Wheeler Creek to Kays | Hoosier Energy

New Transmission Line Construction Project

Project Overview

The Hoosier Energy Wheeler Creek to Kays Transmission Line Project (Project) represents a critical infrastructure improvement to ensure reliable electric service for south-central Illinois. The project supports the rebuild and upgrade of approximately 28 miles of transmission line between the Fairfield South Substation and Wheeler Creek Substation. Some areas of the existing transmission line may need to be rerouted in order to safely locate the new structures.

These improvements will strengthen the system, enhance reliability, and support efficient operations for years to come.

Timeline

Phase 1 Open House: March 2026

Phase 2 Open House: Summer 2026

Pre-construction Activities (survey, real estate, design, permitting, materials, etc.): Summer 2026 – 2027

Vegetation Activities & Access: December 2026 – April 2027

Construction (foundations, line construction): 2027-2029

Restoration: Ongoing throughout construction – December 2029

Project Design

The existing 69kV wooden monopoles will be upgraded to 138 kV galvanized steel monopoles.

Hoosier Energy Overview

Founded in 1949, Hoosier Energy is a generation and transmission cooperative (G&T) with headquarters in Bloomington, Indiana.

The G&T provides electric power and services to 17 member distribution cooperatives in central and southern Indiana and southeastern Illinois. We are a community-focused organization that works to efficiently deliver affordable, reliable and safe energy.

Hoosier Energy & Wayne White Electric Cooperative

Wayne White Electric Cooperative is Hoosier Energy’s only local cooperative in Illinois. Electric cooperatives were organized by people living in rural areas who banded together to supply electricity to their own homes, where investor-owned utilities refused to go (and still do). With offices in Fairfield and Enfield, Wayne-White Electric Cooperative currently provides service to over 14,200 meters in 11 counties in southeastern Illinois.