John Imes: Wisconsin’s energy crossroads: Time for business leadership, not more fossil fuel plants

The column below reflects the views of the author, and these opinions are neither endorsed nor supported by WisOpinion.com.

Wisconsin stands at a defining moment for its energy and economic future. As the Public Service Commission (PSC) considers We Energies’ proposal to invest $2.2 billion in new methane gas plants in Oak Creek and Paris, business and civic leaders must ask: Are we investing in the future—or repeating the past?

The PSC—an independent regulatory body comprised of three commissioners appointed by Gov. Tony Evers—has the authority to make decisions that will either advance or undermine the state’s clean energy and economic development vision. These decisions will have ripple effects on energy affordability, job growth, and business competitiveness across Wisconsin—especially in metro Milwaukee.

As a former environmental manager at Quad/Graphics, small business owner, nonprofit director, and current village president, I’ve seen firsthand that clean energy isn’t a burden. It’s one of the greatest economic opportunities of our time. But we need bold, business-minded leadership and smarter decisions to unlock its full potential.

Why This Proposal Misses the Mark

The gas plant proposal would lock Wisconsin into decades of volatile fuel prices and high infrastructure costs—at a time when energy innovation is moving in the opposite direction. Battery storage, now 90% cheaper than it was a decade ago, is already replacing gas peaker plants in states like California, Texas and even Alaska.

Instead of burdening ratepayers with stranded fossil fuel assets, Wisconsin should modernize the grid, repurpose existing fossil fuel sites into clean energy hubs, and scale up proven solutions like battery storage, demand response, and energy efficiency. These aren’t just cleaner options—they’re faster to deploy, more cost-effective, and better aligned with the needs of forward-looking businesses.

One of the best examples of smart energy policy is the ENERGY STAR program—a proven public-private partnership that has saved over $500 billion in energy costs and supported hundreds of thousands of jobs. Energy efficiency is the fastest, most affordable way to cut emissions, boost business competitiveness, and avoid costly fossil fuel infrastructure. As Congress and the EPA weigh future funding and priorities, preserving and strengthening ENERGY STAR should be a top priority.

Clean Energy Fuels Economic Growth

Clean energy is not only a climate solution—it’s a powerful economic engine. In Milwaukee’s Menomonee Valley, union workers at Ingeteam are building and repairing wind turbine generators to power the country’s clean energy transition. Their work is part of a new chapter in Wisconsin’s proud manufacturing story.

Across the state, more than 350 companies are already part of the clean energy supply chain. From smart-grid technology and energy storage to EV infrastructure and building systems, clean energy is driving 21st-century industrial growth. Wisconsin has the workforce, R&D capability, and infrastructure to lead—but only if state policy supports the direction businesses are headed.

Business Voices Must Lead the Way

Companies like Microsoft, Google and Meta have made ambitious clean energy commitments, pledging to operate on 100% carbon-free energy by 2030. These goals influence site selection, long-term investment, and regional competitiveness. If Wisconsin fails to deliver modern, clean infrastructure, we risk being passed over.

Worse, the current gas plant debate hinges on vague projections about data center energy needs—projections even the companies themselves are reassessing. Microsoft, for instance, has paused construction in Mount Pleasant while it reevaluates needs and cancels projects elsewhere. Before we spend billions, the PSC must get clear answers: How much energy is needed? When? For how long? And who pays?

Milwaukee Can Be a Clean Energy Leader

This is a moment for business leaders to shape a better path forward. Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin have all the ingredients to lead the clean energy economy: a deep industrial base, talented workforce, research strength from the UW System, and a tradition of environmental and civic leadership.

What’s missing is a coordinated, strategic vision. Wisconsin needs a statewide integrated resource plan that prioritizes clean energy, grid modernization, and economic development that benefits all—urban and rural, business and community.

At a time when energy remains one of the few bipartisan opportunities for job creation, innovation and national security, we cannot afford to move backward. The PSC must lead with vision—not lock us into outdated infrastructure while our competitors move forward.

Let’s ensure Wisconsin, and Milwaukee in particular, are known not for building more fossil fuel plants—but for powering the clean, prosperous future our state deserves.

– John Imes is cofounder and director of the Wisconsin Environmental Initiative and village president of Shorewood Hills.