To Understand Rising Energy Costs in Wisconsin, Follow the Data Center Bread Crumbs

Last updated: January 13, 2026 5:10 am

Opaque calculations: We Energies’ proposal lacks transparency and accountability, making it difficult for the public to fully understand how the utility calculated the rates data centers would pay. The proposal also fails to provide clear explanations for how costs were allocated, which raises concerns about fairness and equity in cost distribution.

These are just some of the issues that residents, advocates, and policymakers are grappling with as they review utility proposals and data center projects across Wisconsin. The lack of transparency, accountability, and fairness in these processes is alarming and underscores the urgent need for comprehensive policy reform to protect ratepayers.

What can be done to protect ratepayers?

It’s clear that data center growth in Wisconsin is driving up electricity costs for residents, and the current regulatory environment is failing to adequately protect ratepayers from the impacts of these projects. To address this issue and ensure that ratepayers are not unfairly burdened with higher electricity bills, policymakers must take action to implement comprehensive policy reform.

Here are some steps that can be taken to protect ratepayers:

Require transparency: Policymakers should mandate that all utility proposals and data center projects be made public and subject to public review and input. Transparency is essential to ensure that ratepayers have a voice in decisions that affect their electricity bills.

Implement fair cost rates: Utilities should be required to develop fair cost rates for data centers that accurately reflect the true costs of providing electricity to these large users. Rate structures should be designed to ensure that data centers pay their fair share of energy costs.

Strengthen regulatory oversight: Policymakers should enhance regulatory oversight of utility proposals and data center projects to ensure that ratepayers are protected from unnecessary cost increases. Regulatory agencies should have the authority to reject proposals that do not adequately protect ratepayers.

Promote clean energy: Policymakers should prioritize the development of clean energy sources and technologies to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and minimize the environmental impacts of data center growth. By transitioning to clean energy, Wisconsin can protect ratepayers from the health and environmental risks associated with traditional energy sources.

By taking these steps, policymakers can ensure that ratepayers are not unfairly burdened with higher electricity bills due to data center growth in Wisconsin. It’s time to prioritize the needs of residents and communities over the profits of tech companies and utilities, and to implement policies that protect ratepayers and promote a clean energy future for the state.

Wisconsin residents deserve affordable and reliable electricity, and it’s up to policymakers to take action to make this a reality. By implementing comprehensive policy reform, Wisconsin can protect ratepayers from the impacts of data center growth and ensure a sustainable energy future for all.

It’s time for policymakers to listen to the concerns of residents, advocates, and communities across Wisconsin and to take action to protect ratepayers from rising electricity costs. The time for change is now, and it’s up to decision-makers to prioritize the needs of residents and communities over the profits of tech companies and utilities.

It is clear that We Energies’ proposal does not create a fair plan to hold data centers accountable for their electricity needs. The hidden transmission costs and mismatched lifetime of assets are just a few examples of how ratepayers are left to bear the financial burden of data centers’ energy consumption. The utility’s application may claim to address these issues, but upon closer inspection, it is evident that the proposal falls short of protecting the interests of Wisconsin residents.

To ensure a cleaner, more affordable, and reliable energy future for communities in Wisconsin, comprehensive policy changes are necessary. Data centers should be required to bring their own clean energy, pay their fair share of energy and infrastructure costs, and provide transparent information about their resource usage. Legislation like the Data Center Accountability Bill can help hold data centers accountable for their environmental impact and ensure that economic benefits flow to Wisconsin families.

By pushing for greater accountability and transparency in the energy sector, Wisconsin can work towards achieving its clean energy goals and protecting the interests of its residents. It is crucial that decision-makers prioritize the needs of the community over corporate interests to build a sustainable and equitable energy future for all. State regulators in Wisconsin are facing increasing pressure to adapt their approval processes for data centers in response to growing concerns from both experts and affected communities. Recent rallies and protests in towns impacted by proposed data centers have highlighted the need for greater transparency and thorough review of the environmental and health impacts of these facilities.

Communities in Wisconsin are demanding that their voices be heard and that their elected officials prioritize the well-being of their residents over the interests of wealthy tech companies. The lack of clear answers regarding the environmental impact of data centers and how they will affect the future of these communities has only fueled the call for accountability.

It is clear that the decision-making process for data centers cannot be left solely in the hands of the companies and utilities seeking approval. A just energy future in Wisconsin must prioritize fair costs, clean air, and the input of an informed public. It is essential that state regulators set the expectation that thorough review from experts and affected communities is a requirement for the approval of data centers.

As the discussion around data centers in Wisconsin continues, it is crucial that all stakeholders have the opportunity to weigh in on the decision-making process. An open comment period for the large customer tariff is approaching, and it is important for concerned citizens to take advantage of this opportunity to make their voices heard and advocate for a more transparent and accountable approval process for data centers.

By ensuring that all voices are heard and that thorough review is conducted by experts and affected communities, state regulators can help to create a more equitable and sustainable energy future for Wisconsin. It is time for regulators to adapt accordingly and prioritize the well-being of communities over the interests of big tech companies.