Aug 5 (Reuters) -

Utility Ameren Corp's Illinois unit said on Tuesday

it has got approval to build and upgrade 380 miles of power

lines across 13 counties in the state as part of a $1.6 billion

project to boost energy access.

Construction is set to begin later this year and is expected

to be completed in 2029.

U.S. utilities face growing pressure to boost grid capacity

amid rising electricity demand and a shift toward cleaner energy

sources.

"At a time when the Midwest faces a persistent shortage of

the electricity needed to meet rising demand, this vital project

will provide energy access and certainty for businesses and

residential growth," said Shawn Schukar, chairman and president

of Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois.

The Illinois Commerce Commission approved the proposed route

through a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, the

company said.

The project includes three new substations and upgrades to

several others, with most of the work taking place along

existing infrastructure corridors to minimize land use.

Ameren Illinois ( AILIH ) serves 1.2 million electricity and more than

800,000 natural gas customers across 1,200 communities in the

state.