New Data Center Rate Structure Risks Wisconsinites Picking Up The Bill For Big Tech - CleanTechnica

The Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) is considering a new rate structure for data centers that critics argue disproportionately benefits Big Tech companies and utility giant We Energies, potentially leaving Wisconsin residents to subsidize the substantial infrastructure costs required to support these facilities. We Energies plans to invest $19.3 billion in electric generation over the next five years, nearly doubling its previous plan, largely driven by data center projects from Microsoft, Oracle, Vantage, and OpenAI. Environmental advocates, including the Sierra Club and campaign coordinators like Cassie Steiner, warn that without protective measures, ratepayers could face increased energy costs and bear the financial burden of infrastructure expansions needed for these data centers. A key concern is that the current proposal does not mandate all data centers to participate in a tariff structure that would require them to cover 100% of the costs associated with their energy demand, including new gas, renewable projects, and transmission lines. This gap risks ratepayers subsidizing stranded assets and infrastructure investments made