A comprehensive question bank for data center developments
Whether you're a township official reviewing an application, a citizen preparing for a public hearing, or a policymaker conducting due diligence, asking the right questions is essential.
This question bank provides 80+ specific questions organized by category. Use them in public meetings, written comments, FOIA requests, or private negotiations. The more specific your questions, the more informative the answers.
How much water will the facility use annually (in gallons and acre-feet)?
What is the source of water (municipal supply, groundwater, surface water)?
How does the projected water usage compare to current municipal or district usage?
What cooling technology will be used (evaporative, air, liquid)?
What is the water consumption per megawatt of IT load?
Will there be any impact on the local water table or neighboring wells?
What happens during drought conditions or water restrictions?
What water recycling or conservation measures are planned?
Will water quality testing be conducted? How often and where?
What permits are required for water usage?
What is the facility's peak power demand in megawatts?
What percentage of local utility capacity does this represent?
What is the expected annual electricity consumption?
Will new transmission lines or substations be required?
Who pays for grid upgrades (developer, utility, ratepayers)?
What backup power systems are planned (generators, batteries)?
How often will backup generators be tested?
What is the expected impact on local electricity rates?
What renewable energy commitments are being made?
Is behind-the-meter generation planned?
What is the current reserve margin for our regional grid operator (PJM, MISO, etc.)?
How will this facility affect local grid reliability during peak demand periods?
Has the regional grid operator (RTO) flagged any capacity concerns for this area?
What demand response or curtailment commitments will the facility make during grid emergencies?
Will the facility be required to curtail operations during capacity shortfalls?
What percentage of regional capacity growth is attributable to data center demand?
How have capacity auction prices changed in recent years, and what is driving those changes?
Will residential customers see rate increases from capacity costs driven by this facility?
What interconnection queue position does this project hold, and how long is the queue?
Has the utility committed to maintaining current reliability standards after this facility connects?
What is the total project investment?
What is the current property tax revenue from this land?
What would be the property tax revenue without any abatement?
What PILOT or abatement is being requested?
What is the duration of any tax agreement?
Are there escalator clauses or periodic adjustments?
What triggers renegotiation of terms?
How does this compare to tax revenue from alternative land uses?
What is the impact on school district funding?
Are there any sales tax exemptions being requested?
How many permanent operations jobs will be created?
What is the average salary for operations positions?
What are the job categories and skill requirements?
How many construction jobs during the building phase?
What local hiring commitments are being made?
What workforce training programs will be offered?
What is the expected local economic impact (multiplier effects)?
Will local contractors be used for construction?
What ongoing maintenance and vendor relationships are anticipated?
How does job creation compare to other potential land uses?
What cooling technology will be used?
What are the expected noise levels at property boundaries?
What noise mitigation measures are planned?
What is the facility's carbon footprint?
What renewable energy commitments are being made?
How will stormwater be managed?
What happens to waste heat?
What lighting will be used and how will light pollution be managed?
What environmental permits are required?
What ongoing environmental monitoring will be conducted?
What community benefit agreements are proposed?
What local infrastructure improvements are included?
Will there be any public amenities or community access?
What visual screening or landscaping will be provided?
What emergency services coordination is planned?
Will there be any educational partnerships or programs?
What charitable commitments are being made?
How will ongoing community communication be handled?
What dispute resolution mechanisms are included?
Who enforces community benefit commitments?
What is the expected construction timeline?
What permits and approvals are required?
What are the key decision points for local government?
What are the deadlines for public comment?
When will construction begin if approved?
What traffic management is planned during construction?
How will construction dust and noise be managed?
What is the expected facility lifespan?
What happens if the facility closes?
When will the facility be operational?
What is the facility's total square footage?
What is the building height?
How many data halls or buildings are planned?
What is the IT load vs. total power consumption (PUE target)?
What redundancy level is planned (N+1, 2N)?
What fiber connectivity is planned?
What security measures will be implemented?
How will equipment be delivered and installed?
What maintenance activities will occur regularly?
How will obsolete equipment be disposed of?
Watch for these signs that you may not be getting complete information:
Don't just take verbal assurances. Request supporting documentation:
The right questions depend on your community's specific circumstances and concerns. Consider these factors when selecting questions:
Focus heavily on water usage category. Add questions about:
Emphasize power consumption questions. Add:
Focus on character change, environmental impact, and community benefits:
Emphasize jobs and economic impact. Add:
Explore stakeholder-specific resources for additional context and guidance.