Wisconsin Health Professionals Shed Light on We Energies' Data Center Profit Grab That Endangers Community Health

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PRESS RELEASE | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 4, 2026

Contact: Jay Erbrecht; jay@healthyclimatewi.org; 920.428.8300

MILWAUKEE- Today, Healthy Climate Wisconsin released its third Health Harms Report. This report spotlights the community health impacts of data centers and gas plants while investigating We Energies’ (WEC Energy Group) reported $299.2 million in second-quarter net income, up from $245.4 million one year ago, largely due to hyperscale data centers. Halfway through 2026, the company has earned $1.1 billion and returned $620 million to shareholders in dividends. We Energies is raking in these profits, while simultaneously approaching regulators at the Wisconsin Public Service Commission for another 14% increase in residential utility rates, a case that goes to a public hearing on September 1, 2026.

“If left unchecked and unchallenged, We Energies and the big tech companies building hyperscale data centers have the potential to negatively affect almost every part of our environment, from the air we breathe and the water we drink to the temperature outside and the noise in our homes. This is why every Wisconsinite and all of our legislators need to make our voices heard and to prioritize our safety and happiness over the profits of megacorporations,” said Landon Zimmerman, a medical student in Milwaukee.

According to the National Institutes of Health, people who live ina zip code with a fuel-fired power plant experience asthma hospitalizations rates 11% higher, respiratory infection rates 15% higher, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) rates up to 17% higher than people not living near a power plant. UW-Madison researchers found that the Foundry Ridge and Red Oak Ridge gas plants would cause an estimated $1.38 billion in health costs. Southeastern Wisconsin communities should not have to sacrifice clean air for gas plants to power hyperscale data centers.

Energy bills have also increased by 267% in states with a high concentration of data centers, and we are seeing this happen in Wisconsin. Higher utility bills and reduced public revenue can strain household budgets and make it harder for families to afford food, medication, health care, and stable housing. Before Wisconsin commits more public resources to data centers, residents deserve a clear accounting of the costs and benefits, transparency, and protections.

“A rate increase is also an older adult who turns the air conditioning off in July, and a mother deciding which prescription to fill this month. We are not describing a future risk. We are describing this quarter's patients,” said Annie Carell, a Nurse Practitioner from Milwaukee.

This year, We Energies asked the Public Service Commission (PSC) for a 14% increase on utility bills by 2028. They say the increase is needed to pay for new gas plants. But those gas plants are increasingly being used to power data centers, leaving customers to shoulder the costs. These proposed changes are in addition to other recent We Energies rate increases. In December 2022, the PSC approved an 11% increase in electricity costs for residential customers, and in November 2024, another 13% to 14% increase was approved. The public rate case will be on September 1, 2026, at 1 PM and 6 PM at the Alumni Memorial Union in Milwaukee.

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About Healthy Climate Wisconsin

Healthy Climate Wisconsin is an organization led by nurses, doctors, healthcare workers, and public health leaders across Wisconsin. Healthy Climate Wisconsin protects the health and quality of life of patients and communities by advancing climate and health equity. Every Wisconsinite, regardless of race, income, gender, or ability, should have clean air, safe water, and a stable climate to live a vibrant, healthy life. www.healthyclimatewi.org