Local zoning ordinances may consider grid impacts from large electricity users

The proposed text defines a high-energy user as an owner, approved contract buyer, or owner’s agent for a project expected to use more than 25 megawatts of electricity each year. The definition covers property owners, approved contract purchasers, and their agents. It does not cover residential development. The project’s expected annual electricity use must be estimated to exceed 25 megawatts.

Local zoning ordinances must give reasonable consideration, where applicable, to harm that high-energy users may cause to the electric grid. The provision applies to local zoning ordinances and to grid impacts associated with defined high-energy users. This is one of several purposes that zoning ordinances must consider where applicable. The text does not require every locality to take a particular zoning action against a high-energy user.