Xcel Energy

Data Center Signal is tracking 59 clips about Xcel Energy data center developments across 8 states, including MN, CO, WI, TX, NM.

59Clips

8States

States

Topics

electricity95%

government85%

environmental47%

water41%

opposition36%

zoning29%

announcement25%

legal20%

moratorium12%

News Clipcoyotegulch.blog·Gunnison County, CO

Colorado River Hydropower System Strained by Shrinking Water Levels and Data Center Electricity Demand

Colorado's Aspinall Unit, a key hydropower system on the Gunnison River, is generating significantly less electricity due to shrinking river levels and climate change. This decline coincides with a surge in electricity demand from data centers, with federal regulators ordering faster grid connections for AI data centers. A Colorado bill to hold data centers accountable for energy use was killed, raising concerns about increasing strain on the state's power supply and rising consumer costs.

electricity environmental government

7/22/2026

News ClipPost Bulletin·Pine Island, Goodhue County, MN

Group of residents shows support for Pine Island data center at meeting

At a recent Pine Island City Council meeting, public sentiment shifted to show significant support for Project Skyway, which would bring a Google data center to the city. This support comes despite ongoing opposition from some residents and a lawsuit filed by the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA) that has resulted in a temporary restraining order on development. Supporters highlighted economic benefits and regulatory compliance, while the acting mayor clarified communication regarding the project.

opposition legal environmental government electricity

Google

7/22/2026

News ClipMilwaukee Neighborhood News Service·Port Washington, Ozaukee County, WI

ATC asks feds to reopen bidding for Wisconsin transmission project

American Transmission Company (ATC) has asked the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to intervene in a dispute over a major transmission project in eastern Wisconsin. The project, initially awarded to Viridon, is crucial for connecting a large data center campus in Port Washington to the grid by late 2027. ATC's appeal challenges the competitive bidding process, seeking to either redo the bidding or be awarded the full project to ensure timely grid connection for the data center.

electricity government zoning legal

7/20/2026

News Cliphometownsource.com·Monticello, Wright County, MN

Data center application reveals key details on Monticello Tech proposal

Monticello Tech LLC has submitted a detailed application for a 547-acre data center campus in Monticello, Minnesota, outlining plans for up to eight buildings and significant infrastructure improvements. The proposal, which details water, power, and environmental impacts, now enters a lengthy public review process involving city and state agencies. Public hearings are pending before the Planning Commission and City Council.

zoning opposition environmental electricity water government

7/15/2026

News ClipWAPT·NV

As gas plants rise to power AI data centers, renewable energy allies are fighting for alternatives

The AI boom is driving a surge in data center energy demand, leading to increased reliance on fossil fuels. In response, various US states are enacting or proposing legislation and regulatory changes to mandate or encourage data centers to utilize more renewable energy sources to meet climate goals. Tech companies and utilities are also working on innovative agreements to connect large-scale clean energy projects directly to the grid.

electricity government environmental

Google

7/13/2026

News Clip1:28KTTC·Pine Island, Goodhue County, MN

Google's Minnesota data center is on hold, but supporters are pushing hard to keep it alive

Google's proposed data center in Pine Island, Minnesota, is currently on hold due to a judicial restraining order and an ongoing lawsuit. Supporters, including Google and local officials, held an information session to advocate for the project, highlighting its economic and environmental impacts. Opposition from citizens led to the legal actions that halted construction.

legal opposition environmental electricity government

Google

7/10/2026

News ClipPost Bulletin·Pine Island, Goodhue County, MN

Panel on proposed Pine Island data center says 'misinformation' is a big challenge

A panel discussion in Rochester, Minnesota, addressed concerns and "misinformation" surrounding a proposed Google data center in Pine Island. The project, developed by Ryan Companies and powered by Xcel Energy, is currently halted by a temporary restraining order due to a lawsuit by the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy demanding a stronger environmental review. Panelists emphasized the need for vocal community support against opposition, while a city council member defended the use of NDAs and highlighted the project's economic benefits.

zoning opposition environmental legal

Google

7/10/2026

News Cliphometownsource.com·Monticello, Wright County, MN

Inside Monticello Tech's data center proposal: Application reveals plans

Monticello Tech LLC has submitted a detailed application for a 547-acre data center campus in Monticello, Minnesota. The proposal outlines plans for up to eight buildings, significant infrastructure improvements, and addresses concerns regarding water use, power demands, and environmental impacts. The project will now undergo a lengthy review process involving city and state agencies, including public hearings.

zoning opposition environmental announcement government electricity water

7/9/2026

News ClipSentinel Colorado·Aurora, Arapahoe County, CO

Aurora considers targeted regulations for new data centers amidst growing concerns

Aurora city lawmakers are considering targeted regulations for new data centers instead of a moratorium, prompted by concerns about their location and impact. Councilmember Amy Wiles is exploring rules for neighborhood buffers and reducing water-intensive landscaping. A town hall was held with city staff, Xcel Energy, and QTS Data Centers to discuss these issues.

