Data centers consumed approximately 4.4% of total U.S. electricity in 2023, nearly doubling from 1.9% in 2018, according to Department of Energy reports and analysis from the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. Driven by AI and cloud computing, this demand is projected to rise to between 6.7 percent and 12 percent of total U.S. electricity use by 2028! This creates serious concerns about grid strain and rising costs for ratepayers. National research also shows that large-scale data centers require substantial water for cooling and can shift infrastructure upgrade costs onto local communities... For Rockford, this means higher pressure on our power grid, potential increases in household utility bills, and added stress on local resources at a time when many families are already navigating worsening affordability challenges. While the promise of job creation is appealing, data centers are highly automated and typically produce relatively few long-term permanent jobs compared to the scale of energy, water, and infrastructure they consume.

Before committing significant local resources to a single high demand facility, we must ask ourselves whether this path truly aligns with Rockford's long term goals for sustainability, affordability, and broad based economic growth. Investments in small businesses, workforce development, education, and community infrastructure can generate opportunity without placing disproportionate strain on utilities and natural resources. The choices we make now will define Rockford's future, which is why this proposal requires open dialogue, clear evidence, a transparent cost analysis, and a process that truly reflects the views of our residents.

Thank you.

References and Further Reading:

AI, Data Centers, and the U.S. Electric Grid: A Watershed Moment

Data Centers and Their Energy Consumption: Frequently Asked Questions

Data Centers and Water Consumption 

Data Centers: Straining The Grid and Your Wallet

'Roadmap' shows the environmental impact of AI data center boom