HOUSE BILL NO. 263

INTRODUCED BY K. SULLIVAN

A BILL FOR AN ACT ENTITLED: “AN ACT REQUIRING THE REPORTING OF ELECTRICITY USE FOR CERTAIN ENERGY USERS; ESTABLISHING REPORTING REQUIREMENTS; AMENDING SECTION 69-3- 332, MCA; AND PROVIDING A DELAYED EFFECTIVE DATE.”

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

Section 1. Section 69-3-332, MCA, is amended to read:

"69-3-332. Digital asset mining and data center ratemaking -- reporting requirement. (1) The commission may not establish a rate classification for digital asset mining, digital asset mining businesses, or home digital asset mining that creates unduly discriminatory rates.

(2) For the purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:

(a) "Data center" means a use involving a building or premises in which the majority of the use is occupied by computers, telecommunications, or related equipment, including supporting equipment, where information is processed, transferred, and stored.

(b) "Digital asset mining" means the use of electricity to power a computer for the purpose of securing a blockchain network.

(c) "Digital asset mining business" means a group of computers working at a single site that consume more than 1 megawatt of energy on an average annual basis for the purpose of generating digital assets by securing a blockchain network.

(d) "Discriminatory rates" means electricity rates substantially different from other industrial similar uses of electricity in similar geographic areas after accounting for the cost of service.

(e) "Home digital asset mining" means mining digital assets in areas zoned for residential use that consume less than 1 megawatt of energy on an average annual basis for the purpose of generating digital assets by securing a blockchain network.

(3) By March 1 of each year, any data center or digital mining business operating in the state, excluding home digital asset mining, shall report to the commission and the energy and telecommunications interim committee in accordance with 5-11-210:

(a) the total megawatt-hours of electricity consumed in the previous calendar year; and

(b) the anticipated megawatt-hours of electricity needed for the current calendar year."

NEW SECTION. Section 2. Effective date. [This act] is effective March 1, 2026.

Montana H 263

Digital Asset Mining and Data Center Ratemaking Laws

2025 MO H 263

Montana H 263

Digital Asset Mining and Data Center Ratemaking Laws

2025 MO H 263