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Energy savings and reliability for Illinois families and businesses. Investment in Illinois communities. Grain Belt Express is opening access to diverse new sources of low-cost, domestic, primarily renewable clean energy, powering prosperity for local Illinois communities, investing in equitable jobs for workers, and meeting Illinois’ ambitious state energy goals. 

  • BILLIONS

    In cost savings for Illinois energy consumers over 15 years.

  • 1,400 DIRECT JOBS

    Created during construction.

    •
  • $1.3 Billion

    In economic activity during construction for Illinois.

  • RURAL BROADBAND

    Connecting communities with middle-mile fiber.  

    •

Updates and Announcements

On March 8, 2023 the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) voted to grant a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) for Grain Belt Express and approving the project route. An interactive map showing the approved route appears further below on this page. Learn more about the ICC approval here.

 

Grain Belt Express in The Community  

The benefits of the Grain Belt Express transmission line extend beyond energy savings and reliability. We invest in the communities where we build. 

As part of our commitment to local communities, Grain Belt Express supports nonprofit organizations located along the route through our Community Grant Program. These one-time grants of up to $500 are provided on a first-come, first-served basis to a select number of organizations. 

Applications must be completed online via the link below. There is no deadline for submitting the application at this time. All monies received must go toward the organization and purpose for which they are specifically requested. 

Apply Now   Learn More

Here are just a few of the Illinois causes we’ve supported. 
Supporting Ag Education

We have donated to County Fair Livestock Auctions, and support 4-H and other ag programs in sponsorships and direct donations. 

Effingham Chamber Workforce Partnership

As a new member of the Effingham Chamber, we support workforce development opportunities in the community–an important part of creating the local workforce skills and capacity needed to build Grain Belt Express. 

The

Grain Belt Express

Route

 

Modernizing our state’s infrastructure and ensuring affordability and diversity of energy supply are absolutely critical to improving Illinois’ business environment and strengthening our competitiveness. In contributing to both, the Grain Belt Express is a home run for Illinois.
Todd Maisch, President and CEO, Illinois Chamber of Commerce
You can’t have a strong business climate if manufacturers are worried about the reliability and cost of their power supply. There’s no question, manufacturers and the communities they support across our region will see significant benefits thanks to this essential investment.
Mark Denzler, President & CEO, Illinois Manufacturers’ Association
The reduced costs this will provide us is vital in our ongoing efforts to provide reliable utilities.
Nici Wilson, Odessa City Administrator
Illinois Commerce Commission approval of this project is a big win for Illinois workers and our economy. The project has shown a commitment to hire residents to construct and develop this vital project in our state, creating jobs for our members across central Illinois.
Randy Harris, Director, Midwest Region of the Laborers-Employers Cooperation and Education Trust (LECET)

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