U.S. Energy Secretary Visits Cedar Rapids
August 5, 2026 | Midwest
U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright visited the QTS Data Center campus in Cedar Rapids for an event showcasing one of the largest data center developments in the world and the importance of reliable electric infrastructure required to support it. The large-scale project’s role in driving significant economic growth for the region while supporting customer affordability was underscored by the visit.
ITC President and CEO Krista Tanner and ITC Midwest President Dusky Terry, along with several other ITC external leads, were joined by QTS and Alliant Energy leadership as well as federal, state and local leaders for the event. During the program, ITC Midwest was praised as an important partner in the project, and the company’s critical role in delivering reliable transmission infrastructure was highlighted.
In March, the Big Cedar Substation was energized by ITC Midwest to support the significant load growth in the Cedar Rapids area, including the QTS Data Center campus.
The importance of the partnerships among utilities, workforce and the community was recognized by QTS Co-CEO Tag Greason, and it was emphasized by Alliant Energy President and CEO Lisa Barton how those partnerships led to QTS being part of the largest economic development project in Iowa’s history.
During his remarks, the QTS project was pointed to by Secretary Wright as an example of how artificial intelligence infrastructure can be developed without increasing electricity prices. In fact, it was noted by Secretary Wright that ITC Midwest’s network transmission rate is expected to decrease by approximately 20% by 2030, demonstrating how load growth can deliver long-term cost benefits for customers.
With approximately 8,500 daily workers on-site, economic benefits are already being provided to the region by QTS, and it was highlighted by Secretary Wright that data centers will act as catalysts for broader industrial and manufacturing growth in communities for years to come. Remarks were also delivered at the event by U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson and Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell.
