Requires Data Centers to Match Clean Power Use
Illinois · HB5826 · Introduced Oct 19, 2026
Why it matters
Data centers would have to track and buy clean power or pay penalties for shortfalls. Their costs and electricity use would be reported hour by hour.
What it does
- Requires data centers of 5 megawatts or more to report electricity use by the hour
- Starting in 2028, requires certificates equal to 100% of yearly state electricity use
- Certificates must come from clean power sources no more than 7 years older than the compliance year
- Requires an alternative payment for each megawatt-hour a data center falls short
- Creates the Electron Accelerator Fund, run by the Illinois Power Agency
Introduced
Next: committee review
- Introduceddone
- Committeecurrent step
- Housenot yet
- Senatenot yet
- Governornot yet
About this bill
Would require large data centers to track their hourly power use and cover 100% of their yearly Illinois electricity with clean power starting in 2028. Those that fall short would pay an alternative investment fee.
Perspectives
💬 The case for
Energy and climate groups would likely say the bill makes large power users account for their clean energy use. It would also reduce grid strain.
💬 The case against
Some data center operators would likely say the rules are costly and hard to meet. They may also argue the hourly tracking adds paperwork.
Sponsored by
Sponsor details for this state bill are at the source link.
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