Senate Bill 729 introduces a series of regulations and requirements aimed at large energy customers and data centers in Wisconsin. The bill defines a data center as a facility housing networked server computers and establishes criteria for large energy customers, which are defined as those with significant energy demands. Key provisions include the requirement for laborers and mechanics working on large-scale data centers to be paid prevailing wages, and for these data centers to utilize at least 70% renewable energy to qualify for tax exemptions. Additionally, the bill mandates that data center operators certify compliance with sustainable design standards and report their water usage to local authorities.

The bill also establishes a new annual fee structure for large energy customers based on their peak electricity demand, with funds being split between the utility public benefits fund and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation's Green Innovation Fund. It requires the Public Service Commission to create a definition for a "very large customer class" and to ensure that electric utilities offer a renewable resource tariff to commercial and industrial customers. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for quarterly reporting by energy utilities on data center energy consumption and renewable energy usage, enhancing transparency and accountability in energy management.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 16.957(2)(d)3, 16.957, 25.96