FARGO (KFGO) – A candidate for the North Dakota Public Service Commission is calling for statewide regulatory oversight of energy-intensive data centers and crypto-mining facilities to prevent residential consumers from absorbing rising energy costs.
John Pederson, who is seeking a six-year term on the state’s three-member utility board, said during an appearance on KFGO’s “Afternoons Live with Tyler Axness” that the current regulatory framework for commercial data centers resembles “the Wild West”.
Pederson argued that out-of-state tech corporations are currently negotiating individual non-disclosure agreements with single townships or counties. He warned that this piecemeal approach leaves local communities vulnerable and lacks a comprehensive view of state energy needs. He cited a crypto-mining facility built in Williston as an example where added infrastructure demands led to higher monthly utility bills for local ratepayers.
“We need to ensure… that as we have new data centers come on board, that the increased expenses that may go to producing energy for them are borne by the data center,” Pederson said. He emphasized that North Dakota’s cold climate and abundant energy already make the state an attractive destination for developers without needing local utility subsidies.
Pederson previously expressed support for data center moratorium proposals introduced alongside community advocate Vern Thompson. He is competing for the six-year seat on the Public Service Commission in the upcoming election.
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