Pins matching date:2026-02-11

Washington HB 2515, the comprehensive data center regulation bill, passed the House 51-41 but died in the Senate. It would have required utilities to develop tariffs preventing financial risk to other customers, mandated annual sustainability reports, and prevented data centers from receiving free carbon credits. Instead, the Legislature passed SB 5982, which clarifies that large customers including data centers must meet the same clean energy deadlines as utilities and directs the UTC to establish reporting requirements. The Data Center Workgroup is expected to issue its final report later in 2026.

HB 1265 would establish a one-year moratorium on new data center construction and create a study committee examining environmental impacts. Introduced by Rep. Peter Schmidt (D-Dover). Supporters cited that 100,000 sq ft data centers use up to 5 MW of electricity and 5 million gallons of water daily. Committee did not take immediate action after February 11 hearing.

Two Wisconsin PSC dockets address data center rate structures. Docket 6630-TE-113: We Energies proposed a 'Very Large Customer' rate class for customers with electricity demands above 500 MW (targeting hyperscale data centers like Microsoft in Mount Pleasant). Over 200 people joined virtual hearings on Feb 10-11, 2026, with ~85% of speakers voicing concerns about the proposal, urging that tech companies pay their full share of infrastructure costs. Critics argue the proposal would only require data centers to pay 75% of infrastructure costs, leaving 25% subsidized by the public. Docket 6680-TE-115: Alliant Energy's Individual Contract Rate Agreement to serve a data center campus in Beaver Dam (widely assumed to be Meta). The PSC required Alliant to refile the contract with fewer redactions after advocates raised transparency concerns. A coalition of 42 environmental justice, faith, conservation, and community organizations submitted formal comments voicing concerns about the proposals. VERIFIED 2026-05-26: On April 24, 2026 the Wisconsin PSC adopted a "full-benefits" model requiring data centers to pay 100% of their costs, extended the minimum term to 15 years, and lowered the threshold from 500 MW to 100 MW (removing the 75% capacity-only option) — a ratepayer-protection win.

Requires new data centers with 20+ MW demand to generate their own power off-grid, with a 10-year transition for existing facilities and $1 million/day penalties for violations. Also requires public disclosure of current and projected utility usage. Introduced by Senators Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT).