This bill mandates a legislative management study during the 2025-26 interim to assess the impact of large energy consumers, such as data centers, on North Dakota's electrical grid. The study will evaluate various aspects, including the reliability and infrastructure requirements of the electrical grid, regulatory consistency across state and local laws, economic impacts related to job creation and tax revenue from large energy consumers, and market dynamics within the energy industry. It will also examine the costs and impacts of both regulated and exempted public utilities, as well as criteria for regulatory exemptions.

The study will involve input from a diverse range of stakeholders, including data center operators, utility providers, the public service commission, and other relevant agencies. Following the study, the legislative management is required to report its findings and recommendations, along with any necessary legislation, to the seventieth legislative assembly. This initiative aims to ensure that the state's electrical grid can effectively accommodate the demands of large energy consumers while maintaining reliability for all ratepayers.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 49-03.1-01, 49-03.1-02, 49-03.1-03, 49-03.1-05