PSC deals major blow to transmission project supporting Port Washington data center
Wisconsin's Public Service Commission (PSC) has dealt a major setback to a $1 billion-plus transmission project intended to support a hyperscale data center campus in Port Washington. The PSC revoked a "completeness" determination for American Transmission Co.'s application, requiring the company to restart the entire application process due to extensive revisions. This decision is a rare move for the utility regulator and will significantly delay the project.
The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) has unanimously voted to revoke the "completeness" determination for a major transmission project application submitted by American Transmission Co. (ATC), which is essential for providing electric service to a new hyperscale data center campus under construction in Port Washington.
PSC chair Summer Strand stated that ATC filed or refiled 564 application documents after the initial completeness determination was granted late last year, leading to a "moving-target application" that made adequate review difficult for both staff and the public. This rare regulatory move forces ATC to submit a new application, effectively restarting the entire approval process and delaying the estimated $1.3 billion to $1.7 billion Ozaukee County Distribution project, which includes new substations and high-voltage lines spanning multiple counties.
Vantage Data Centers, a developer behind the Port Washington data center, expressed disappointment but affirmed its commitment to working with officials to pursue responsible development of the necessary infrastructure. The project had faced significant pushback from locals and anti-data center activists, including comedian Charlie Berens, who criticized ATC's application for lack of transparency.
All three PSC commissioners expressed concerns over the volume of changes, with Commissioner Marcus Hawkins emphasizing the need for a complete application to ensure proper public participation and adherence to strict timelines. ATC, which had argued against the revocation, is now considering its options following the decision that eliminated a December 2026 ruling deadline.