In 2025 and beyond, one of the most consequential issues facing Wisconsin’s energy future is the wave of AI data centers proposed by companies like Microsoft, OpenAI and other hyperscaler tech companies.
These facilities demand massive amounts of electricity, with just one using as much power as an entire city. The scale is daunting: It took We Energies 125 years to have a system that went from 0 to 5 gigawatts. And in recent weeks the utility has announced plans for 3 more GW of power. The utility’s parent company is now forecasting its whole system could double in size — just to serve two data centers, one in Racine County and one in Port Washington.
While utilities stand to profit for decades from such projects, CUB is asking the tough questions: How many of these data centers will actually materialize? And if they do, can we ensure Wisconsin utility customers — not billion-dollar tech companies — don’t end up footing the bill for new plants and power lines?
We’re urging the Public Service Commission to closely examine these proposals to prevent unnecessary overbuilding and to protect consumers from long-term costs tied to infrastructure that may become obsolete.
Wisconsin should join other states and adopt integrated resource planning processes that craft a coherent well thought out road map for the energy transition. Without that, our energy system is careening down the highway without the benefit of GPS — or even a map!
The CUB team is actively engaged in state and national conversations about data centers and utility affordability. Check out the links below to find news coverage, op-eds, videos, helpful links and PSC case information for the cases we’re working on as your utility watchdog!
From America’s Dairyland to America’s Motherboard: Wisconsin Comedian Charlie Berens Weighs In: YouTube video
PSC CASES WHERE CUB IS WEIGHING IN
PSC Case Involving We Energies tariff for data centers, including Microsoft in Racine County and Vantage/Cloverleaf in Port Washington; PSC Docket 6630-TE-113
PSC Case Involving Alliant Energy contract for data center in Beaver Dam: PSC Docket 6680-TE-115
Speakers from CUB Wisconsin, CUB Minnesota, PowerLines, the Great Lakes Fusion Energy Alliance,U.S Green Building Council and Sustainable Business Council will discuss affordability, data centers and other trends during the Upper Midwest Energy Forum on Nov. 4 in La Crosse. Find out more here.
State energy regulators on Tuesday, March 25, ended a hearing before everyone who attended had the chance to voice their comments about $1.7 billion in natural gas projects proposed by We Energies in Oak Creek. Frustrated members of the public objected to the hearing ending after less than two hours, after the earlier afternoon hearing…
Crudite and antipasto station – New Grist Gose with Lime & Salt
Pretzel Display station – Riverwest Stein American Amber Lager
Bacon Wrapped Brat Station – Lakefront Lager
Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms – Hazy Rabbit IPA
About CUB Small Business Membership
You have a business to run. It is hard to stay on top of things locally let alone at the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) where your electric rates are set. That’s where the Citizens Utility Board of Wisconsin comes in. We advocate for all small utility customers from individual citizens to small businesses and farmersfor fair, safe and reliable utility service. We monitor the changing energy world and put the utility customer first.
CUB small business members benefit from our team of legislative, utility and communications experts who advocate tirelessly for your business at the Public Service Commission, the state Capitol, in the courts, and at regulatory agencies.
Small Business Membership Benefits:
Advocacy: CUB business membership keeps you up-to-date on issues that matter to you.
Monthly electronic newsletters highlighting key cases before the PSC, issues before the Legislature, and information to help you control energy costs.
Action Alerts keep you notified and enable you to get involved, when important decisions are up for hearing/vote.
CUB works as Your Independent Consumer Voice at the table for small business interests when the PSC sets rates and energy policy.
Empowerment: CUB will help you take action and share your thoughts with Wisconsin government officials.
Confused by your bill? We can explain it.
Problem with your utility service and pricing? We will answer questions and help you work with your utility.
Who makes these decisions anyway? We will show your staff how to interact with the PSC and legislators
Access: CUB can help your organization and employees save resources and money.
Host a “utility bill clinic” about ways to help residents and businesses save money on their utility bills.
Promote your support of fair, safe and reliable utility rates with the CUB small business member badge.
Outreach: CUB will help small business members partner with other members and like-minded organizations to bring these issues to the public. CUB staff can answer questions about energy related matters as well as provide free one-on-one utility bill consultations.
Partnership Opportunities: CUB partners with community groups interested in learning about utility issues. We provide presentations on how to understand your utility bills, how the PSC works and how you can get involved. Plus, we can provide information on energy costs you can control. Let us know what you’re interested in, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
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