Wisconsin Regulators Order ATC to Resubmit Data Center Grid Plan

The Wisconsin Public Service Commission voted Thursday to require the American Transmission Company (ATC) to resubmit its application for a grid infrastructure project designed to power a data center in Port Washington. The project, estimated to cost over $1 billion, includes a high-voltage transmission line and five substations spanning Fond du Lac, Ozaukee, Sheboygan, and Washington counties.

Regulators and ratepayer advocates argued that ATC's frequent design revisions and lack of clear documentation created an unreasonable burden, making project costs a moving target. The commission characterized the decision as a reasonable reset, suggesting the application failed to align unrealistic speed-to-power expectations with the deliberative regulatory process.

ATC warned that the decision could discourage investment in the state's energy sector and emphasized the urgency of the AI race. While the project was originally intended to be operational by December 2027, it is now unclear if that deadline is feasible. ATC attorneys suggested the commission's decision departs from the law, signaling a potential legal challenge.