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Brian Bird, CEO of NorthWestern Energy, stated that the rise of data centers in South Dakota will extend the use of existing fossil fuel power plants, with new plants likely to be built. Data centers currently account for 4.4% of U.S. electricity consumption, a figure projected to triple by 2030.

Bird noted that meeting data center energy demands will primarily come from coal and natural gas, rather than renewable sources. He highlighted the importance of a sales tax exemption for attracting data center investments. Additionally, Bird discussed a proposed bill for utilities to submit wildfire mitigation plans to manage rising risks associated with climate change and wildfires.