'We're being heard': Fight over data center power lines heating up

The fight over power lines for Port Washington’s massive data center is heating up.

Hundreds of energized people submitted public comments speaking out against the project in just the last five days, as the company responsible for the lines is now at risk of having to start its application process over.

“If we don’t protect our properties, I mean, they’re just going to come through and take our land and destroy it, and that’s not right,” Pastor Patti Plough, of the Responsible Energy Alliance, told WISN 12 News Tuesday.

ATC is the energy company in charge of constructing the power line, and according to online documentation, has submitted multiple potential routes for the power lines: a preferred route, a contingent route, and one that would add to existing infrastructure.

The Power Service Commission is in charge of selecting the route.

Plough said she supports the alternate route that would add to existing infrastructure.

That’s because the other routes could place the power lines through Plough’s property in Fredonia and other neighbors’ properties.

“The power line will be approximately right here. So everything 125 feet either side of us will be destroyed,” said property owner David Aversa in a previous interview with WISN 12 News.

The state’s oversight commission is now reviewing ATC’s application after the company made several changes to it over the last several months. The commission is accepting public comments specifically on the completion of the application and whether the application process should restart, with the comment period open until 1:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Hundreds, if not thousands, of people have already submitted comments to the Public Service Commission. Many, though, are raising concerns about the electricity being directed to a data center.

“That’s what these lines are for; they’re not for us, the general public,” Plough said.

ATC said it respects the perspectives being shared during the public comment process.

In a response to WISN 12 News asking about ATC’s application, the company wrote:

”ATC is seeking Public Service Commission of Wisconsin approval to build power lines, substations and other related facilities needed to serve significant new electric demand in the Port Washington area while maintaining reliable electric service. As a utility company, ATC is obligated to provide service to all customers that request it. Here, ATC’s customer is We Energies.

ATC’s application in PSCW Docket 137-CE-221 seeks approval from the PSCW to construct and operate the Ozaukee County Distribution Interconnection Project.

The project includes new 345-kilovolt power line infrastructure, modifications to existing facilities and new substations in portions of east central Wisconsin. The project is intended to support expected load growth in the Port Washington area, including infrastructure needed to serve a large new data center, while helping ensure the safe and reliable operation of the electric system.

The application is currently under review by the PSCW, which will determine whether the project is approved and select the final route.

Additional background information, maps and FAQs are available on ATC’s project webpage: Ozaukee County Distribution Interconnection Project.”