zoning government water moratorium

7/8/2026

News Cliphometownsource.com·Pine Island, Olmsted County, MN

NO765MN group stands against transmission line, data centers

A group called "NO765MN" is actively opposing the proposed Gopher to Badger Link transmission line and related data center developments across southern Minnesota and Wisconsin. Residents are concerned about the impact of hyperscale data centers, including Google's Project Skyway, and are seeking legal and political avenues to halt the projects. They are advocating for alternative transmission technologies and urging local governments to pass resolutions against the high-voltage lines.

electricity opposition government zoning

Google Meta

7/8/2026

News ClipBemidji Pioneer·Rosemount, Dakota County, MN

Minnesota's first hyperscale data center nearing completion in Rosemount

Meta's hyperscale data center in Rosemount, Minnesota, is nearing completion, sparking mixed reactions from nearby residents and prompting a broader statewide discussion on data center impacts. While the project followed local requirements, concerns about secrecy, resource consumption, and the need for community assessment tools are prevalent across Minnesota.

opposition environmental electricity water government

Minnesota data centers' impact on power grid discussed amid heat wave

Data centers in Minnesota are being scrutinized for their potential impact on the power grid during heat waves. Utilities and regulators state that extreme weather is the primary driver of peak demand, but they are planning for future data center growth. The Minnesota Legislature and Public Utilities Commission have implemented safeguards requiring large customers, including data centers, to cover system costs and comply with clean energy benchmarks.

electricity government

7/1/2026

News ClipSt. Cloud Times·MN

Data centers become a key issue for Minnesota voters

Residents across Minnesota are organizing bipartisan opposition to data center construction, highlighting health, environmental, and resource concerns. Despite past legislative failures, activists are making data centers a key issue in upcoming local and state elections to push for stricter regulations or moratoriums. Several cities have already enacted moratoriums, and court orders have paused some projects.

opposition government environmental electricity water moratorium legal

Google Meta

6/25/2026

News ClipVernonReporter·Port Washington, Ozaukee County, WI

Oracle sues Wisconsin regulators as it seeks relief from data center credit requirements

Oracle has filed a lawsuit against the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) in Ozaukee County Circuit Court, challenging new credit rating requirements for data center developers. The dispute centers on financial protections for ratepayers, which Oracle argues impose significant costs on its planned data center in Port Washington. This legal action escalates Oracle's efforts to seek relief from requirements that could cost it millions annually.

legal government electricity

Oracle

6/25/2026

News Clipnews8000.com·WI

Xcel Energy asks regulators to protect existing customers from bearing data center expenses

Xcel Energy has filed a proposal with the Wisconsin Public Service Commission to require large electricity users, such as data centers, to cover 100% of their infrastructure and electrical costs. The utility states this measure is designed to shield existing customers from bearing these expenses. The Commission is expected to review the proposal, with Xcel seeking approval by February 2027.

electricity government

6/24/2026

News Clip1:37News 8 Now·La Crosse, La Crosse County, WI

Proposal from Xcel Energy could protect customers from higher bills as data center demand grows

Xcel Energy has put forth a proposal designed to shield customers from increased electricity bills. This initiative comes amidst growing demand for power from data centers, with the utility aiming to address the financial impact of infrastructure needs.

electricity government

6/23/2026

News Clipwiproud.com·WI

Xcel Energy says they have plan to protect people from high power bills as data centers look to Wisconsin$

Xcel Energy has announced a plan to protect residents in Wisconsin from potential high power bills as data center development expands across the state. The utility company is responding to the growing interest of data centers in the region and aims to mitigate their impact on consumer electricity costs.

electricity government

6/23/2026

News Clip5 EYEWITNESS NEWS·WI

Xcel Energy asks Wisconsin regulators to make data centers pay full power costs

Xcel Energy has proposed to Wisconsin regulators that large new power users, including data centers, should be required to pay the full cost of their electricity. This rule would apply to projects or major expansions of 100 megawatts or more and is intended to protect residential customers from bearing these costs. The proposal also suggests requiring these customers to commit to 15-year deals with strict financial security.

electricity government

6/23/2026

News Clip1:22KFDA NewsChannel 10·Amarillo, Potter County, TX

Fermi responds to Gov. Abbott’s AI data center directive aimed at protecting Texas ratepayers

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued a directive to state regulators to protect Texans from rising electricity costs caused by data center expansion, calling for data centers to fully fund their electric infrastructure. Fermi, which is developing the Project Matador Campus in Amarillo, stated it will use a private power grid and water-efficient cooling. Xcel Energy is reviewing the Governor's directive.

electricity water government

6/13/2026

News ClipKFDA | NewsChannel 10·Amarillo, Potter County, TX

Fermi responds to Gov. Abbott’s data center directive aimed at protecting Texas ratepayers

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has directed state regulators to ensure data centers fully fund their electric infrastructure and adopt water-efficient cooling systems, rather than passing costs to ratepayers. This directive follows the ongoing development of Fermi America's Project Matador data center near Amarillo, which Fermi states is designed with its own private power grid and advanced cooling to mitigate these concerns.

electricity water government

6/12/2026