Chicago Introduces One-Year Moratorium on New Data Centers

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson introduced a one-year moratorium ordinance on new data center construction and expansion of existing facilities. The City Council also passed a measure requiring the 39 operating data centers to disclose their energy and water consumption. Illinois electricity rates have risen 34% since 2021.

• Moratorium would freeze permits for new data centers and material expansion for one year
• 39 operating Chicago data centers must disclose energy and water consumption
• Illinois rates reached 17.7 cents per kWh, up 34% from 2021
• CUB estimates PJM consumers will pay $9.3 billion for data center energy in 2025–2026