Illinois Governor Calls for Data Centers to Pay for Electricity Price Hikes

Pritzker says data centers should not pass on higher electricity costs to consumers

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Illinois Governor JB Pritzker stated that if data centers are driving up electricity prices in the state, they should be responsible for paying for those increases, not passing them on to consumers. Pritzker noted that Illinois remains a net exporter of energy and has been working to expand electricity generation capacity, but said issues with the PJM and MISO regional grid operators have slowed the approval of new projects.

Why it matters

Data centers have become a point of contention in Illinois, with some communities concerned that the energy-intensive facilities could drive up electricity prices for residents. Pritzker's comments indicate the state is looking to ensure data centers do not unfairly burden consumers with higher electricity costs.

The details

Pritzker was asked about data center regulations during a press conference, where he stated that data centers "should pay for the electricity that they are using, and if they are in any way going to increase the price of electricity for consumers, they should pay for that increase, not the consumers." He noted that Illinois has been working to expand its electricity generation capacity, but said issues with regional grid operators PJM and MISO have slowed the approval of new projects.

  • Pritzker made these comments during a press conference on February 10, 2026.

The players

JB Pritzker

The governor of Illinois who stated that data centers should pay for any increases in electricity prices they cause, rather than passing those costs on to consumers.

PJM

A regional transmission organization that coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity in all or parts of 13 states, including Illinois. Pritzker criticized PJM for not approving new electricity generation projects fast enough.

MISO

The Midcontinent Independent System Operator, another regional grid operator that Pritzker said has been slow to approve new electricity generation projects in Illinois.

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What they’re saying

“Data centers should pay for the electricity that they are using, and if they are in any way going to increase the price of electricity for consumers, they should pay for that increase, not the consumers.”

— JB Pritzker, Governor of Illinois (capitolfax.com)

What’s next

The Illinois legislature is expected to consider new regulations on data centers during the spring 2026 legislative session, and Pritzker indicated his office is participating in those negotiations.

The takeaway

Pritzker's comments suggest Illinois is seeking to ensure data centers do not unfairly pass on higher electricity costs to consumers, underscoring the state's efforts to balance the growth of the data center industry with protecting affordable and reliable power for residents.