Wisconsin

Data centers

Data centers take center stage in Wisconsin governor’s race

As the AI buildout spikes energy demand, Democrats and one Republican offer solutions ranging from ramping up clean energy to instituting ratepayer protections.

By Kari Lydersen .

4 August 2026

Woman behind a wooden lectern stands before a seated crowd; two yellow "Hong" signs are held aloft. — Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong speaks during a campaign rally on August 2, 2026, in Milwaukee. (Joshua Lott via Getty Images)

Data centers

Data centers are on the ballot in 2026 — and just failed the first test

A Wisconsin city voted to add new hurdles to data center development in response to unwanted construction, and more communities could soon follow suit.

By Kathryn Krawczyk . 10 April 2026
Data centers

Wisconsin debates how to pay for the power-hungry AI boom

Regulators mull the first big utility plan to provide electricity to data centers flocking to the state, igniting disputes over consumer protection and clean energy.

By Kari Lydersen . 27 January 2026
Data centers

Disputes over clean energy may doom Wisconsin data center bills

Democrats and Republicans want safeguards against rising power costs. But clashing visions for how data centers should use renewables stand in the way.

By Kari Lydersen . 16 January 2026
Solar

Wisconsin lawmakers look to break utility grip on community solar

Utilities have blocked prior attempts to let other developers build community solar in the state. Now legislators have a bill meant to address opponents’ concerns.

By Kari Lydersen . 19 November 2025
Utilities

Wisconsin utility’s data center–driven gas expansion meets skepticism

Some of the data centers may never even materialize, sticking ratepayers with the bill for overbuilt fossil-fuel infrastructure, advocates argue.

By Kari Lydersen . 14 April 2025
Solar

Push for third-party rooftop-solar ownership in Wisconsin hits a snag

Other states allow companies to own residential solar arrays on homeowners' roofs, but in Wisconsin the question has been tied up in legal battles.

By Kari Lydersen . 29 January 2025
ENN

Milwaukee plans to build net-zero modular homes for lower-income residents — but it’s not easy

The city hopes to lure a manufacturer of energy-efficient panelized homes, a way to cut carbon emissions while building homes and creating jobs

By Kari Lydersen . 11 December 2024
ENN

In Michigan and Wisconsin, cities are finding rooftops alone may not achieve solar energy goals

In Kalamazoo, a vision for rooftop solar generation on public buildings stalled after running into challenges, so the city is instead partnering with Consumers Energy to deliver solar power starting in 2028.

By Kari Lydersen . 9 December 2024
ENN

Conservative clean energy advocates keep Trump’s rhetoric at arm’s length

During the Republican National Convention, conservative leaders and advocates downplayed the former president’s comments, saying market forces can keep driving clean energy if he is re-elected.

By Kari Lydersen . 22 July 2024
ENN

Federal clean energy program unlocks benefits for Wisconsin schools

Efficiency upgrade funding from the Inflation Reduction Act will help schools that have had to skip improvements amid budget cuts.

By Erik Gunn . 24 June 2024