Power Wisconsin Forward: Statement on the Public Service Commission’s criticisms of proposed Alliant contract for Beaver Dam data center

MADISON, Wis. – Power Wisconsin Forward issued the following statement in response to the Public Service Commission’s (PSC) decision on Alliant’s Individual Contract Rate Agreement refiling to serve a data center campus under construction in Beaver Dam (Docket 6680-TE-115):

The Public Service Commission (PSC) sent a clear message to Alliant Energy – and all Wisconsin utility companies – today: utilities must be more transparent and ensure the costs of powering data centers do not fall on Wisconsin families and small businesses.

While the Commission approved – with significant modifications – Alliant’s proposed contract to power a data center under construction in Beaver Dam, the discussion and outcome confirmed that the commissioners share the community’s concerns about Alliant’s approach throughout this process. 

As Commission Chair Summer Strand noted: “Transparency is not a check-the-box concept. Real transparency is a foundational expectation and a necessity – it was like pulling teeth here to increase transparency … the regulatory framework in Wisconsin includes intervenors and other stakeholders who we are bound to ensure are not harmed by this new customer.”  

Today’s decision also establishes an important precedent for how large energy contracts will be handled in Wisconsin moving forward. While we would have preferred the contract be rejected, we are encouraged that the Commission is requiring Alliant to file for a separate Very Large Customer Rate in the future, in addition to requiring significant changes to this agreement. 

Additional safeguards that were added include requiring the utility to cover transmission costs and address any potential underpayments by the data center, which will provide important protections for Alliant ratepayers. These changes reflect the PSC’s recognition that stronger oversight and accountability are necessary as utilities pursue major new energy investments. 

At a time when utilities are making significant infrastructure investments, protecting customers from unnecessary costs must remain the priority. Large energy users and utilities should bear full responsibility for the costs they create, and not pass a single cent on to Wisconsin households and small businesses.

For direct quotes from Power Wisconsin Forward partners, please see the attached quote sheet or contact powerwisconsinforward@muellercommunications.com.