Regulators Force Do-Over For $1.7 Billion Data Center Power Line Plan
The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin unanimously revoked the "completeness" determination for American Transmission Co.'s (ATC) $1.7 billion power line project application. This decision forces ATC to submit a new application, restarting the process for the infrastructure intended to serve a hyperscale data center in Port Washington. Regulators cited numerous and substantial revisions to the application, making it difficult for public and staff review.
State utility regulators have delivered a significant setback to a $1.7 billion transmission project designed to power a hyperscale data center campus in Port Washington, Wisconsin. The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) unanimously voted to revoke the "completeness" determination for American Transmission Co.'s (ATC) application, citing extensive and frequent revisions that rendered the application a "moving target." PSC chair Summer Strand noted that ATC filed or refiled 564 documents after receiving the initial completeness determination late last year, hindering adequate review by staff and public participants.
This procedural decision, described as rare by both ATC and a ratepayer watchdog, forces the company to submit an entirely new application and restart the approval process. While not a denial of the project itself, the ruling will impact construction timelines for the new substations, high-voltage lines, and infrastructure upgrades across Ozaukee, Washington, Sheboygan, Calumet, Fond du Lac, and Manitowoc counties. The project, which faced pushback from local residents and anti-data center activists like comedian Charlie Berens, was originally slated for construction start in December and completion by the end of 2027. ATC expressed disappointment but is considering its options.