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Commissioners continue Land Development Code review after MWEC warns electrical requirements could block data centers
Summary
During the second reading of the Land Development Code, MWEC representatives objected to single-phase and on-site electrical requirements that they said could hinder data center development. The board continued the item to May 19 for additional MWEC information on large-load contracts.
The Mountrail County Commission on April 21 heard the second reading of a proposed Land Development Code presented by P&Z Administrator Melissa Vachal and SRF Consulting’s Scott Harmstead. Representatives from Mountrail Williams Electric Cooperative (MWEC), including Alex Vournas and board member Bob Grant, said provisions in the draft code — specifically single-phase limitations and requirements for on-site electrical supply — could impede construction of data centers and large electrical loads.
P&Z Chairman Charlie Sorenson said the Planning & Zoning board’s role is to protect existing uses rather than focus on economic benefits. MWEC representatives urged the county to consider large-load contract realities; MWEC requested clarifications on single-phase language and self-supplied on-site electrical requirements. Questions were also raised by Travis Sauber about variance allowances for data centers.
The commission voted to continue the Land Development Code discussion to May 19 at 9:30 A.M. to allow MWEC to supply additional information on large-load contracts and related electrical specifications. The minutes record the concern but do not contain technical detail on MWEC’s proposed language changes.
