Microsoft(US:MSFT) CNBC·2026-01-27 01:41Core Insights - Microsoft is expanding its data center operations by constructing 15 additional data centers in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin, which will enhance its capacity to recognize revenue from clients like OpenAI [1][2]. Group 1: Expansion Plans - The new data centers will cover almost 9 million square feet and are expected to have a taxable value exceeding $13 billion [5]. - The Mount Pleasant village board has unanimously approved the plans for the new data centers, indicating local support for Microsoft's expansion [6]. Group 2: Community Response - While many residents in Mount Pleasant support the expansion, there has been opposition in the adjacent village of Caledonia, where residents protested against Microsoft's request to rezone land for a data center [4]. - Concerns were raised during public comments about the permanence of jobs created by the data centers, but local officials defended the long-term nature of the employment opportunities [6][7]. Group 3: Industry Context - Microsoft is competing with Amazon, Google, and Oracle in the race to build data centers equipped with Nvidia chips for generative AI applications [2]. - The construction of data centers faces challenges, including the availability of energy from utilities and local opposition from residents [2].