Council repeals high-load electric rate amid public concern about hyperscale data centers

The Springfield City Council on June 16 approved ordinance 2026-284 to repeal a city code provision for a "high load factor" electric rate. The 9–1 final vote followed council discussion about economic development, land use and potential environmental impacts from large data centers.

Supporters said the change removes a preferential rate that had been used to recruit some tech projects; opponents and public commenters urged caution. "Repealing the generous electric rate for data centers makes sense," said public commenter Donald Hanrahan, who warned that the scale of modern hyperscale facilities is vastly different from earlier data centers and cited a recent Sangamon County approval of a large project.

Public commenter Abby Martin, speaking for the Party for Socialism and Liberation, urged a moratorium and said residents worry about water use, noise, light, and limited long-term local job benefits. "Data centers provide a net negative to the community," Martin said, urging more study before changes that could draw large facilities.

Council members noted zoning and planning remain the vehicle for siting and that the city could pursue additional zoning protections or an impact study. Some members said a moratorium would buy time to evaluate impacts; others said removing the rate was the correct step to limit incentives. The ordinance passed with nine yes votes and one no.

The council did not adopt a moratorium or a new zoning classification at the meeting; several members asked staff to analyze whether the city's existing zoning would effectively control hyperscale data-center siting and whether additional impact-study requirements are warranted.