Connecting Data Centers To The Grid Projected To Cost ComEd $3.1B
Connecting 30 data centers to ComEd’s northern Illinois grid is projected to require $3.1 billion in transmission and distribution infrastructure. Consumer advocates say developers have paid only $721 million in deposits, potentially shifting up to $2 billion in costs to utility customers, while ComEd says lines of credit and new contractual requirements protect ratepayers.
ComEd records filed in an ongoing regulatory proceeding show that grid infrastructure needed to connect 30 data centers in northern Illinois could cost $3.1 billion, with projects scheduled to come online as late as 2031. Developers have provided $721 million in deposits, while ComEd says an additional $1.1 billion is secured through transmission security agreements and lines of credit guaranteeing payments for 10 years.
Consumer advocates including the Citizens Utility Board and the Environmental Law & Policy Center argue that data center developers should pay infrastructure costs up front rather than leaving households and small businesses exposed to potential shortfalls. ComEd executive Max Leichtman said deposits may increase as projects mature and that remaining distribution costs would be allocated to large-user customers; ComEd has also proposed assigning rates directly to individual data centers. The Illinois Commerce Commission approved ComEd’s transmission security agreement requirement in 2025, which has contributed to the withdrawal of some speculative projects.