CyrusOne addresses concerns ahead of Sangamon Co. data center vote

Sangamon County leaders are preparing to vote on a proposed CyrusOne data center after the Sangamon County Board tabled the decision last month. Bradd Hout, Director at CyrusOne, met with WAND News to clarify details and address community concerns. One significant issue raised by the community is noise. Neighbors near another CyrusOne facility in Aurora have complained about noise from generators. Hout stated that the Sangamon County site is different, with zero occupied residences within a half-mile radius, compared to 175-200 in Aurora. Another major concern is the data center's power consumption, estimated at 636 megawatts, enough for over 300,000 homes. Shawn Middleton, CEO of the Rural Electric Convenience Cooperative, assured that the grid can handle the demand, citing an intense study process with Ameren Transmission Services. He explained that the co-op sources power through NextEra Energy, with supply from Ameren, and asserted that their members did not experience price increases from recent Midwest capacity auctions. Despite the assurances, a recent report from the Illinois Power Agency warns of potential grid capacity issues as early as 2031, while Ameren's contract runs through 2033. CyrusOne projects the data center will bring significant economic benefits, including at least 500 construction jobs, about 100 permanent positions, and approximately $6 million in annual tax revenue. Hout emphasized the company's long-standing reputation and commitment to being a respected neighbor.