Dooley Noted Column - July 2026 Energy Styles Magazine
I received a number of questions relating to Metered North, LLC (“Metered North”). With this in mind, I wanted to provide some project details.
St. Croix Electric Cooperative (the “Cooperative”) is bound by our bylaws, and we must make diligent efforts to extend and render adequate and dependable service to all unserved people within the Cooperative service area. We are required to provide power regardless of the size or nature of their service requirements, assuming they meet conditions established by both the Cooperative and local and state regulations.
One of the conditions for Metered North was to obtain a conditional use permit before we would consider moving forward with the process. Metered North has obtained a conditional use permit containing strict conditions from the municipality, and to-date has complied with all the conditions set by the Cooperative.
By way of background, the Cooperative has had property to sell in our business park since it was established in the late nineties. We were approached by Metered North who wanted to locate their facility in our business park. After Metered North obtained the necessary local and state approvals, the Board weighed the benefits of the Metered North facility and decided it was in the best interest of the Cooperative to pursue this opportunity which will benefit all of our membership.
This is the first data service installation we have considered among the many that have contacted us over the past few years. Carefully, vetting these requests and ensuring they meet our requirements is the only way to reduce risk. Servicing this installation will help ensure future electric rates are stabilized and work towards reducing costs for all members.
There is a need for some additional education regarding this installation in order to dispel some of the false statements on social media.
- Water usage – The facility’s containers are filled with premixed, non-toxic, non-hazardous fluid from storage containers and do not use water from the Village. The only water consumption would be for a restroom in the building.
- Spill prevention – The installation has automatic shut-off valves in place that isolate leaks if there is a drop in system pressure. They are also required to install containment to prevent liquids from entering the ground around the containers.
- Capacity restrictions – Both the conditional use permit and the Cooperative have set limitations on the amount of power Metered North can use. Metered North will also be required to be a peak alert customer and shut down the installation when Dairyland Power calls to avoid peak capacity concerns on the system. Metered North will not have backup generators to run during these curtailments.
- Noise – There are strict limitations on noise levels that Metered North must adhere to during operation as a condition of both the conditional use permit and industrial park constraints.
- Cost – Metered North is required to pay for the entire installation, so there is no subsidization from the membership.
- Board of Directors action - The Board operates under the direction of legal counsel to ensure every decision follows the articles of incorporation, bylaws, and policies of the Cooperative. All Cooperative actions taken on this matter have been done so in accordance with these requirements. We treat each member equally, non-discriminatory, and fairly, according to our rules and regulations.
- Conditions – Similar to the conditional use permit issued by the Village of Hammond, if the Cooperative’s conditions are met, we have an obligation to serve. Our business is to sell electricity and benefit the Cooperative Members. Our business park was established to promote businesses coming to our system.
The Cooperative has diligently reviewed this request the same as we would with any business that requests information or service from our Cooperative. Education on what the facility is and what it is not, should not be based on who talks the loudest; it should be based on facts.
For example, I am still receiving communications concerning water usage on a facility that will not be connected to water. Most of the concerns are based on hyper-scale data centers, and this is nowhere near that type of installation. The conditions set by both the Cooperative and the Village address the concerns.
I am happy to answer any questions the membership has and will give factual information in my responses. The Board has determined this installation is beneficial to our system and the membership. We are following the same procedures that we use for any type of installation and are adding additional steps to reduce risk in this venture. We will continue to provide information and address concerns in a pro-business and positive fashion.
(Published in July 2026 Energy Styles Magazine)
