The Price of Power: A Candidate’s Guide to Energy Affordability

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.

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 

View our Candidate Messaging Guide

View our key findings from our recent polling that can help you, as a candidate, understand how these issues impact people’s everyday lives. This messaging guide breaks down poll-tested proof points and key messaging guidelines to help you talk about the the most important issues to voters. 

Data center policy recommendations

Massive data centers are springing up across Wisconsin and are creating enormous hidden costs to our wallets, our health, and our environment. View our policy recommendations for ensuring there is fairness, affordability, transparency, and accountability as the data center industry expands.

Rising cost of energy policy recommendations

Energy rates are rising for Wisconsinites everywhere – from Shell Lake to Milwaukee, Prairie du Chien to De Pere. Tech giants and utilities are pocketing record profits while hardworking families struggle to keep the lights on. That’s not fair and it’s not sustainable. See our policy recommendations on how to protect ratepayers. 

Increasing clean energy policy recommendations

Investing in clean energy is a win-win. Solar and wind are the most affordable and quickest fuel sources to build while reducing the need for polluting fossil fuels that harm our health.

Protecting rural drinking water message recommendations

Thousands of Wisconsinites lack access to clean, safe drinking water. From lead pipes to PFAS or nitrate contamination, it’s an issue that impacts people no matter if you live in an urban, suburban, or rural area. 87 percent of Wisconsinites surveyed say that addressing drinking water pollution is somewhat or very important. Download our guide on how to talk about this issue.

Planning Wisconsin's clean energy future policy recommendations

Given the challenges of climate change and increasing economic volatility, Wisconsin must have a transparent state plan that allows us to make the healthiest, most sustainable and affordable energy choices for the future of all Wisconsinites. See our solutions for a strategic statewide plan that map out Wisconsin's future energy needs.