We are engaged in discussions with a small number of customers to provide power to large-scale data centers being constructed to support AI and other technology capabilities. Because of the significant demand and energy needs associated with these facilities, extending service to these facilities requires investment in incremental electric infrastructure. Subject to pending regulatory approvals from the PSCW, WE has made and will continue to make significant infrastructure investments in new solar and battery projects, natural gas power plants, and other generation and distribution assets to power and serve these large-scale data centers and other projects. Our transmission affiliate, ATC, also has made and will continue to make significant investments in additional transmission infrastructure to serve the increased customer load.
In March 2025, WE filed an application with the PSCW requesting approval to implement a VLC Tariff and a Bespoke Resources Tariff. Under these proposed inter-connected tariffs, VLCs directly pay for the electricity they consume, along with the power plants and distribution facilities built to serve them and transmission costs allocated to their usage. The proposed tariffs are designed so that the costs associated with these VLCs are not subsidized by or shifted to residential or other business customers. WE is incurring significant engineering, design, and equipment costs in advance of receiving approval of the tariffs as well as necessary regulatory and other approvals for the needed generation, distribution, and transmission projects. If any of these projects are canceled for any reason, including due to lower than forecasted demand or for failure to receive necessary regulatory approvals and/or siting or environmental permits, significant cancellation penalties under the equipment purchase orders and construction contracts could occur. In addition, if any construction work or investments have already been recorded as an asset, an impairment loss may need to be recorded. We may not be allowed to recover these penalties, other costs incurred, or impairment losses in customer rates, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. WE requires VLCs to enter into payment and cancellation agreements which obligate the VLC to reimburse WE for all costs associated with projects requested by the customer until service agreements are executed under the approved tariffs. Reimbursement is also required if, among other things, the VLC terminates the payment and cancellation agreement or reduces its anticipated load, or regulatory approval is not received for the construction of a project. Despite these risk mitigating efforts, we may still experience significant losses or delayed recovery of these costs. In addition, the ability to obtain regulatory approval of one or more projects and/or the VLC and Bespoke Resources Tariffs may affect our ability to recover costs with acceptable conditions for these large-scale customers.
The ability to complete large capital projects is dependent upon a number of factors, including the ability to obtain financing of such projects on satisfactory terms and conditions. Along with the significant capital spend, a portion of the expected earnings growth from these projects will result in an increase in AFUDC as part of CWIP, with recovery of these costs delayed until the capital project is placed in service. As a result of this delay in receiving cash proceeds, we may be required to issue additional debt and/or equity to support these projects, which could negatively impact our earnings, balance sheet, and/or credit metrics. Other dependent factors include the ability to secure regulatory permits, secure sufficient land for the siting of power generation facilities, obtain necessary interconnection or transmission service in MISO, garner public support for these projects, and the ability of suppliers and contractors to fulfill their obligations under contracts. Successful completion of these projects may be further influenced by changes in law or regulation, such as new legislation or regulation impacting large data center cost allocation or environmental compliance requirements, trade and tariff issues, including those associated with imported solar panels, as well as supply chain delays or disruptions, workforce challenges, and other events beyond our control. If these projects are significantly delayed or become subject to cost overruns or cancellation due to these or other factors, we could incur additional costs and termination payments or face increased risk of potential write-offs of our investments in these projects. The occurrence of any of these events may materially affect the schedule, cost, and performance of these projects.
This concentration of business with a small number of customers in an industry based on emerging technologies, including AI and machine learning, presents several risks. We cannot predict the rate at which or the extent to which these emerging technologies will be broadly adopted and successful as business models. Changes in industry practice or advances in these technologies could reduce the demand for electricity to power data centers. Significant capital spend to build out required infrastructure or a downturn in business could cause the loss of these customers or may weaken their financial condition, liquidity and/or creditworthiness, including their ability to satisfy their reimbursement obligations to us. Similarly, customers may reduce their investment in these new technologies or abandon them entirely.
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
Any of these situations may result in the early termination or non-renewal of these customers’ electric service agreements or renewal on terms less favorable to us. Electric service agreements with these customers include provisions for early termination payments, but they may not fully protect against all risks. While the assets constructed to serve these customers may otherwise be useful in our utility operations, there is a risk that we may not be able to fully recover our investment in or a return on those assets.
Our business, results of operations, and financial condition could be materially adversely affected as a result of any or all of these factors.