This bill amends several sections of the North Dakota Century Code to establish new requirements for data centers regarding the acquisition of a certificate of public convenience and necessity. Specifically, it stipulates that a data center may not begin construction or operation without first obtaining this certificate from the commission, although this requirement is waived for cooperative-operated data centers. The bill also introduces a detailed definition of a "data center," describing it as a structure primarily containing electronic equipment for processing, storing, and transmitting digital information, and specifies that it must consume twenty megawatts or more of energy.

Additionally, the bill outlines the application process for obtaining the certificate, which includes submitting a financial statement, service description, and a list of similar service providers in the area. The commission is tasked with setting a hearing date and notifying relevant parties. The amendments also clarify that both public utilities and data centers are subject to the same application procedures and fees. Furthermore, the commission is granted the authority to issue or refuse certificates based on the evidence presented at the hearing, and it can waive the hearing requirement if no interested party requests one after proper notice.

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