Data centers will cost ComEd $3 billion but consumer groups worry Illinois households will be on the hook
Commonwealth Edison projects more than $3 billion in grid upgrades to serve 30 large-load users believed to be data centers across Illinois, but developers have committed only about $721 million so far. Consumer advocates warn that households and small businesses could bear costs if projects are delayed or canceled, while ComEd says regulatory agreements will protect ratepayers.
Commonwealth Edison expects to spend about $3.1 billion on transmission and distribution upgrades for 30 large-load customers in Illinois, many of which consumer advocates believe are data centers. Developers have provided or committed roughly $720.9 million in deposits, prompting the Citizens Utility Board, Environmental Law & Policy Center and other groups to warn that customers could be responsible for stranded infrastructure costs if projects do not come online.
ComEd disputes the advocates’ analysis and points to transmission security agreements approved by regulators that require large-load customers to cover transmission costs even if their energy use declines or they cease operations. Consumer groups are backing the proposed POWER Act, which would require data centers to pay their full grid costs before connecting and would address pollution and water use. Gov. JB Pritzker supports data center regulations, which could be considered during the Illinois General Assembly’s veto session.