Community feedback shapes plan for northern Missouri energy transformation
Project enhances energy reliability, expands access to power
The Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC) recently approved a coalition proposal for a 200-mile transmission power line route across northern Missouri. Intended to support a more reliable and resilient energy grid, the project will primarily follow existing transmission corridors. As a result of strong community input, the project will include 140 miles worth of transmission lines in a double-circuit configuration.
Developed by Ameren Transmission in partnership with the Missouri Joint Municipal Electric Utility Commission (MJMEUC) and Ameren Missouri, The Denny-Zachary-Thomas Hill-Maywood (DZTM) project is the second phase of the Northern Missouri Grid Transformation program. The PSC’s unanimous decision provides route approval and greenlights the DZTM project, which will traverse 10 counties in northern Missouri.
Double-circuit transmission lines have a smaller impact on farming activities and ag production.
The double-circuit design provides several benefits over a single circuit. Double-circuit designs require fewer structures per mile, reducing construction activity along those sections of the line. Additionally, the double-circuit monopole structures result in a narrower corridor, rather than placing single-circuit structures side-by-side.
“This is a critical project for extending energy access across Missouri and the Midwest, improving grid connectivity to meet the energy needs of communities across the state,” said Shawn Schukar, chairman and president of Ameren Transmission. “This project will deliver more reliable, resilient service to customers across these counties and beyond.”
Throughout the planning process, Ameren Transmission hosted several public meetings to share plans for potential DZTM routes and gather input from stakeholders before filing route options with the PSC.
“The strong turnout and active participation at our open houses directly influenced the decision-making process,” said Nick Rudis, project manager for the Northern Missouri Grid Transformation program. “Thanks to the community's input, we were able to provide the Commission with information that helped shape the project in a way that better reflects local preferences and addresses concerns.”
The planned transmission line will run through 10 counties in northern Missouri.
The DZTM project will take place in DeKalb, Daviess, Grundy, Sullivan, Adair, Knox, Lewis, Marion, Macon and Randolph counties. From the Denny substation in DeKalb County to the Zachary substation in Adair County, the transmission line will be double circuited. The project route from the Zachary substation to the Thomas Hill substation in Randolph County will also be double circuited. The only portion of the route that will be single circuited will be from the Zachary substation to the Maywood substation in Marion County. Additionally, the project includes upgrades to existing Ameren substations. Whenever possible, the project will be constructed and managed by local contractors, union workers and road monitors, keeping jobs and economic benefits in the community.
“By ensuring that major projects like DZTM are led by trusted Missouri-based companies, we’re making certain that more investment stays right here in our state,” Schukar said. “This approach strengthens our workforce, supports local suppliers and fuels the growth of our communities, creating a cycle where our investments directly benefit our own neighborhoods and economy.”
Ameren Transmission will continue working with affected landowners to make final route adjustments designed to minimize impacts to property. Construction of the DZTM project is expected to begin in early 2027, with an anticipated in-service date in 2029. For more information on the project, please visit Ameren.com/NorthernMOGrid.