Black Hills Energy

Data Center Signal is tracking 19 clips about Black Hills Energy data center developments across 2 states, including WY, MT.

19Clips

2States

States

Topics

electricity100%

government84%

water63%

environmental53%

zoning53%

opposition53%

announcement37%

moratorium11%

News ClipCowboy State Daily·Cheyenne, Laramie County, WY

Cheyenne Leaders, Industry Officials: Data Centers Could Lower Electricity Costs

Local leaders and industry officials in Cheyenne, Wyoming, argue that data centers are lowering electricity costs for residents, stabilizing water rates, and enabling affordable housing development. This perspective comes amid citizen concerns about water scarcity, energy demand, and housing affordability, which have led to a petition for a data center moratorium. The debate highlights the economic and social impacts of rapid digital infrastructure growth in the region.

electricity water opposition moratorium government

Microsoft Meta

6/8/2026

News ClipCap City News·Cheyenne, Laramie County, WY

Public angst over data center growth addressed by panel of city officials, experts Saturday

Cheyenne, Wyoming, hosted a public panel with city officials, utility staff, and industry experts to address community concerns regarding data center growth. The discussion covered development oversight, zoning processes, water and energy consumption, and environmental impacts. Key takeaways included the city's "do no harm" standard for developers and the economic benefits for the community.

zoning opposition environmental government electricity water

Microsoft Meta

6/7/2026

News ClipWyomingNews.com·Cheyenne, Laramie County, WY

Panel addresses data center concerns, how to stay informed

The City of Cheyenne hosted a public panel to address growing community concerns regarding the influx of data centers in Laramie County. Key topics discussed included water and electricity usage, zoning processes, environmental impacts, and noise regulations. City officials, utility representatives, and data center industry figures sought to clarify misconceptions and assure residents about the economic and environmental impacts.

zoning opposition environmental government electricity water

Microsoft Meta

6/7/2026

News ClipOil City News·Casper, Natrona County, WY

Wyoming lawmakers consider energy deregulation for data centers, industrial power

Wyoming lawmakers are considering a bill to deregulate electricity for large industrial users, including data centers, to address power demands and reliability issues. The proposal would allow some electricity producers to operate outside public utility regulations if serving high-demand customers. Utilities oppose the bill, citing concerns about financial risks to ratepayers.

electricity government

6/5/2026

News ClipMontana State Exponent·Billings, Yellowstone County, MT

Opposing parties present closing arguments on proposed NorthWestern merger

The Montana Public Service Commission concluded hearings on a proposed merger between NorthWestern Energy and Black Hills Energy. Opponents, including environmental groups, warned the merger could open the door for more data centers, burdening ratepayers with electricity costs. The commission will decide in coming months whether the merger is in the public interest.

electricity government opposition

5/19/2026

News ClipCap City News·Cheyenne, Laramie County, WY

Cheyenne Data Center Moratorium Proposed for Smart Planning

Cheyenne City Councilor Mark Moody has sponsored a one-year moratorium on new data center construction in Cheyenne, Wyoming. This proposal comes amidst circulating petitions and growing concerns about the long-term impacts of rapid data center expansion on the city's power grid, water supply, land use, and security. The moratorium aims to allow time for comprehensive planning and impact studies.

moratorium opposition electricity water environmental zoning government

5/11/2026

News ClipBillings Gazette·MT

NorthWestern Energy's proposed merger with Black Hills Energy driven by data center growth$

NorthWestern Energy is pursuing a merger with South Dakota utility Black Hills Energy, despite publicly denying that data centers are the underlying reason. However, company executives reportedly informed investors that data center demand is a primary driver for the proposed deal. The article is an opinion piece from the Montana Environmental Information Center, highlighting a perceived contradiction in the company's messaging.

electricity announcement

5/9/2026

News ClipBozeman Daily Chronicle·MT

NorthWestern Energy merger plans linked to data center growth

NorthWestern Energy is seeking approval from the Montana Public Service Commission for a merger with Black Hills Energy, which critics allege is primarily driven by data center expansion. The Montana Environmental Information Center and concerned citizens are urging the PSC to consider the potential impacts on electricity rates, water resources, and local control. The PSC hearing is scheduled for May 12.

electricity water government opposition zoning

5/9/2026

News ClipMissoula Current·MT

NorthWestern Energy Merger and Data Center Plans Under Scrutiny in Montana

NorthWestern Energy is pursuing a merger with Black Hills Energy, which its executives admit is driven by the desire to capture data center opportunities, despite denying this publicly. Opponents are urging the Montana Public Service Commission to demand transparency regarding 14 proposed data center projects before approving the merger, citing concerns about water resources and electricity rates for Montanans. A public hearing on the merger is scheduled.

electricity government opposition environmental

5/8/2026

News ClipWyomingNews.com·Cheyenne, Laramie County, WY

Mayor: Data center water use in Cheyenne is far below city supply, other local industries

