Wisconsin shouldn’t pay data centers’ electric bills

AI data centers are popping up all over Wisconsin, and if we don’t do something ratepayers are going to get stuck with the bill.

Right now, the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) is currently deciding how these facilities will pay for the electricity and infrastructure they need in We Energies and WPS territory. As it stands, costs are being shifted onto Wisconsin residents and small businesses through higher energy bills, increased pollution, and long-term infrastructure risk.

This is unacceptable. Sign the petition to regulators with a clear message: No discounts for data centers. Big Tech must pay its own way.

This action is co-sponsored by:

The Webb logo, a cutout of Wisconsin filled in a sun, globe, and cupped hands

To: Wisconsin Public Service Commission Click to see full petition text

In regards to Docket 6630-TE-113, Application of Wisconsin Electric Power Company for Approval of its Very Large Customer and Bespoke Resources Tariffs, we the undersigned demand the following:

1. Data centers must pay all infrastructure and fuel costs. This includes generation, transmission, fuel, and system upgrades built primarily to serve data center demand.

2. Apply rules to all large data centers. The rules should apply to all data centers 20 MW and above, consistent with the U.S. Department of Energy definition of a large load facility.

3. Protect the public for the full lifespan of the infrastructure. Energy infrastructure typically lasts 20–50 years, but We Energies’ proposal locks data centers into cost responsibility for only 10–15 years, leaving future costs to the public.

4. Prioritize clean energy to reduce health and fuel-price risk. Gas plants expose all customers to volatile fuel prices and increased pollution. Clean energy is fuel-free, more resilient, and better for public health. Data centers should be required to build or procure new clean energy, including: Behind-the-meter solar and storage; Aggregated storage and demand response resources; and Wind resources from other MISO zones.

5. Include meaningful community benefits Each hyperscale data center should contribute $30,000 per megawatt to an Energy Impact Fund under community control to support residential and small business customers affected by system expansion.

SIGN THE PETITION

First Name

Last Name

Email Address

Country

Zip or Postal Code

Phone Number

I want to receive action alerts and campaign updates from Stand.earth (untick to unsubscribe from all communications)

Yes, I would like to receive SMS alerts

By submitting your mobile number you are agreeing to receive periodic text messages from Stand.earth. Message and data rates may apply. Text HELP for info. Text STOP at any time to cancel.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN

Stand.earth delivers large-scale change by interrupting the systems that create environmental and climate crises, and challenging corporations and governments to treat people and the planet with respect.