The Midwest Renewable Energy Association [MREA] and the Ecology Action Center based in Normal have planned an energy presentation next month to address public concerns about data centers and other factors that may impact the electric grid.
The presentation, entitled "Energy In Your Community," will be from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2 at the Bloomington Public Library.
“For the last 100 years, most people in the U.S. could ignore the details of their energy bills and avoid energy policy without much immediate impact on their lives,” said Nick Hylla, MREA executive director. “Those times are over. These events are meant to help people get informed and make sound decisions for themselves and the places they live.”
Organizers said the public will hear from MREA renewable energy experts who also will discuss the future of clean energy in the region, including the viability of solar energy.
The discussion comes amid concerns as Bloomington-Normal residents saw significantly higher home energy bills starting in July. Data centers were cited as one reason for the higher energy costs. Critics have raised concerns that data center’s continued growth will lead to even higher costs and capacity concerns.
Organizers ask that attendees register in advance.
