The Wisconsin Data Center Coalition supports the Public Service Commission’s thoughtful approval of the Alliant Energy contract with the Beaver Dam data center, including its call for greater transparency, consistency and ratepayer protection as Wisconsin prepares for continued digital infrastructure growth.

This decision reflects the balance Wisconsin must strike. Data centers represent a generational economic opportunity for our state, and this opportunity can be pursued responsibly. Growth can come through clear standards, open dialogue, strong regulatory review and a commitment that costs are fairly assigned where Wisconsin families, small businesses and manufacturers are protected.

We appreciate the PSC’s recognition that Wisconsin needs a standardized framework for large energy load customers going forward. A long-term path, as determined by the PSC, can provide utilities, developers, communities, manufacturers and ratepayers with clarity. A consistent structure will help Wisconsin compete while also ensuring accountability for generations to come.

We understand electric customers have legitimate concerns around confidentiality, transmission cost allocation and the need to prevent unintended cost shifts. WIDCC believes the answer is not to slow Wisconsin’s momentum, but to improve the process: more transparency where possible, better planning across utilities and transmission partners, stronger community engagement and clearer rules for how infrastructure costs are shared.

Wisconsin has the chance to lead, in setting the standard for how data centers are brought into communities. That means connecting these projects to local jobs, skilled trades, energy planning, tax base growth and Wisconsin’s manufacturing supply chain, while making sure the public has confidence in the process.

The PSC’s decision sends the right message: Wisconsin is open for responsible growth and responsible growth requires structure, transparency and trust.

That is exactly the approach WIDCC supports. Yes to digital infrastructure. Yes to economic development. And yes to doing it the Wisconsin way: with accountability, collaboration and long-term benefit for our communities.