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In an effort to keep out members and readers informed of energy trends in Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association is sharing Competitive Wisconsin Inc.’s content from its Leadership Briefing: Energy. The content has been edited for print publication.
Energy demand is a key economic development item right now in many Wisconsin communities considering data centers — and rate payments in Wisconsin.
The following is a comprehensive package of articles about the increasing demand for electricity and the ongoing challenge to efficiently transfer that energy where it’s needed in the state.
Competitive Wisconsin Inc. is a nonpartisan coalition that engages business, education, agriculture, and labor in strategic collaborations to strengthen and grow the Wisconsin economy.
Edited articles may be found here:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/dorx36yrtom8r96g21c5h/AJolna9f2OkitG7Ne3zlb-g?rlkey=aap6vocyzqdqg2qvblt1604y7&st=jshgam9w&dl=0
This package would work well as a series for your web publication. Here is a recommended sequence:
MANAGING FORWARD: The increasing need for energy might give Wisconsin a competitive edge in keeping existing employers and recruiting new businesses. (This introductory article outlines the key issues behind increasing electrical demand and explains how stakeholders can work together to position Wisconsin for the future. This article could be published with the next article.)
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE BALANCE: Rising energy use in Wisconsin is in part driven by the rise of large data centers, but it’s also fueled by other trends. (This article includes a breakout box: Major forms of electric energy generation come with pros and cons.)
RELIABILITY AND MEETING INCREASED DEMAND: Wisconsin’s energy conversations are getting more complex and ever more important. Competitive Wisconsin Inc. gathered top utility executives to discuss the challenges facing today’s power industry. The topic of data centers was front and center.
INCREASED CONSUMER RELIANCE ON DIGITIZED INFORMATION AND THE ROLE OF DATA CENTERS: Energy consumers are no longer passive recipients of electricity and utility services — they are increasingly active participants in energy generation, management, and optimization.
THE COMING SURGE: When Wisconsin’s economic future depends on meeting an unprecedented rise in demand, is energy affordability at risk? (This article includes a sidebar: Family grocer sees value in energy efficiency.)
The final installment in this package consists of two articles that ideally would be published together:
ENSURING RELIABILITY AND DELIVERING AFFORDABLE ENERGY: How the regulatory environment and the permitting process impact Wisconsin’s energy capabilities.THE PERMITTING PROCESS: No decision related to building, operating and maintaining a transmission line is made lightly. This story takes readers through a new project in the Eau Claire area.