Chambana Sun

Ameren is working on a new project called the Central Illinois Grid Transformation Program, and bringing staff to Ford and Iroquois Counties, according to an Aug. 7 Facebook post from Rep. Jason Bunting. In that post, Bunting shared the dates and times of two open houses and further information for his constituents.

"Ameren is proposing the Central Illinois Grid Transformation Program to build a more reliable and resilient energy grid for the future," Bunting posted. "They will be hosting public open houses in Ford and Iroquois Counties for residents to ask questions and provide input. There will be no formal presentation, so feel free to visit anytime throughout the two-hour timeframes."

This project will cover 380 miles, where there will be new or upgraded transmission lines, with 85% rebuilt along existing corridors. There are three substations and upgrades to existing substations, according to Ameren. The project timeline estimates that the route or routes will be finalized in fall-winter 2023, and a CPCN decision from the Illinois Commerce Commission is expected in late 2024. In mid-2026, construction is expected to begin, with different start dates in each affected community. The company expects to have the program in service by 2030. It will affect communities in Adams, Brown, Champaign, Ford, Fulton, Hancock, Iroquois, McDonough, McLean, Morgan, Peoria, Pike and Tazewell Counties.

On Aug. 3, WCBU reported on a study commissioned by Ameren, by request of the Illinois Commerce Commission.

“The 84-page study compiled by consultants Charles River Associates concluded that joining the PJM grid would ultimately drive up costs for both Ameren and ComEd customers in the northern region, primarily due to increased capacity costs. Joining PJM did result in some benefits, such as reduced emissions and increased resiliency, but these benefits are outweighed by the significant economic costs," the study concluded.

In a news release on the Central Illinois Grid Transformation program, Bunting added information for a McLean County open house.

“The McLean County open houses are on Thursday at the Dale Township Building at 8017 East 1100 North Rd. in Bloomington from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 5 to 7 p.m.,” the release stated.

Bunting was appointed to represent the people of the 106th House District in February 2023. His previous governmental experience includes time as the Highway Commissioner of Broughton Township, eight years on the Livingston County Board, as president of the Livingston County Farm Bureau as well as a director for the Illinois Corn Growers Association. He lives in Emington with his family, according to his legislative biography.