The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) has selected Ameren to build multiple critical energy infrastructure projects representing a total investment of approximately $1.3 billion. The projects, included in Tranche 2.1 of MISO’s Long-Range Transmission Plan (LRTP), will carry clean, reliable energy to distribution grids in Missouri, Illinois, and other Midwest states.
Ameren says the energy corridors identified in MISO’s recently approved grid infrastructure portfolio will work in conjunction with the company’s current transmission system to enhance reliability and resiliency for customers. Ameren believes the projects will also support economic development, increase access to diverse energy resources across the MISO footprint, and ensure customer affordability and access to clean energy for millions of people.
“As demand for reliable energy increases, it is imperative that we strengthen the transmission system to utilize diverse energy resources across the Midwest to support the needs of our residents and businesses,” indicated Shawn Schukar, chairman and president of Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois, a subsidiary of Ameren Corporation. “The energy delivered by these projects will boost reliability and enable the bi-state region to compete for economic development opportunities, including the expansion and relocation of energy-intensive industries. Ameren can get these transmission systems energized faster and for less cost than other companies. We appreciate MISO’s confidence in our team to take on these important projects.”
Ameren plans to bid on more infrastructure projects in Tranche 2.1, believing the company’s capabilities and current resources would enhance reliability, resiliency, and affordability for customers.
“While Ameren participated in the competitive bidding process for Tranche 1 and plans to do so again, we believe in establishing energy policy that allows the trusted local provider to develop these projects, reducing unnecessary costs and delivering value to the customers sooner,” said Schukar. “When we lead these critical projects, we finish them faster and maximize economic development.”
This is not the first time in recent memory that Ameren has been tapped for a major grid infrastructure project, lending credence to Schukar’s assertion.
In October 2023, Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois was chosen to lead the $84 million development of the Fairport to Denny to IA/MO State Border 345 kV Competitive Transmission Project, part of the LRTP Tranche 1 portfolio. In April 2024, Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois was picked to take on MISO’s Denny – Zachary – Thomas Hill – Maywood 345 kV Competitive Transmission Project. It was the largest competitive project MISO has ever evaluated with an estimated implementation cost of $273 million (in nominal dollars) for the three transmission lines included in its scope.
MISO’s LRTP Tranche 2.1 includes a 765kV backbone line amongst 24 projects totaling 3,631 miles of regional projects in the grid operator’s Midwest subregion (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin). The $21.8 billion portfolio has a cost-to-benefit ratio of 1.8-3.5 with benefits potentially exceeding $72 billion, per MISO’s filings.
