A Bill for an Act
Page 1, Line 101Concerning facilitation of data center development while
Page 1, Line 102supporting utility resources, and, in connection
Page 1, Line 103therewith, creating the "Colorado Data Center
Page 1, Line 104Workforce, Clean Energy, Grid Modernization, and
Page 1, Line 105Consumer and Environmental Protection Act".
Bill Summary
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced and does not reflect any amendments that may be subsequently adopted. If this bill passes third reading in the house of introduction, a bill summary that applies to the reengrossed version of this bill will be available at http://leg.colorado.gov.)
The bill creates the data center development and incentive program (program) operated by the Colorado data center development authority (authority), which is newly created in the Colorado office of economic development (office) (section 1 of the bill). The authority consists of 9 members, as follows:
- 2 members appointed by the governor with the consent of the senate;
- The director of the Colorado energy office or the director's designee;
- One member who has experience in water projects or water resource management, appointed by the president of the senate;
- One member who has experience in clean and renewable energy, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives;
- 2 members who have experience in data center development, with one member appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives and one member appointed by the president of the senate;
- One member representing a statewide organization that represents workers in trade crafts who construct data centers, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; and
- One member representing a statewide organization that represents contractors who construct data centers, appointed by the president of the senate.
- Have initiated a preliminary consultation with the utility that will provide electricity for the data center project regarding interconnection feasibility, capacity, and infrastructure requirements;
- Commit to making a $250 million minimum investment in data center infrastructure within 5 years;
- Commit to creating new full-time jobs, including employees and long-term service and maintenance positions, that satisfy specified criteria and breaking ground on the data center project within 2 years of obtaining certification;
- Commit to complying, and ensure that the utility that provides electricity to the data center also complies, with craft labor requirements, apprenticeship utilization requirements, and prevailing wage requirements; and
- Commit to obtaining certification under one of several energy efficiency standards, implementing water stewardship strategies that optimize operational water management, ensuring that all backup power generation associated with the data center project meets specified requirements, and consulting with the department of natural resources.
To incentivize efficient data center development, the program allows a 100% state sales and use tax exemption on qualified purchases to the operator of a certified data center. To be eligible for certification, the operator of the data center, or a data center operator collectively with participating data center tenants, must:
To obtain certification, a data center operator must apply to the authority in a form and manner to be determined by the authority. The authority is required to review a data center operator's application for certification and may award certification to a data center operator that has demonstrated that it will satisfy the certification criteria (section 1).
A data center operator that obtains certification for a data center project is eligible for a 100% state sales and use tax exemption on the purchase and use of qualified data center infrastructure and systems for 20 years from the date that the data center project was certified, so long as the data center satisfies ongoing post-certification requirements and submits annual compliance reports to the authority. As long as the data center meets post-certification requirements as demonstrated in the annual compliance reports, a data center operator of a certified data center may apply to the authority for an extension of the sales and use tax exemption for an additional 10 years. If the authority determines that a data center operator is not fulfilling its obligations and commitments to retain certification, the authority may revoke the certification and the data center operator is required to repay the state for the sales and use tax benefits that it received (sections 1 and 5). The exemption for a certified data center does not apply to local sales and use taxes unless the exemption is expressly included at the time of adoption or amendment of the local sales tax ordinance or resolution (section 4).
The bill allows a utility regulated by the public utilities commission (commission) to submit a targeted resource acquisition application to the commission to propose methods of meeting emerging large-load customer needs. The bill also specifies how a utility may finance resource and infrastructure needs in connection with emerging large-load customers (section 3).
Page 3, Line 1Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado:
Page 3, Line 2SECTION 1. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add part 8 to article
Page 3, Line 348.5 of title 24 as follows:
Page 3, Line 4PART 8
Page 3, Line 5DATA CENTER DEVELOPMENT
Page 4, Line 1AND INCENTIVES
Page 4, Line 224-48.5-801. Short title.
Page 4, Line 3The short title of this part 8 is the "Colorado Data Center
Page 4, Line 4Workforce, Clean Energy, Grid Modernization, and Consumer
Page 4, Line 5and Environmental Protection Act".
Page 4, Line 624-48.5-802. Legislative declaration.
