Ameren Forms Transmission Line Unit: Predicts $3 Billion in Line Construction

Ameren Corp. said Monday it formed a new subsidiary that will invest in electric transmission infrastructure, expanding Ameren's system in Missouri and Illinois.

The new company, Ameren Transmission Co., will build "greenfield" transmission projects within the two states, with the potential for expanding to other areas in the future. A greenfield project refers to construction on land that has not yet been developed.

The company said it's found more than $3 billion of potential transmission investments that could be completed in the two states over the next 10 to 15 years.

Ameren also announced today that it is filing a petition with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for pre-approval of certain rates for its proposed initial portfolio of transmission projects, the Grand Rivers projects, a $1.3 billion collection of high voltage transmission projects in Missouri and Illinois. The federal regulatory agency's response, expected within 60 days, should provide guidelines for rates at the new subsidiary.

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