Wisconsin regulators send ATC back to the drawing board on data center connection project
The Wisconsin Public Service Commission has required the American Transmission Company (ATC) to restart its application process for connecting the Port Washington data center to the electrical grid. This decision, prompted by ATC's repeated design adjustments, aims for a clearer understanding of the more than $1 billion infrastructure project. ATC warned this move could deter energy sector investment in Wisconsin.
The Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) voted to compel the American Transmission Company (ATC) to restart its six-month application process for grid infrastructure connecting the Port Washington data center. PSC Chair Summer Strand described the action as a "reasonable reset," citing ATC's frequent design modifications that left both regulators and the public with an unclear picture of the project, which is estimated to cost over $1 billion. This decision marks a potentially unprecedented move for the century-old commission.
ATC, responsible for connecting the upcoming Port Washington data center to the electrical grid, initially sought permission from the PSC last September. Their original proposal detailed a $1.3 billion infrastructure package, including a high-voltage transmission line and five new substations across Fond du Lac, Ozaukee, Sheboygan, and Washington counties, aiming to serve the data center by December 2027. Despite repeated adjustments to plans, including route redesigns and temporary bypass lines, the PSC found the application incomplete. ATC expressed concerns that this decision could establish a problematic precedent, deterring future investment in Wisconsin's energy sector.