Data Center Facts & Resources

Learn what data centers are, how they operate, and what they mean for local infrastructure, utilities, and economic growth. This page is designed to support informed conversation through transparency and trusted data.

Access Trusted Data Center Information

As conversations around data center development continue across Northwest Indiana, access to clear and accurate information is essential. This page connects you to trusted, research-based resources that explain how data centers operate, how they are regulated, and how they interact with local infrastructure, utilities, and communities.

The NWI Data Facts website serves as a centralized hub for sourced data, frequently asked questions, and myth versus fact explanations. It is designed to support informed discussion and community understanding through transparency and publicly available information.

What Is a Data Center?

Critical Digital Infrastructure

Data centers support the systems that power everyday digital activity, including healthcare, banking, education, emergency services, and business operations. They are designed for reliability, security, and efficiency rather than public access or heavy daily traffic.

Why Northwest Indiana?

A Strategic Location

Northwest Indiana’s proximity to major fiber networks and energy corridors makes the region well suited for responsible data center development. These location advantages support long-term infrastructure investment and economic diversification.

Economic
Impact

Long-Term Community Investment

Data centers represent significant private investment and contribute to the local tax base. Each facility supports additional jobs in construction, maintenance, and local services while placing limited demand on daily community resources.

Infrastructure and Utilities

Built for Reliability

Data centers require dedicated power and utility planning. Developers fund many infrastructure upgrades, which are designed to strengthen reliability for both new facilities and existing homes and businesses.

Environmental Considerations

Efficiency and Stewardship

Modern data centers prioritize efficient energy and water use. Northwest Indiana’s cooler climate allows for free-air cooling much of the year, and large-scale water use is regulated under state and regional conservation standards.

Transparency and Public Process

Open and Regulated Development

Data center projects follow public zoning, permitting, and environmental review processes. Utility studies, site plans, and impact assessments are reviewed through established local and state procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions About Data Centers in Northwest Indiana

Get clear answers to common questions about data center development, operations, and community impact. This section addresses topics such as energy use, noise, safety, and public transparency to help residents and stakeholders better understand how data centers function and how they are reviewed in Northwest Indiana.

Data centers are typically placed in separate utility rate classes, meaning their energy use does not directly affect residential electric rates. Utilities plan capacity upgrades in advance to maintain reliability.

Modern data centers are designed to minimize noise through equipment selection, placement, and sound mitigation features. When operating, sound levels are typically comparable to common household appliances and are regulated by local and state standards.

Backup generators are used to protect critical digital systems during power outages. They do not run continuously and are typically tested for short periods each month. Generator use and emissions are regulated under state and federal requirements.

Data centers operate within established safety standards. Electrical equipment produces low-frequency, non-ionizing electromagnetic fields similar to those found in everyday household electronics and does not extend far beyond the facility.

Information about data center projects is shared through public meetings, zoning and permitting processes, and regulatory reviews. Community members are encouraged to explore trusted resources and ask questions throughout the review process.

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