox County Connector Project. “By connecting to more diverse energy sources, we are opening pathways for customers to have access to the energy they need today and in the future.”
Construction is expected to begin this fall, with the line in service and providing benefits to the community as early as spring 2026.
Additional information is available on the project’s website, Ameren.com/KnoxCounty, by sending an email to info@knoxcountyconnectorproject.com, or by calling the project hotline at 833.478.7733.
About Ameren Illinois
Ameren Illinois delivers energy to 1.2 million electric and more than 800,000 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 at @AmerenIllinois or Facebook.com/AmerenIllinois.