MADISON, WI – Senator Romaine Robert Quinn (R-Birchwood) introduced legislation today that ensures the cost of increased electricity demand from data centers is not shifted onto Wisconsin ratepayers.
As demand for digital services and internet infrastructure continues to expand, the development of data centers is growing around the nation and in Wisconsin. While data centers can bring economic benefits, they also require significant energy resources.
“When new growth in data centers indicated significant new electricity demands, I became concerned that costs could be shifted onto Wisconsin families and small businesses,” Quinn said. “The bill I am introducing will prevent utility companies from passing their electricity costs on to any other customer. Wisconsin is open for business – just not at the expense of ratepayers already here.”
The legislation introduced along with Representative Shannon Zimmerman (R-River Falls) includes the following provisions:
- Prohibits energy costs for data centers from being passed on to other customers
- Requires any renewable energy used to power data centers to be located at the site
- Requires water used by a data center for cooling purposes to be recycled
- Requires data centers to annually report the total amount of water used
- Requires a data center to file a bond or security sufficient to cover the cost of any required reclamation
- If construction of a proposed data center is not completed, the owner must restore the parcel to the condition that existed prior to any construction
“With guardrails in place, Wisconsin can be a leader in the digital economy while protecting residents and ensuring responsible development,” Quinn said.
Last Update: Jan 05, 2026 4:36 pm CST
