Study warns data centers could cost Illinois billions and harm public health

(WAND) - As Central Illinois communities consider allowing data centers to be built, residents are concerned about the long-term impacts.

"We don't know the effect that it's going to have on our utility bills, but we do know that everywhere these things have been built, utility bills have gone up," said Don Hanrahan, a Sangamon County resident.

The Union of Concerned Scientists is a national nonprofit advocating for science-based policy solutions. A study found that data centers have a high demand for electricity which can have a negative impact on public health and the environment.

"Our report is an urgent call to action for state policymakers to protect people and communities by requiring new data centers to secure their own new sources of clean electricity," James Gignac of the Union of Concerned Scientists said.

Data centers that run on gas or coal can have serious health implications, such as respiratory issues, cardiovascular problems, premature deaths and also increased climate pollution. Many residents are worried that data centers will increase their utility bills.

"We found that up to $37 billion in new system costs could be caused by data centers over the next 25 years," Gignac said.

A UCS executive said federal and state policies can solve these concerns by requiring data centers to provide their own source of carbon-free electricity.

"That means keeping more of the economic activity, the jobs, the local tax revenue here in the state," Gignac said.

The organization encourages transparency from utility and tech companies to protect residents from cost increases and climate damage. The Sangamon County Board is expected to vote on the CyrusOne Data Center in March.

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