Montgomery-Callaway Connector Project
After completing an in-depth routing study and gathering input from landowners, community members, interested agencies and local officials, Ameren Missouri has selected a preferred corridor for the Montgomery-Callaway Connector Project. Nearly 100 percent of the preferred corridor will co-locate along an existing Ameren Missouri right of way.
About the Project
Ameren Missouri plans to file a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN) application with the Missouri Public Service Commission (Mo PSC) in October 2025 to construct the Montgomery-Callaway Connector Project. The Project includes approximately 30 miles of double circuit, 345 kV transmission line in Montgomery and Callaway counties. The proposed transmission line will connect the existing Burns substation in Callaway County to the existing Montgomery substation in Montgomery County. The regional grid operator (MISO) identified the need for this project to support new, third-party energy sources. As the incumbent energy provider, federal regulation requires Ameren Missouri to develop grid infrastructure projects that fulfill these needs.
Community Benefits
Increased Capacity
Increasing transmission capacity to meet changing energy needs
Reliability
Improving energy reliability for the surrounding region and local communities
Energy Sources
Promoting access to diverse energy sources
Development Opportunities
Growing economic development opportunities
Project Schedule
*All items shown are pending regulatory approvals. Schedule is subject to change.
Next Steps
Landowners along the preferred corridor will receive letters from Ameren Missouri about the selection of a preferred corridor along with a map. Our Project team will work with landowners to develop a route within this preferred corridor and along Ameren Missouri's existing right of way. Once a route has been developed, Ameren Missouri will file an application and submit this route to the Mo PSC in Fall 2025.
Virtual Engagement
View our self-paced, virtual engagement and interactive comment map to learn about the project and provide feedback starting February 3.
Share Feedback
Complete a questionnaire for our routing team to help us understand the project area and inform the route selection process.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
This Project, known as the Montgomery-Callaway Connector Project, will construct an approximately 30-mile, double-circuit 345-kilovolt (kV) transmission line in Montgomery and Callaway counties.
A recent study by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) revealed the need for significant system upgrades in the region to handle an increase of approximately 1,500 megawatts of new, third-party generation. Federal regulation requires Ameren to meet these needs and provide access to our transmission system. These upgrades will also enhance local grid reliability and improve energy flexibility. Our primary goal throughout the project will be to work with the local community and minimize landowner and agricultural impact. We care about your property rights and want to be good neighbors in the communities we’ve served for more than 100 years.
The Project will be complete by 2030. Ameren Missouri is currently in the public outreach phase of the Project. There will be ongoing outreach with stakeholders, landowners and residents, businesses and other community members before, during and after construction. Our schedule currently anticipates construction starting as early as spring 2027.
Public & Stakeholder Involvement
The public process is meant to engage landowners with our team so that we can learn as much as we can about Montgomery and Callaway Counties. During this process, stakeholders can learn about the need and benefits of the Project, discuss questions or issues with our Project team and provide input on sensitivities and opportunities to help our team improve the routing and siting process. We look forward to the public's input and our public process is aligned with the Project’s milestones.
Developing a transmission route is a phased process that involves the collection of information to understand and identify opportunities and sensitivities within Montgomery and Callaway Counties. At our public open houses, we'll gather data from the project area and begin to narrow down route corridors through opportunities and sensitivities that meet technical guidelines. During this collaborative process of working with agencies, community members and landowners, Ameren Missouri will develop constructible routes that minimize impacts and then identify at least two routes that will be filed with the Missouri Public Service Commission.
We started by identifying all affected communities as well as all other units of government such as school districts and soil and water conservation districts. We also identified other organizations that may have an interest in this in the Program Area, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Missouri Department of Conservation, State Historic Preservation Office and others. Our team is also available to meet individually with community officials or organizations, as requested.
We appreciate your participation. We not only want your comments, but we also encourage them. You can submit questions, leave a comment, provide input, or express concerns on the website. We also have a dedicated Project hotline 833.478.7733. If you leave a message, a Project representative will return your call. You can also send us an email at info@knoxcountyconnectorproject.com.
We appreciate your participation. We not only want your comments, but we also encourage them. You can submit questions, leave a comment, provide input, or express concerns on the website. We also have a dedicated Project hotline: 314.200.4463. If you leave a message, a Project representative will return your call. You can also send us an email at connect@montgomery-callawayconnectorproject.com.
Environmental & Agency Coordination
Ameren Missouri will coordinate with various environmental related agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Missouri Department of Conservation, State Historic Preservation Office and others. We also invite these agencies to attend our meetings. Ameren Missouri is committed to environmental management and sustainability. Learn more at Ameren.com/Biodiversity.
Ameren Missouri uses an avian-safe structure design and flight diverters where necessary as part of our corporate Avian Protection Plan to minimize impacts to migratory birds.
As a part of Ameren Missouri’s evaluation of potential routes, the minimization of environmental impacts, including those to threatened and endangered species, is a priority. As a part of this routing evaluation, Ameren will prioritize those routes that will avoid or minimize impacts to threatened and endangered species.