(WFRV) – Wisconsinites are continuing to discuss and voice concerns over potential utility bill hikes surrounding data center proposals.
Manitowoc County towns ask for moratorium on data center projects
Local 5 spoke with Tom Content, the Executive Director of the Citizens Utility Board of Wisconsin, who said the public continuing to weigh in could influence utility rates in communities statewide, as data centers have increased prices in other states.
“We’re already seeing in places like Maryland and Virginia where prices are increasing because of data centers,” Content said. “We’re trying to make sure that doesn’t happen here.”
Content said that even without a data center in Green Bay, energy customers are seeing prices increase at a rate higher than inflation, whether it’s through Wisconsin Public Service or We Energies.
A joint meeting in Manitowoc County, led by Mishicot, Two Creeks and Two Rivers, passed resolutions seeking a moratorium from county officials on any potential data center projects.
The rise in data center concerns comes a month after residents in Greenleaf opposed a potential project so much that Cloverleaf backed out of the proposal. In addition, Kaukauna took steps in January to regulate any future requests for a data center.
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Content says that the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin is allowing public comment from residents to provide concerns and/or thoughts on data centers and utility bill impacts.
Anybody interested in commenting can do so via this link until Tuesday, February 17.
