ILLINOIS — Ameren Illinois officials have announced a plan they say will move the state closer to the goal of 100% clean energy by 2050. The utility is looking to invest in local renewable energy development, transportation electrification, and battery storage, and Ameren officials say the plan will spur economic growth by targeting renewable energy projects in rural and underserved communities in Ameren’s service territory.

Marcelyn Love with Ameren Illinois says this plan gives downstate a say in the future of the state’s energy.

Ameren has already created 1,400 new jobs and delivered $1.7 billion in economic impact from their efforts to modernize the energy grid.