Montana-Dakota Utilities

North Dakota PSC Clarifies Limited Regulatory Authority Over Data Centers

The North Dakota Public Service Commission (PSC) has limited direct regulatory authority over data centers themselves, primarily regulating the utilities and energy infrastructure that serve them. Commissioner Sheri Haugen-Hoffart explains this nuanced role, highlighting that a proposed bill (HB 1579) to grant the PSC direct data center siting authority was withdrawn. A legislative study is currently examining the impact of large energy consumers like data centers on the state's electrical grid and regulatory structure.