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A data center is a space used to house computer systems and
associated equipment, such as telecommunications and storage
systems. Data centers can vary widely in terms of size, power
requirements, redundancy and overall structure.
There are over 200 data centers in the state, with almost
three-fourths located in the Chicago area. The Pritzker
Administration has committed to a path of clean energy, but
there are concerns the power grid is not ready for data centers.
“Data centers are energy hogs and unless we as a state put
strong protections in place, everyday electricity customers are
going to end up paying more,” said Sarah Moskowitz, executive
director of the Citizens Utility Board.
Moskowitz favors requiring data centers to produce 100% of the
power needed to run their facilities, preferably clean energy
power.
State Sen. Bill Cunningham, D-Chicago, said over-governing data
centers may cause some companies to set up shop elsewhere.
“If we put too many restrictions in place, do we run the risk of
driving this inevitable development over the border where
there’s going to be much less environmental restrictions,” said
Cunningham.
State Sen. Steve Stadelman, D-Rockford, has introduced
legislation that would require data centers to report their
annual water and energy consumption to the Illinois Power
Agency.
The United States is currently the leader in data center
infrastructure, hosting over 5,000 data centers as of March
2024, the highest number of any country worldwide.
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