Montana-Dakota Utilities

Data Center Signal is tracking 6 clips about Montana-Dakota Utilities data center developments across 3 states, including SD, MT, ND.

6Clips

3States

States

Topics

electricity100%

zoning83%

government83%

moratorium33%

opposition17%

water17%

environmental17%

News ClipNortheast Radio SD·Leola, McPherson County, SD

South Dakota PUC Approves MDU Power Service for Proposed Leola Data Center

The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) unanimously approved a settlement agreement, allowing Montana-Dakota Utilities (MDU) to provide electricity to the proposed Leola Data Center, overriding the traditional service area of FEM Electric Association. This decision clears a significant regulatory hurdle, though the project still requires conditional use permit approval from the local county zoning and planning board. The settlement also reduced the data center's footprint and included safeguards for future power demands.

electricity zoning government

9/27/2026

News ClipBozeman Daily Chronicle·Miles City, Custer County, MT

Power, housing and public opinion: The hurdles between eastern Montana and its first data center

Eastern Montana faces significant hurdles in developing its first large-scale data center, including public opposition, substantial electricity demands, and a shortage of housing for workers. Custer County residents are actively debating proposed zoning revisions, with some advocating for a two-year moratorium due to environmental and resource concerns. Despite these challenges, developers and economic officials see strong interest in the region.

zoning opposition environmental electricity water moratorium government

9/26/2026

News ClipSDPB·Leola, McPherson County, SD

South Dakota PUC approves power provider for Leola data center; county permit still pending

A proposed crypto currency mining data center in Leola, South Dakota, has secured Montana-Dakota Utilities as its electrical provider with approval from the state Public Utilities Commission. However, the project still requires a conditional use permit from McPherson County, which recently deferred action. Political candidates are also advocating for a statewide moratorium on data center projects.

electricity zoning moratorium

9/9/2026

News Clip0:40KELOLAND News·Leola, Macpherson County, SD

MDU wins state approval to serve Leola Data Center

Montana-Dakota Utilities (MDU) received state approval from the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission to provide electricity for a proposed data center in Macpherson County. The data center developer still needs a conditional use permit from the Macpherson County Board of Adjustment before construction can begin.

electricity zoning government

9/9/2026

News ClipDakota News Network·McPherson County, SD

Potential Settlement Reached Over Powering McPherson County Data Center

A potential settlement has been reached regarding the provision of electricity to a data center located in McPherson County, South Dakota. The state's Public Utilities Commission is scheduled to hold a meeting on September 8th to decide on whether to approve Montana-Dakota Utilities' plan to supply power.

electricity government

9/3/2026

News ClipGrand Forks Herald·ND

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.

government electricity zoning

5/12/2026