Alliant Energy

Data Center Signal is tracking 35 clips about Alliant Energy data center developments across 2 states, including WI, IA.

35Clips

2States

States

Topics

electricity91%

government91%

environmental46%

opposition40%

water23%

zoning20%

announcement17%

legal14%

moratorium9%

News ClipWisconsin Watch·Portage, Columbia County, WI

Wisconsin power plant could benefit from Trump’s $425 million coal push

The Trump administration plans to allocate $425 million to support 13 coal power plants in 10 states, using the Defense Production Act to meet rising electricity demand and preserve jobs. Madison-based utility Alliant Energy has applied for a $19 million grant to extend the life of its coal units at the Columbia Energy Center near Portage, Wisconsin, which it previously planned to retire.

electricity government

6/5/2026

News ClipHomegrown Iowan·Cedar Rapids, Linn County, IA

Morgan Valley power plant opponents voice concerns to Cedar Rapids City Council

Opponents of Alliant Energy's proposed Morgan Valley Energy Center power plant voiced concerns to the Cedar Rapids City Council, citing potential environmental and health impacts. They also highlighted the role of data centers in increasing energy demand. The city council affirmed its limited jurisdiction, noting the project primarily falls under Linn County's review.

opposition electricity environmental government water

6/2/2026

News ClipBeloit Daily News·Town of Rock, Rock County, WI

Town of Rock approves liquified natural gas plant permit

The Town of Rock Planning and Zoning Committee unanimously approved a conditional use permit for Wisconsin Power and Light (WP&L) to build a $512 million liquified natural gas (LNG) plant. This decision followed two tabled votes and occurred despite concerns raised by local residents regarding environmental impacts and the project's potential connection to a hyperscale data center campus.

zoning electricity environmental opposition government

5/27/2026

News ClipClear Lake Mirror Reporter·Cerro Gordo County, IA

Public hearing in Cerro Gordo County addresses proposed power plant, data center concerns

A public hearing was held in rural Cerro Gordo County, Iowa, to discuss Alliant Energy's proposed 1200 MW natural gas-fired power plant. While the plant was the main topic, discussions also touched on an Iowa Utilities Commission decision to overrule county zoning for a solar project and rumors of data centers potentially locating in Mason City and the Clear Lake area. The IUC commissioner noted that moratoriums on data centers have been enacted in other Iowa counties.

electricity zoning government moratorium

5/20/2026

News ClipThe Cap Times·WI

At least 12 data center proposals in Alliant territory, documents show

At least 12 data center proposals are underway within Alliant Energy's service area in Wisconsin, with details largely withheld from the public due to transparency issues and non-disclosure agreements. The Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) recently ruled on electric rates for a Meta data center in Beaver Dam and stipulated that future data centers must apply for a large-load tariff, aiming to improve transparency for the public.

electricity government opposition environmental

Meta

5/15/2026

News ClipWUWM·Beaver Dam, Dodge County, WI

Wisconsin Regulators Approve Alliant Energy Contract for Meta Data Center in Beaver Dam

Wisconsin regulators have approved a modified contract for Alliant Energy to provide power to Meta's 700,000 square foot data center campus in Beaver Dam. The decision comes amidst growing public mistrust regarding data center costs and environmental impacts. The Public Service Commission also ordered Alliant Energy to develop a uniform formula for future large data center projects.

electricity government opposition environmental

Meta

5/8/2026

News ClipUrban Milwaukee·Beaver Dam, Dodge County, WI

With Sharp Criticism, Regulators Approve Electric Rates For Facebook-Meta Data Center

The Wisconsin Public Service Commission approved Alliant Energy's electricity rates for Meta's Beaver Dam data center but with sharp criticism over transparency. Regulators imposed conditions, including requiring standard rates for future large data center customers and stricter termination charges for Meta, while an environmental group has filed a lawsuit regarding energy demand transparency.

electricity government legal environmental

Meta

5/8/2026

News ClipChannel 3000·Madison, Waukesha County, WI

Public Service Commission requires Alliant Energy to use tariffs for future data centers

The Wisconsin Public Service Commission has mandated that Alliant Energy must use standardized tariffs for all future hyperscale data centers located within its service territory. This decision aims to establish a consistent framework for how the utility provides power to these large energy consumers.

electricity government

5/8/2026

News ClipTMJ4 News·Madison, Waukesha County, WI

Wisconsin residents split on PSC's Meta data center ruling: 'Promising' or 'too late' for transparency

The Wisconsin Public Service Commission approved a contract between Meta and Alliant Energy for data center development, after making revisions to the language. This decision has divided community members, with some seeing it as a sign of increased transparency while others express ongoing skepticism regarding the process and electricity needs. The PSC acknowledged a lack of transparency in such deals.

government opposition electricity

Meta

5/7/2026

News ClipWisconsin Watch·Beaver Dam, Dodge County, WI

PSC approves Alliant–Meta data center power deal while criticizing ‘black box’ approach

