Neighbors demand transparency for Monarch Energy’s possible Rockford data center

WIFR TV conducted an investigation into a proposed multi-billion dollar data center project by Monarch Energy on the southern edge of Rockford, Illinois. Residents like Kelly Lewis and Morgan Mueller express significant frustration over a perceived lack of transparency and available information from both Monarch Energy and local government entities regarding the project. Lewis, who initiated public record requests in March, has amassed extensive documentation, revealing that internal discussions about the data center started as early as January of this year. Rockford-area leaders, including Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara and Winnebagoo County Chair Joe Chiarelli, maintain that there is no viable project yet presented, and thus not much information to share. However, emails reviewed by WIFR, including those from Michael Dunn Jr. of the Region One Planning Council, show early engagement and discussions. In October of this year, Chair Chiarelli and Dunn visited the Texas Nuclear Summit to learn about small modular reactors (SMRs) that could potentially power a hyperscale data center. Chiarelli highlighted the value of understanding such energy solutions for Winnebago County. Residents continue to demand more openness, fearing the unknown impact of the data center on their homes and livelihoods, underscoring the community's desire for transparency from all involved parties.