Fair Rates for Wisconsin's Dairyland

Wisconsin regulators have approved two new solar projects from We Energies, expanding the state’s commitment to clean, renewable power. Investments like these help diversify our energy mix, reduce emissions, and move Wisconsin toward a more sustainable energy future—while supporting local infrastructure and long-term reliability. jsonline.com/story/money/bu…

Wisconsin regulators have approved utilities’ purchase of a solar and battery project in Rock County, adding more renewable generation and energy storage to the state’s grid. Projects like this help make Wisconsin’s energy system cleaner while strengthening reliability and supporting the transition to a more modern electric grid. wpr.org/news/regulator…

Demand for electricians in Wisconsin continues to grow, driven in part by major projects like utility-scale solar farms and new data centers. Enrollment in the Construction Electrician Apprenticeship Program at Mid-State Technical College has climbed to 191 students, up from 156 three years ago. The IBEW–NECA apprenticeship partnership alone now includes more than 90 apprentices, helping train the next generation of skilled electricians. As Wisconsin builds new energy and technology infrastructure, union electricians will be essential to getting the job done and powering the state’s future. wsaw.com/video/2026/03/…

It's encouraging to see bipartisan leadership in Wisconsin recognizing the growing role nuclear energy can play in meeting rising electricity demand, strengthening grid reliability, and supporting economic growth. From exploring new technologies to reexamining sites like Kewaunee, policymakers from both parties are engaging in the serious, forward-looking energy discussions Wisconsin needs. wisbusiness.com/2026/effort-to…

Older data centers could use huge amounts of water. But the projects being built in Wisconsin are using newer cooling designs that dramatically reduce ongoing water demand. Under-construction projects and water figures: • Beaver Dam: under 8,000 gallons/day, mostly normal building use (about 26 households/day). •Mount Pleasant: peak 234,000 gpd (Phase 1) and 702,000 gpd (full buildout), roughly 1 Olympic pool/day at the top end; the company says newer closed-loop designs avoid constant water-for-cooling use. • Port Washington: cap up to 1.2 million gpd on peak hot days, about 1.8 Olympic pools/day. Bottom line: ask for transparency, but don’t assume Wisconsin’s new data centers are the water-heavy designs of the past.

We Energies' 88-turbine Blue Sky Green Field Wind Center in northeastern Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, can produce up to 145 megawatts of power. jsonline.com/videos/money/b…

Wisconsin continues building a stronger workforce! For the fourth year in a row, our state’s registered apprenticeship program set a new record—with 18,524 apprentices and over 3,000 employers participating in 2025. These earn-as-you-learn pathways are helping train talent for today’s in-demand careers and keep Wisconsin competitive. wpr.org/news/wisconsin…

The Assembly Agriculture Committee just passed an amendment targeting large-scale solar, putting Wisconsin’s clean energy goals at risk. Wisconsin’s 2050 carbon-free goal depends on building major energy projects (solar, wind, natural gas, nuclear) to keep power reliable and affordable as demand grows. This amendment weakens PSC oversight, creates uncertainty, and could delay needed investment. Community solar can play a role, but it can’t meet future demand alone. Blocking utility-scale solar means higher costs and makes the 2050 goal almost impossible to reach. Wisconsin needs an all-of-the-above energy strategy and the ability to build.

Legislators: AB 493 “community solar” isn’t free—it’s a rate hike. It forces utilities to credit solar at the full retail rate (energy + wires + reliability + mandates), even though power can be bought for about half to two-thirds of retail. That higher price doesn’t vanish. It gets shifted onto everyone else’s bill—families, renters, seniors, and small businesses who don't or can’t participate. Call it what it is: a mandatory rate increase disguised as “choice.” Stop voting to raise rates on non-participating Wisconsinites.

New Data Centers in Wisconsin mean: • New property tax revenue supporting schools, roads, and public safety • Thousands of labor construction jobs • Long-term technical and operations careers • Electrical grid upgrades that strengthen reliability for everyone These projects are being built with local oversight and long-term community impact in mind. It’s okay to have questions — but it’s also important to look at the full picture. For Wisconsin communities, data centers mean steady investment, stronger infrastructure, and long-term economic stability.

Myth: “Wisconsin community solar will deliver free savings.” Fact: Any “savings” have to come from somewhere. The utility still has to recover that gap—so it gets spread across everyone else’s bills. In other words, participants can be made better off only by shifting costs to customers who don’t (or can’t) sign up. Tell your legislator to VOTE NO on Wisconsin Community Solar. Call your Legislator at: 800-362-9472

Community Solar in Wisconsin shouldn’t mean higher bills for everyone else in Wisconsin. Families and small businesses can’t absorb surprise rate increases. Let’s do solar without shifting costs to families, farms, and small businesses. Tell your Legislator to VOTE NO on Community Solar. Call your Legislator at: 800-362-9472

Rural Wisconsin ratepayers shouldn’t be asked to absorb higher rates to subsidize subscription community solar. Contact your representative: VOTE NO on Community Solar.

Wisconsin regulators are reviewing new rate plans at the Public Service Commission that would set the rules for how data centers pay for electricity going forward—and what that means for your bill. The proposals would create a Very Large Customer (VLC) rate and a linked Dedicated Resource requirement so that new data centers: - Pay their own way for the new power plants, transmission lines, and local upgrades needed to serve them - Bring dedicated power capacity to match their around-the-clock demand, helping protect reliability for everyone else - Don’t shift costs onto households, seniors, small businesses, or existing Wisconsin employers As Wisconsin’s electric demand grows for the first time in decades, the goal is simple: support new jobs and investment without higher rates for the customers who already live and work here.

Over 10,000 Wisconsin union construction workers are estimated to be on the job right now building the next generation of data centers across our state. These projects represent billions of dollars in investment and are creating high-quality, family-supporting jobs for local tradespeople. This increase in infrastructure development is a major boost to Wisconsin’s economy—driving long-term growth, training new apprentices, and keeping work in our communities, supporting our communities.

Alliant Energy is moving forward with its proposed $730 million Columbia Wind Project in Columbia County. The project entails a large-scale wind farm just outside of Madison that the utility says will play a major role in meeting Wisconsin’s future energy needs. The Columbia Wind Project will become one of the largest wind farms in the state. The project represents a significant step in Wisconsin’s ongoing energy transition. badgerherald.com/news/2026/02/0…

Some critics are still pushing the familiar “sky-is-falling” narrative that data centers will be huge, nonstop water users. What that leaves out is what’s actually being proposed for Wisconsin sites: closed-loop cooling systems—where water is contained and reused rather than constantly withdrawn and consumed. In reality, that means water use is largely tied to initial fill and occasional maintenance, not an ongoing “suck it dry” scenario. Wisconsin should absolutely insist on transparency and strong standards—but let’s keep the conversation anchored in how these projects are designed and regulated today, not recycled fear talking points.

Wisconsin is well positioned for responsible data center development thanks to its strong utilities, skilled union workforce, and commitment to energy innovation. New facilities are designed with efficiency and sustainability in mind, helping meet digital demand while aligning with the state’s long-term renewable energy and economic goals.