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, provided they meet specific criteria, such as imposing a peak electrical demand on a consumer-owned utility's system that is equal to or greater than 40 percent of the system's peak demand.

Additionally, the bill retains existing exemptions for large energy facilities and certain customer facilities regarding gas and electric sales. It specifies that electric sales associated with a utility's program for electric vehicle charging will not be included in gross annual retail energy sales until after December 31, 2032, when incremental sales to electric vehicles must be counted. Overall, the bill aims to support the energy needs of data centers while promoting energy conservation efforts in Minnesota.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 216B.2402