Wisconsin regulators approved a specific power contract between Alliant Energy and Meta for a data center campus in Beaver Dam. The approval included a major caveat, requiring Alliant to propose a standardized plan for powering future data centers to ensure transparency and protect other customers from costs. The Public Service Commission criticized the utility's initial 'black box' approach to the one-off deal.

electricity government

Meta

5/7/2026

News ClipWPR·Beaver Dam, Dodge County, WI

Wisconsin regulators approve rates for Meta’s Beaver Dam data center, with sharp criticism

Wisconsin utility regulators approved custom electric rates for Meta's $1 billion data center in Beaver Dam but criticized Alliant Energy and Meta for a lack of transparency. The Public Service Commission also mandated Alliant Energy establish standard rates for future large data center customers and required more detailed reporting and cost analyses. An environmental group has filed a lawsuit against the PSC over the release of Meta's energy demand projections, which remains ongoing.

electricity government opposition legal

Meta

5/7/2026

News Clip0:36WBAY TV-2 | Green Bay, WI·Beaver Dam, Dodge County, WI

PSC to hold hearing on Beaver Dam data center

The Public Service Commission (PSC) is holding a hearing on a proposed 10-year contract between Alliant Energy and Meta for a $1 billion data center in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. Residents are concerned about potential energy rate hikes due to the data center's substantial power consumption.

electricity government

Meta

5/7/2026

News ClipWBAY·Beaver Dam, Dodge County, WI

Wisconsin commission to decide on Meta data center rate proposal

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin is set to decide on Alliant Energy's proposed 10-year contract rate for Meta's $1 billion data center in Beaver Dam. The 700,000-square-foot facility is expected to use up to 220 megawatts of power. Local residents have expressed concerns about potential energy bill increases if the proposal is approved.

electricity government

Meta

5/7/2026

News ClipSun Courier·Marshalltown, Marshall County, IA

Community leaders tour ITC Midwest’s Marshalltown Substation, discuss future energy needs across area

Local leaders in Marshalltown, Iowa, toured an ITC Midwest substation to discuss future energy needs for the community. The discussion included the growing demand for electricity due to data center development and other heavy energy users, as well as plans for new substations and transmission lines. Officials highlighted Marshalltown's strong position for industrial growth, including a certified industrial site.

electricity environmental government zoning

5/1/2026

News ClipThe Capital Times·WI

Data center ruling sends ‘big message’ on who pays for energy use

The Wisconsin Public Service Commission ruled that tech companies developing data centers must pay 100% of their energy costs, shielding utility customers from subsidies. This precedent-setting decision addresses concerns over rising utility bills and environmental impact. It is expected to influence future data center proposals across the state, including an upcoming case involving Meta's data center in Beaver Dam.

electricity government water

Meta

4/29/2026

News Cliphngnews.com·WI

Wisconsin Watch: Wisconsin data center tax break to cost state more than $2 billion

Wisconsin is projected to lose over $2 billion in sales tax revenue due to a tax exemption granted to hyperscale data centers, including facilities by Meta and Microsoft. This unexpected cost has fueled efforts for increased data center regulation, with some lawmakers calling for an extraordinary legislative session to discuss potential new requirements.

government electricity environmental

Meta Microsoft

4/29/2026

News ClipCorridor Business Journal·Cedar Rapids, Linn County, IA

QTS data center project will put Cedar Rapids on ‘cutting edge,’ leaders say after site tour

The QTS data center campus under construction in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is hailed by local and national leaders as a "cutting edge" project promising up to $50 billion in economic growth. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright toured the site, emphasizing its role in the reindustrialization of America and the growth of the AI industry. Despite its massive scale, QTS and Alliant Energy officials assert the project's impact on consumer electrical rates and water usage will be minimal due to investments in generation and closed-loop cooling systems.

announcement government electricity water environmental

QTS

4/27/2026

News ClipPBS Wisconsin·WI

Wisconsin's data center tax break costs state more than $2 billion in lost revenue

Wisconsin's 2023-25 state budget included a sales tax break for data centers, which is now projected to cost the state over $2 billion in lost revenue. This unexpectedly high cost has spurred calls from lawmakers and advocates for new regulations and a reassessment of the incentives.

government legal electricity environmental

Meta Microsoft

4/27/2026

News ClipUrban Milwaukee·WI

State Regulators Change We Energies’ Data Center Rates to Protect Customers

Wisconsin state regulators have unanimously approved a modified special rate plan for large data centers served by We Energies. The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin made changes to the utility's proposal to ensure existing customers do not subsidize the energy costs for data centers, which are projected to significantly increase energy demand.

electricity government

Meta Microsoft

4/26/2026

News ClipThe N'West Iowa REVIEW·Cedar Rapids, Linn County, IA

U.S. Energy secretary, visiting Iowa, says data centers will drive energy production

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright visited the QTS Data Center campus in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, highlighting the importance of data centers for "reindustrialization" and the need for increased power generation. QTS is investing $10 billion in the project, which will use a closed-loop water system and a five-year electricity rate freeze for local customers. Wright also supported an Iowa legislative proposal to exempt nuclear energy facilities from sales and use taxes.

electricity water announcement government

QTS

4/26/2026