Electric grid upgrades near University of Illinois will bolster reliability for Campustown customers

Enhancements will help meet increasing energy needs from new apartment complexes and EV charging

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Nov. 9, 2026) - Ameren Illinois has completed the power line portion of an electric infrastructure project designed to strengthen reliability and support increasing energy demand in the Campustown area near the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus.

The project includes construction of a new electric circuit that will serve large residential developments being built adjacent to the university. Many of these new apartment complexes use electric heating systems and electric vehicle charging infrastructure, significantly increasing electricity demand, particularly during the winter months.

The enhancements include replacing approximately 0.4 miles of existing electric line with new double-circuit infrastructure and constructing an additional 0.65 miles of new electric line. Ameren Illinois also installed 36 new wood poles and four composite poles to help strengthen the local grid. Approximately 4,000 customers are expected to benefit from the improvements.

"This investment is about preparing our grid for the future," said Kevin Place, director of East Region Electric Operations for Ameren Illinois. "The Campustown area continues to experience growth and increasing energy demand. By adding capacity to the local electric system today, we're helping ensure reliable service for residents, businesses and students for years to come."

The project is designed to support new residential developments that require significantly more electricity than the buildings they are replacing. The added capacity will help meet increasing demand during periods of peak usage while providing flexibility to serve future development in the area.

Line construction was placed into service in September 2026. Design work for associated substation improvements remains underway, with construction expected to be completed by summer 2027. Once those enhancements are complete, the circuit will operate as originally designed, providing additional flexibility and reliability for customers in the area.

"Investments like this help us stay ahead of customer needs while supporting economic growth in the communities we serve," said Jason Klein, vice president of Electric Operations for Ameren Illinois. "We're proud to make improvements that will help meet the evolving energy needs of the Campustown area and support development around the University of Illinois."

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.