ND HB1353

Amends North Dakota Century Code Section 49-05-17 regarding integrated resource planning requirements for electric public utilities.

Commission may consider qualitative benefits of base-load and load-following generation resources and their proximity to load in evaluating utility plans.

Commission may contract with experts to evaluate resource qualitative benefits and review reliability planning, with utilities paying fees up to $250,000, with emergency commission approval allowing additional fees beyond that amount.

For multi-utility evaluations, the commission may assess each utility its proportionate share of expert consultation fees.

Utilities must report annually on cybersecurity preparedness including emerging threats and security measures implemented, with the commission required to limit public access to related records and meeting portions.