Wisconsin Gubernatorial Candidates Address Data Center Growth, But Clean Energy Plans Remain Unclear

Contact: Emily Halvorson

Yesterday, Wisconsin gubernatorial candidates outlined their plans for managing data center growth and protecting consumers during a statewide forum. Meanwhile, new reporting reveals that WEC Energy Group is in talks with multiple companies to bring more data centers to Wisconsin, and says additional energy resources will be needed to support that growth. In response, Evergreen Action Midwest Advocate Lauren Reeg released the following statement: 

“Wisconsin voters have made it clear they want a governor who will protect families and communities from paying for the data center boom. That demand was front and center at last night’s forum, where candidates responded to growing momentum behind common-sense policies that require data centers to bring their own clean energy, pay their fair share for new infrastructure, and meet strong safeguards before expansion moves forward. 

“But even as momentum grows for reforms that put people first, utilities know they can continue gaming the system. After the debate, it was reported that WEC Energy Group is working with multiple companies to bring more data centers to Wisconsin, leaving one critical question unanswered: Where is the commitment to power them with clean energy and ensure everyday people aren’t bearing the costs of these massive developments? 

“That question matters because, without a state strategy, utilities can use the data center boom as an excuse to build more fossil fuel infrastructure. That means higher bills, more pollution, and a steeper climb toward Wisconsin’s clean energy goals—putting the state gravely behind its neighbors. 

“Wisconsinites don’t want utilities cutting deals for billion-dollar corporations while families pay the price for expensive, unreliable fossil fuel projects. State leaders must act now to expand affordable clean energy and put strong rules in place before utilities make those decisions for us.”