Data Center Signal is tracking 3 clips about Dairyland Power data center developments across 1 states, including WI.
Wisconsin is seeing a major wave of proposed data center development, increasing pressure on the state’s electric grid, transmission infrastructure and water resources. Microsoft withdrew from a Caledonia project after community concerns, while large projects by Microsoft and Vantage remain under development and utility regulators consider how their costs should be allocated.
The Viroqua Common Council unanimously adopted a resolution opposing the proposed MariBell high voltage transmission line, which is designed to meet future electricity demand, largely attributed to several massive data centers. Local opposition groups and multiple government entities, including Vernon County, are fighting the project, citing environmental concerns for the Driftless Area, threats to organic farms, and questionable economic benefits for ratepayers. Vernon County has hired legal counsel to formally intervene in state regulatory proceedings.
Wisconsin State Rep. Steve Doyle discussed a potential one-year data center moratorium, which a Democratic governor candidate supports. He also provided an update on the La Crosse County Board's creation of a data center committee. These discussions occur as the Dairyland Power CEO publicly described data centers as a "path to prosperity" for small communities.