Large energy users and data centers
What are data centers and how do they impact energy customers?
Data centers have been around for decades.
A data center is a physical room, building or facility that houses IT infrastructure that supports applications and services.
Data centers are part of everyday modern life.
You access a data center whenever you use your cell phone, a credit card or any online activity. Data centers are essential for businesses, governments and organizations that rely on technology to operate and communicate.
You may have heard a lot about data centers lately.
That’s because companies are building new data centers across the country, including in Iowa and Wisconsin, to meet the demand for new technologies like AI-powered software and applications.
There’s a lot of conflicting information about how data centers impact energy customers.
Here you’ll find facts and the latest information about data centers within the communities Alliant Energy serves.
Data centers and energy FAQ
Data centers within Alliant Energy's service area
QTS | Cedar Rapids, Iowa
QTS announced its Cedar Rapids data center campus in January 2025. It will be located on 612 acres of the Big Cedar Industrial Center. The planned $10 billion investment is the largest economic development investment in the state of Iowa and city of Cedar Rapids' history.
Community and economic impact: QTS will contribute up to $18 million over 20 years to the City of Cedar Rapids-owned “Community Betterment Fund” following the first phase of construction.
“QTS’s arrival underscores Cedar Rapids’ momentum as a center for growth and opportunity,” said Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell. “With a multi-million-dollar commitment to our community betterment fund, this investment brings high-quality jobs, drives economic progress, and strengthens our local initiatives and nonprofits.”
Google | Cedar Rapids, Iowa
In May 2025, Google announced a data center project at the Big Cedar Industrial Park in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Community and economic impact: Google is investing an additional $7 billion in Iowa within the next two years in cloud and AI infrastructure, as well as in expanded workforce development programs. This builds upon investments the company has made in the state since 2007.
Google, along with electrical training ALLIANCE (etA), is also providing funding to support an innovative program to help increase the electrical workforce pipeline in Iowa by 95%. This will help develop the labor force needed to build new energy infrastructure.
Meta | Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Meta announced its $1 billion data center investment in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, in November 2025. The project will be built in Alliant Energy’s Beaver Dam Commerce Park.
Community and economic impact: Over the next decade, Meta will donate $15 million to Alliant Energy’s Hometown Care Energy Fund. Meta will also underwrite nearly $200 million in energy network improvements, substations and transmission lines to support the project. The site’s electricity use will be matched with 100% clean and renewable energy.
"This investment will help ensure Wisconsin is meeting the demands of the 21st Century and creating good, family-supporting jobs to support the workforce in the Beaver Dam community and across the greater region," said Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers.