Construction is underway in Fairfield on Ameren Illinois’ Mt. Vernon Area Reliability Project, a $150 million effort designed to strengthen electric service across the region.
Current work is focused on the new Kays Substation, located off Southwest Seventh Street. The substation is named in honor of Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Kenny Kays of Fairfield, who was recognized for his heroism during the Vietnam War.
The project is being completed in two phases. The first phase, now complete, included construction of a six-mile, 138-kilovolt transmission line connecting Ameren’s 42nd Street Substation in Mt. Vernon to the Reifen Substation near Continental Tire.
The second phase includes construction of the Kays Substation and approximately 35 miles of new 138-kilovolt transmission line between Fairfield and Mt. Vernon. The project is expected to be completed and placed into service by the end of the year.
Approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission in March 2025, the project will also improve reliability for Wayne-White Electric Cooperative by providing access to a second 138-kilovolt transmission line.