MADISON, WI –
The Wisconsin Datacenter Coalition (WIDCC) today welcomed the release of a new study from the Wisconsin Policy Forum (WPF) titled “Data Centers May Change Wisconsin’s Utility Landscape,” which details the evolving relationship between hyperscale development and the state’s power and water infrastructure.
The study reveals that while Wisconsin is entering a period of significant energy demand growth driven by the “global boom in artificial intelligence,” this shift follows nearly two decades of declining electricity and water usage. Since 2005, total energy sales by Wisconsin utilities have fallen by 9 percent, and peak electrical demand has dipped by 2.6 percent, creating a unique opportunity for data centers to utilize existing capacity while supporting future infrastructure investments.
“The Wisconsin Policy Forum study confirms what we have known: Wisconsin is open for business and perfectly positioned to lead the digital age,” said Tricia Braun, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Datacenter Coalition. “The rise of data centers represents an immense economic win for our state. These projects do not just provide the ‘digital backbone’ for the world; they bring billions in private investment, create high-value jobs for our workforce, and revitalize our manufacturing sector. By filling the gap left by years of declining utility demand, data centers help stabilize the landscape and provide the necessary catalyst for modernizing our grid, ensuring Wisconsin remains a global hub for innovation and economic prosperity.”
The WIDCC remains committed to advocating for smart-growth policies that ensure these large-scale developments continue to benefit local communities and the state’s skilled workforce.
