This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 216B.2402, to exclude data centers from the calculation of gross annual retail energy sales for energy conservation and optimization purposes. A new subdivision is added to define a "data center" as a freestanding structure primarily containing electronic equipment for processing, storing, and transmitting digital information. The bill also modifies subdivision 10 to clarify that gross annual retail energy sales do not include electric sales to data centers that meet specific criteria, including providing a signed verification letter to the utility and imposing a significant peak electrical demand on the utility's system.

The changes aim to support the energy needs of data centers while ensuring that their energy consumption does not negatively impact the overall energy conservation efforts in Minnesota. By excluding data centers from gross annual retail energy sales, the bill seeks to promote the growth of this sector without compromising the state's energy optimization goals.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 216B.2402