New Analyses Find Overwhelming Opposition to Wisconsin Data Centers Across the State

Recent analyses reveal overwhelming opposition among Wisconsin residents to the expansion of data centres across the state, cutting across political lines. Concerns focus primarily on the affordability of energy, as well as the environmental impact on water resources and air quality. The findings stem from public comments submitted to the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) regarding two key cases: Wisconsin Energy Corporation’s (WEC) tariff proposals for large customers and Alliant Energy’s contract for a data centre in Beaver Dam. An extraordinary majority of respondents disapproved of the current tariff structures and opposed the subsidisation of data centres by local communities. The data highlights that 98.5% of comments rejected WEC’s proposed tariffs, while 96.7% opposed Alliant Energy’s Beaver Dam data centre plan. Furthermore, most verbal and written submissions insisted that data centres should bear the full cost of their energy consumption, reflecting widespread public sentiment. Polling by Wisconsin Conservation Voters supports these findings, with 93% of residents agreeing that data centres must pay for all their energy use and 84% expressing anxiety about rising electricity costs. The political climate also mirrors this opposition, as candidates campaigning against data centre incentives secured decisive victories in recent local elections. Environmental and community groups have been vocal in their criticism, underscoring the health and economic risks posed by data centre developments. Representatives from Sierra Club Wisconsin, Moms Clear Air Force, Wisconsin Ecojustice Base Builders, and Healthy Climate Wisconsin emphasise the need for the PSC to prioritise public concerns over corporate interests. They argue that subsidising large technology companies with public funds is unjust and that the environmental consequences, including increased pollution and strain on water supplies, threaten the well-being of Wisconsin families. These groups call for transparent and equitable policies that protect communities and ensure that data centres pay their own way. The implications of this widespread opposition could influence future regulatory decisions and energy policy in Wisconsin. The PSC is tasked with weighing the extensive public input alongside expert testimony to determine the fate of data centre projects and associated tariffs. Given the strong community resistance, there may be increased pressure on regulators and lawmakers to impose stricter conditions on data centre developments, particularly regarding cost allocation and environmental safeguards. This public pushback signals a broader demand for sustainable growth that balances economic development with environmental stewardship and affordability for residents.