Chicago Region Plots 100-Year Survival Plan for Water, Power and Transit
The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning is developing a 100-year Century Plan addressing water shortages, electric-grid strain, transportation and other regional challenges. The plan warns that data-center growth could significantly increase Illinois electricity demand, while some groundwater-dependent suburbs may face shortages as early as the 2030s.
The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning is preparing the Century Plan, a long-term strategy for the 284 communities in northeastern Illinois. CMAP Executive Director Erin Aleman said groundwater-dependent suburbs could encounter drought conditions as early as the beginning of the 2030s, even though overall regional water use is projected to decline through conservation and efficiency improvements.
The plan also highlights rising pressure on the electric grid from data centers, extreme heat and the electrification of freight and delivery vehicles. Modeling cited by the Union of Concerned Scientists indicates data centers could account for 64% to 72% of Illinois electricity-demand growth between 2025 and 2030, while ComEd has warned that peak demand could more than double by about 2040 if all projects in its pipeline reach their requested capacity.
CMAP is seeking support from state and local leaders before adopting the Century Plan, with a final version targeted for October 2027. Separately, the agency’s regional transportation blueprint through 2050 has been approved and includes 15 priority investments, but individual projects still require funding and further approvals.