Ohio SB381 requires Public Utilities Commission approval for data centers to connect to the electrical grid.

Ohio SB381 mandates that the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) must approve any agreement for data centers to connect to the electrical grid. The bill requires the PUC to hire an independent entity to forecast the data center's impact on the grid, including its effect on utility rates, resiliency, resource adequacy, transmission constraints, and risk of forced outages. The PUC must review the forecast and determine if the interconnection is in the public's best interest, will not degrade grid reliability, and will not increase residential electrical rates.

Ohio SB381 requires Public Utilities Commission approval for data centers to connect to the electrical grid.

Ohio SB381 mandates that the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) must approve any agreement for data centers to connect to the electrical grid. The bill requires the PUC to hire an independent entity to forecast the data center's impact on the grid, including its effect on utility rates, resiliency, resource adequacy, transmission constraints, and risk of forced outages. The PUC must review the forecast and determine if the interconnection is in the public's best interest, will not degrade grid reliability, and will not increase residential electrical rates.