Illinois data center explosion promises 121K jobs — but only 2,800 are permanent while electric bills could jump $150 a year
THE SO WHAT
A $57B data center boom that yields 2,800 permanent jobs and higher $150/year power bills is the new AI externality math—capex and tax base vs. grid strain and citizen pushback. If you’re siting large compute, community power pricing and long-term employment narratives are now core to your license to operate.
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