Bill > SB250

This bill aims to establish specific regulations for data centers in Alaska, particularly concerning their utility services and environmental responsibilities. It mandates that any costs incurred by electric or gas utilities solely to provide service to a data center must be recovered directly from that data center and cannot be passed on to other customers through general rates. Furthermore, utilities must enter into contracts with data centers for service, with these contracts subject to review and approval by the commission to ensure they meet specific requirements, including the assignment of infrastructure and variable costs directly to the data center, and that service to the data center does not increase costs for other customers. The bill also addresses environmental concerns by requiring contracts to include backup power plans that prioritize renewable energy and limit fossil fuel use, and by mandating that data centers develop and file end-of-life decommissioning and recycling plans. Additionally, municipalities must enter into "community benefit agreements" with data centers before construction begins, which can include provisions for waste heat recovery, broadband infrastructure, and digital equity contributions, with municipalities having the power to seek injunctions to halt construction or operation if such agreements are not made. These regulations generally apply to data centers exceeding certain energy consumption thresholds.

Government Affairs

https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Detail/34?Root=SB250