Key Takeaways:
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (Feb. 26, 2026) – Communities in southwest Illinois and southeast Missouri will soon have improved energy reliability, expanded access to more sources of energy, and other benefits due to new upgrades to the energy grid in their region. Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois (ATXI) received regulatory approval from the Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC) to proceed with the Grand Tower Crossing Transmission Project. The new high-voltage transmission line and associated upgrades to electric substations are designed to strengthen the grid and support long-term energy needs in Illinois and Missouri.
“We know customers are relying on us to keep costs as low as possible while completing this project. Our team is working every day to deliver the most value to customers for every dollar that's put into the energy grid,” said Shawn Schukar, chairman and president of ATXI. “The Grand Tower Crossing Project will help energy flow into this region and prepare the transmission system to continue supporting homes, businesses and critical services for decades to come. It's driving meaningful, long-term value."
ATXI has worked closely with landowners, local officials and Citizens Electric Corporation to shape the project. The project team incorporated community input gathered through public open houses and ongoing outreach efforts to ensure the project is designed responsibly, respectfully and with local needs in mind.
“Our collaboration with Ameren is rooted in a shared commitment to our members and the technical expertise required to deliver long-term regional value," said Kelli Behrle, communications specialist for Citizens Electric Corporation. “Projects like Grand Tower Crossing demonstrate what can be accomplished when utilities work together to strengthen the grid and support the communities we serve.”
The Grand Tower Crossing Project will connect Citizens Electric's Wittenberg substation in Perry County, Missouri, to a new Jenkins substation near Ameren Illinois’ existing Grand Tower substation in Jackson County, Illinois. The new 4-mile, 138 kilovolt transmission line will cross over the Mississippi River to connect these substations. The Grand Tower substation will soon be retired.
“I want to thank Ameren for keeping the County Board apprised of the project, as it represents an important step forward for our region. We are pleased to see these investments in the energy grid,” said Brian C. Chapman, Ph.D., director of economic development for Jackson County. “Access to reliable, low-cost power is essential to achieving economic growth and long-term stability for residents and businesses.”
ATXI will continue to engage with landowners and community members throughout the duration of the project. To learn more about the Grand Tower Crossing Project, visit Ameren.com/GrandTowerCrossing, call the project team at 800.488.7119 or email the project team at connect@grandtowercrossing.com.
About Ameren Corporation
St. Louis-based Ameren Corporation powers the quality of life for 2.4 million electric customers and more than 900,000 natural gas customers in a 64,000-square-mile area through its Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois rate-regulated utility subsidiaries. Ameren Illinois provides electric transmission and distribution service and natural gas distribution service. Ameren Missouri provides electric generation, transmission and distribution services, as well as natural gas distribution service. Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois develops, owns and operates rate-regulated regional electric transmission projects in the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc. For more information, visit Ameren.com, or follow us at @AmerenCorp, Facebook.com/AmerenCorp, or LinkedIn.com/company/Ameren.