Wisconsin Regulators Halt Major Power Project for Data Center Development
The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin has halted progress on a crucial transmission initiative intended to power a significant data center project in Port Washington. The surprising move requires the project developer, American Transmission Co. (ATC), to restart the application process from scratch due to extensive changes that have complicated the review.
On Thursday, the Commission unanimously decided to withdraw its previous “completeness” determination for ATC’s application. The project, valued at over $1 billion, aimed to establish a robust distribution and interconnection system for the data center campus. This decision marks a rare instance in which the PSC has rescinded such a determination, according to both ATC and a ratepayer watchdog group.
Chair Summer Strand highlighted the difficulty caused by the “magnitude and volume of changes to the application,” which led to what she described as a “moving-target application.” She expressed concern that this situation hindered the staff’s ability to fulfill their responsibilities and obstructed public involvement in the proceedings.
ATC must now file a completely new application, effectively resetting the clock on the project’s development timeline. “This is not a decision made lightly,” Strand said, acknowledging the impact on construction schedules and project completion dates.
The project, slated to support the new data center under construction, included plans for new substations, high-voltage transmission lines, and upgrades across multiple counties, including Ozaukee and Washington. Initially, construction was to begin in December, with a projected completion by the end of 2027.
Vantage Data Centers, one of the developers involved, expressed their disappointment but affirmed their commitment to collaborating with stakeholders for the responsible development of necessary infrastructure. “We will review the Commission’s written order when available and evaluate the appropriate next steps,” a spokesperson stated.
Previously, the application had received a completeness determination in December 2025. However, an administrative law judge recently flagged issues with missing and altered information, leading to heightened scrutiny from the commission.
Despite the setback, ATC remains focused on addressing public interest and regulatory requirements. “We recognize there is significant public interest in this project and appreciate the time people have taken to participate in the PSCW process and share their perspectives,” an ATC spokesperson commented.
ATC’s attorneys argued that the PSC’s decision is unprecedented, stating, “In its entire history, the Commission has never revoked a determination that a CPCN application is complete.” However, the initiative faced significant opposition from local residents and activists, including comedian Charlie Berens, who criticized the proposal for lacking transparency.
Commissioner Marcus Hawkins emphasized the necessity of a new application to ensure a fair process for public and stakeholder involvement. “We have strict timelines that are feasible only when we have a complete application,” he noted.
