Report: State energy demand to rise 40%, driven by data centers
A new draft report by Wisconsin utility regulators indicates that the state's electricity demand could increase by over 40% by 2032, primarily driven by three active data center developments from Microsoft, Oracle, and Meta. This significant surge in energy needs raises concerns among consumer advocates and environmental groups regarding potential costs to ratepayers and environmental impacts.
Wisconsin is bracing for a projected 40% surge in electricity demand by 2032, largely attributed to the development of three hyperscale data centers by Microsoft in Mount Pleasant, Oracle in Port Washington, and Meta in Beaver Dam, according to a draft report from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin. Over 72% of the anticipated peak electricity load is linked to these projects.
State utilities, including We Energies and Alliant Energy, which serve these data centers, assert their capability to meet the increased demand through a diversified energy generation strategy encompassing natural gas, renewables, and battery storage. We Energies spokesperson Brendan Conway noted plans for over $12.5 billion in investments for new resources and grid modernization.
However, consumer advocates and environmental groups express alarm over the report's findings. Amy Barrilleaux of Clean Wisconsin called the concentration of demand in three projects "shocking" and highlighted the state's vulnerability due to a lack of a uniform statewide plan, leading to reliance on