MN SF3968

Data centers with average hourly electrical load of 100 megawatts or more must obtain 65% carbon-free energy by December 31, 2030 and 100% carbon-free energy thereafter, measured hourly, with compliance verified through the Minnesota Renewable Energy Tracking System.

New or expanded data centers (100+ MW) require an environmental impact statement from the Public Utilities Commission, and backup generators with combined capacity of 50,000 kilowatts or more are classified as large energy facilities.

Large water appropriation projects (exceeding 100 million gallons/year or 250,000 gallons/day) must complete a preapplication evaluation with the Department of Natural Resources, and city/county employees must notify the department within 10 business days of contact about such projects.

Data centers are excluded from utility energy savings goal calculations and exempted from contributing to energy conservation optimization plans, but must pay a per-megawatt fee deposited into the state's energy and conservation account for low-income weatherization programs.

The Public Utilities Commission must establish a separate clean energy tariff for data centers by January 1, 2026, designed to insulate other ratepayers from data center energy costs, infrastructure upgrades, and risks from early termination or demand shortfalls.