Alliant Energy Pivots on QTS Greater Madison, WI Data Center Project

Company identifies alternative locations in Wisconsin and Iowa to meet energy needs of data center developer

Jan. 28, 2026 at 4:23pm

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Alliant Energy announced that QTS has decided to move its planned data center project from DeForest, Wisconsin, after months of community conversations. Alliant Energy and QTS are now renegotiating the energy supply agreement and identifying several alternative locations in Wisconsin and Iowa that meet QTS's energy needs. The company says this demonstrates its ability to pivot and respond with alternative options to meet the needs of its customers as part of the 'Alliant Energy Advantage'.

Why it matters

The decision underscores the competitive nature of economic development, where communities and states must be prepared to quickly accommodate the energy needs of large data center projects. Alliant Energy's partnership approach and commitment to supporting data center development across its service area is seen as a key strength.

The details

QTS's decision to move the project from DeForest came after months of community conversations, as the project required property rezoning, making it more complex than typical projects due to the additional approval requirements. Alliant Energy says it has identified several locations in Wisconsin and Iowa as suitable alternatives that meet QTS's energy needs, and the two companies are renegotiating the energy supply agreement based on the new project location.

  • QTS decided to move the project from DeForest in January 2025.
  • Alliant Energy and QTS are currently renegotiating the energy supply agreement for the new project location.

The players

Alliant Energy Corporation

An energy company that provides electric and natural gas services to customers in Iowa and Wisconsin.

QTS

A data center development and operation company that was planning a project in DeForest, Wisconsin.

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What’s next

Alliant Energy and QTS are expected to announce the new project location soon.

The takeaway

This case demonstrates the importance of energy providers being able to quickly adapt and provide alternative solutions to accommodate the evolving needs of data center developers, who are increasingly important drivers of economic growth in many communities.