Cheyenne Mayor Patrick Collins addressed the Wyoming Legislature's Select Water Committee, asserting that data centers in Cheyenne use significantly less water than other local industries and residential irrigation. He also highlighted existing city regulations for data center developers, including requirements for noise, light, and power infrastructure costs.

water electricity government zoning

Microsoft

5/7/2026

News ClipDaily Montanan·MT

NorthWestern’s mega-monopoly merger is all about data centers

A proposed merger between NorthWestern Energy and Black Hills Energy is reportedly driven by data center opportunities, despite NorthWestern's denials to the public and regulators. Critics, including the Montana Environmental Information Center, are concerned about a lack of transparency regarding the impact of 14 proposed data center projects on electricity rates and water resources in Montana. A Public Service Commission hearing on the merger is pending, amidst ongoing public opposition.

electricity government environmental opposition

5/6/2026

News ClipKOTA Territory News·Cheyenne, Laramie County, WY

Energy industry presses Wyoming lawmakers to better meet Trump’s ‘energy dominance’ agenda

Wyoming lawmakers are discussing ways to expand energy incentives and streamline permitting for various mineral resources, while also addressing the significant electricity demands from expanding industrial projects and data centers. Industry advocates like Pete Obermueller highlight the state's electricity generation constraints and propose solutions like self-generation for large loads. The legislative committee has directed staff to draft a bill to address these challenges.

electricity government

4/30/2026

News ClipKGAB·Cheyenne, Laramie County, WY

Governor Mark Gordon Discusses Water-saving Measures By Data Centers In Southeast Wyoming

Governor Mark Gordon reports on efforts by data centers, including Microsoft and Related Digital, in southeast Wyoming to reduce water consumption through advanced cooling designs. He also confirmed that these companies have agreements with Black Hills Energy to cover infrastructure costs, preventing rate increases for other state residents.

water electricity environmental government announcement

Microsoft

4/22/2026

News ClipWyomingNews.com·Cheyenne, Laramie County, WY

Microsoft intends to purchase 3,200 acres south of Cheyenne for data centers

Microsoft has announced its intention to purchase 3,200 acres south of Cheyenne, Wyoming, to significantly expand its data center operations, tripling its physical footprint. This major development is expected to generate substantial local tax revenue, with the company addressing concerns about electricity and water usage through specific utility agreements and advanced cooling technologies. The project will involve future city annexation and rezoning processes.

announcement government electricity water zoning environmental

Microsoft

4/16/2026

News ClipKGAB·Cheyenne, Laramie County, WY

Microsoft Eyes 3,200 Acres In Cheyenne For New Data Centers

Microsoft has announced plans to acquire 3,200 acres in Cheyenne, Wyoming, for a significant data center expansion. The project will involve a multi-year planning process, public hearings, and commitments from Microsoft to prevent increased electric rates and replenish more water than it consumes. The company expects to create thousands of construction jobs and hundreds of permanent positions.

announcement electricity water zoning government

Microsoft

4/15/2026

News Clip2:05Your Wyoming Link·Cheyenne, Laramie County, WY

Microsoft plans 3,200-acre data center expansion in Cheyenne

Microsoft is planning a significant data center expansion in Cheyenne, Wyoming, involving the purchase of 3,200 acres for future development. The project is anticipated to create numerous jobs, but local concerns about water usage and electricity demand are being raised by residents and city officials. Public hearings are expected to address these issues and community input will be sought as the plan progresses.

announcement environmental opposition zoning electricity water

Microsoft

4/14/2026

News ClipCowboy State Daily·Cheyenne, Laramie County, WY

Microsoft To Triple Its Cheyenne Data Center Footprint With 3,200-Acre Land Buy

Microsoft plans to significantly expand its data center footprint in Cheyenne, Wyoming, by purchasing 3,200 additional acres. This massive expansion has sparked debates among state lawmakers and residents concerning its potential impacts on energy costs and water usage, despite Microsoft's assurances regarding its utility partnerships and efficient cooling technologies.

announcement electricity water zoning government opposition

Microsoft

4/14/2026

News ClipCap City News·Cheyenne, Laramie County, WY

Microsoft plans massive 3,200-acre expansion of Cheyenne data centers

Microsoft has announced plans to acquire 3,200 acres of land southeast of Cheyenne, Wyoming, to significantly expand its data center footprint. This expansion is expected to create hundreds of full-time jobs and thousands of construction positions without local property tax incentives, and the company has committed to substantial infrastructure investments to benefit the community. Microsoft will engage in community outreach, annexation, and rezoning processes, addressing concerns about energy and water usage.

announcement zoning electricity water environmental

Microsoft

4/14/2026

News ClipKTVQ·MT

Montana environmental group fears electricity rate increase with NorthWestern-Black Hills merger

A Montana environmental group, 350 Montana, is voicing concerns about the proposed merger between NorthWestern Energy and Black Hills Energy. They fear the merger could increase electricity rates for Montanans and prioritize AI data centers, urging the Public Service Commission for more transparent review. The issue has sparked debate among PSC commissioners.

electricity government environmental

3/21/2026