Wisconsin data center moment: Protect customers and power growth with clean energy

Two proposed data centers in Port Washington and Mount Pleasant have requested nearly four gigawatts of power; the article calls for requiring developers to cover infrastructure costs and use clean energy to protect ratepayers and water supplies.

Wisconsin is facing rapid growth in hyperscale data center proposals tied to AI and cloud computing. Two projects alone, in Port Washington and Mount Pleasant, have requested nearly four gigawatts of power combined. That level of demand would require major investments in power and water infrastructure. The article argues for a framework to protect households, businesses and local water systems as development proceeds. Key facts: - Two proposed data centers in Port Washington and Mount Pleasant have requested nearly four gigawatts of electricity combined, more than current residential use in the state. - Meeting this demand would likely require new power plants, transmission, substations, pipelines and water infrastructure, and those costs can be spread across all utility customers under the current model. - Utilities are citing data center demand to justify new methane gas plants and to delay some coal plant retirements, according to the piece. - The article notes that wind, solar and battery storage are available alternatives and reports battery storage costs have fallen nearly 90% over the past decade. - It also states that a single hyperscale data center can use millions of gallons of water per day and recommends closed-loop cooling, accounting of water use, and public reporting to protect supplies. Summary: The article says rapid data center growth could raise electricity and water costs if infrastructure expenses are spread to all customers, and it urges requirements for developers to pay full costs and operate on clean energy while protecting water supplies. Officials are being urged to adopt guardrails; the outcome and any specific policy actions remain undetermined at this time.