As new large energy users, like data centers, expand into communities across the country, you may wonder what it means for your electric bill. A recent study by the Brattle Group researched this question and concluded when new large customers meet or exceed the cost to serve them, existing customers don’t pay more. Existing customers may even benefit from protections and infrastructure investments.
What the study found
- If new large energy users pay the cost to serve them, the cost doesn’t shift to other customers.
- The use of existing distribution/transmission lines and equipment, where possible, keeps costs down. However, if big upgrades are needed, costs rise, especially for transmission, which is the biggest cost uncertainty.
- The study shows with the right rules in place, we can accommodate large-energy-user growth without raising rates for existing customers.
How we make it happen
The Brattle Group study* points to concrete tools we already use to ensure new large energy users pay their share.
- Require large customers to pay for necessary upgrades upfront.
- Use special rates or charge higher electricity rates for very large energy load customers.
- Put rates in place that include long-term commitments and exit fees, so utilities aren’t left with costs if plans change.
- Pursue initiatives that use existing infrastructure to avoid costly upgrades.
Why this matters
Our customer protections ensure large energy users pay for the specific risks and costs they create. That means they pay for the cost to serve them. This allows us to provide electricity to new customers and keep energy costs as low as possible for current customers.
Learn more about our future-ready energy plans.
*Click to read the full report, "The Potential Impacts of Large Loads on Electricity Prices: Analysis for Alliant Energy Utilities" (June 2026).