Data Center Energy Cost Debate

ATC and We Energies filed a request to shield residential customers from transmission line costs for Microsoft's Mount Pleasant data center. A contract discrepancy between We Energies and Microsoft over power sourcing has emerged. A new national survey shows 61% opposition to local data centers. A new analysis reveals $1.4B in health harms, 118 projected deaths, and massive water use from proposed gas-fired plants for data centers, with a regulatory blind spot. Political figures Hong (pro-moratorium, exempting Mount Pleasant) and Crowley (anti-moratorium, pro-fair cost-sharing) are key voices. Residents in Paris, WI oppose a gas plant. An analysis shows anti-data center voters did not turn out in the primary, suggesting local opposition remains localized. A new article highlights nationwide lawsuits over data center noise, adding a new dimension. The debate continues.