VIRTUAL BRIEFING: New polling on utility costs, data centers, and voter priorities for 2026

MEDIA ADVISORY: Event on Thursday, April 9

MADISON – Wisconsin residents are facing a cost-of-living crisis in which utility bills now rank alongside groceries as a top financial burden. According to recent data collected by Wisconsin Conservation Voters, 84 percent of voters (across political affiliations) are concerned about the cost of electricity, and they are looking at candidates who will prioritize customers over corporations, utilities, and data centers.

You are invited to join an upcoming virtual briefing on the energy and cost of living issues expected to shape Wisconsin’s 2026 elections: The Price of Power: A Candidate’s Guide to Energy Affordability.

A major emerging flashpoint in this election is the rapid expansion of data centers. These projects often involve secret deals and exemptions for billion dollar corporations. Our new polling shows Wisconsinites are skeptical: 

• 93 percent of voters demand that Big Tech, not local ratepayers, should pay for 100 percent of new energy infrastructure they require.
• 70 percent of voters believe the costs of data centers outweigh the benefits.
• 71 percent are concerned about the massive water usage of these data centers 

As the state prepares for a high profile election cycle, including the open governor’s race and other important statewide contests, this briefing will provide context gained from Wisconsin Conservation Voters’ polling on the issues voters are already grappling with and how those issues are likely to show up in this year’s elections.

What this briefing will cover:

• The growing role of energy costs and cost-of-living challenges in Wisconsin
• New research on voter attitudes toward utilities, clean energy, and data centers
• Why clean energy and utility accountability are emerging as key public issues across geography and demographics
• How these issues are being discussed in communities across the state

Please RSVP here to get your unique Zoom login information >>> 

Why this matters now

Wisconsin voters are facing utility costs rising at twice the rate of inflation, increasing pressure on household budgets and major decisions about energy infrastructure and data centers in their communities. At the same time, many candidates and public officials are navigating how to talk about these issues clearly and effectively.

This briefing is intended to set the stage for the election season by grounding coverage in nonpartisan research, community perspectives, and policy realities.

Event details

• Virtual briefing and Q and A
• Date: Thursday, April 9
• Time: 11 a.m.
• RSVP here 

If you are unable to attend, we are happy to coordinate follow up conversations or provide materials.

For more information

Contact Ryan Billingham, Communications Director, Wisconsin Conservation Voters, 608-208-1129 (office), 608-213-6972 (mobile/text), or ryan@conservationvoters.org