A forum in Frankfort, Illinois, has raised environmental concerns about nearby data centers, which could lead to higher utility bills, regional power outages, declining air quality, and strained water supplies. The event was held by residents from south and southwest suburban residents, along with environmental advocates and two Naperville residents. The concerns stemmed from data center proposals in Joliet, Minooka, Essex, Coal City and Yorkville, which are gaining municipal support. Several advocates expressed concern that data center projects could be proposed in lower income, less populated areas with little public awareness. They also warned that developers often fail to fully pay transmission costs, which can result in significant costs, sometimes in the millions.