Page 4, Line 7(1) The general assembly finds, determines, and declares
Page 4, Line 8that:
Page 4, Line 9(a) Data centers are essential critical infrastructure
Page 4, Line 10powering the modern digital economy;
Page 4, Line 11(b) Data centers will drive community access to solar and
Page 4, Line 12battery storage;
Page 4, Line 13(c) Colorado faces interrelated challenges in:
Page 4, Line 14(I) Achieving its clean energy and greenhouse gas
Page 4, Line 15reduction goals while maintaining grid reliability;
Page 4, Line 16(II) Modernizing grid infrastructure for electrification
Page 4, Line 17and projected load growth;
Page 4, Line 18(III) Ensuring equitable development across urban,
Page 4, Line 19suburban, and rural communities; and
Page 4, Line 20(IV) Creating community benefits through expanding
Page 4, Line 21solar and battery storage programs, ensuring all Coloradans
Page 4, Line 22have access to clean energy generation and storage;
Page 4, Line 23(d) The Colorado electric transmission authority has
Page 4, Line 24identified transmission needs requiring an investment of
Page 4, Line 25approximately four billion five hundred million dollars by 2045
Page 4, Line 26to modernize, enhance reliability, and integrate clean energy;
Page 4, Line 27and
Page 5, Line 1(e) Data centers represent a transformative opportunity
Page 5, Line 2to:
Page 5, Line 3(I) Create high-wage employment across sectors,
Page 5, Line 4including:
Page 5, Line 5(A) Technology focused roles in operations,
Page 5, Line 6cybersecurity, network engineering, and systems
Page 5, Line 7administration;
Page 5, Line 8(B) Construction and skilled trades opportunities to meet
Page 5, Line 9the fast-growing demand for data center builds; and
Page 5, Line 10(C) Energy careers in generation, transmission,
Page 5, Line 11renewable energy, and grid projects;
Page 5, Line 12(II) Accelerate grid modernization through:
Page 5, Line 13(A) Strategic private investment in transmission and
Page 5, Line 14distribution that benefits all ratepayers;
Page 5, Line 15(B) The development of new generation, battery storage,
Page 5, Line 16and flexibility technology to help balance supply and demand;
Page 5, Line 17(C) Increased hardening against extreme weather, cyber
Page 5, Line 18threats, and disruptions; and
Page 5, Line 19(D) Financing mechanisms that speed infrastructure
Page 5, Line 20deployment;
Page 5, Line 21(III) Emphasize solar energy and battery storage
Page 5, Line 22solutions, which benefit the community by:
Page 5, Line 23(A) Adding dispatchable capacity with storage, which
Page 5, Line 24improves peak flexibility and reliability;
Page 5, Line 25(B) Offering fast, low-cost, and clean energy, which is
Page 5, Line 26critical to meet rising electricity demand;
Page 5, Line 27(C) Boosting resiliency, providing backup power, lowering
Page 6, Line 1peak energy costs, and increasing the value of wind and solar
Page 6, Line 2energy technology;
Page 6, Line 3(D) Reducing future transmission costs and reducing
Page 6, Line 4reliance on new gas infrastructure; and
Page 6, Line 5(E) Reducing household electricity bills by
Page 6, Line 6approximately fifteen percent with combined solar and battery
Page 6, Line 7systems;
Page 6, Line 8(IV) Encourage a transition to clean and renewable
Page 6, Line 9energy through:
Page 6, Line 10(A) Anchoring new dispatchable renewable and clean
Page 6, Line 11energy resources;
Page 6, Line 12(B) Accelerating the deployment of advanced clean
Page 6, Line 13energy technology;
Page 6, Line 14(C) Following strict international building energy
Page 6, Line 15efficiency standards;
Page 6, Line 16(D) Relying on innovative, clean, non-carbon backup
Page 6, Line 17power generation sources; and
Page 6, Line 18(E) Implementing state-of-the-art, water-efficient,
Page 6, Line 19closed-loop cooling systems; and
Page 6, Line 20(V) Strengthen local and community tax bases through:
Page 6, Line 21(A) Stable property tax funding for schools, local
Page 6, Line 22services, and infrastructure;
Page 6, Line 23(B) Sales tax from electricity use and operational
Page 6, Line 24expenditures;
Page 6, Line 25(C) Substantial capital investment in property and
Page 6, Line 26equipment; and
Page 6, Line 27(D) Economic multipliers from construction, supply
Page 7, Line 1chains, and operations.
Page 7, Line 2(2) The general assembly further finds and declares that
Page 7, Line 3the purpose of the Colorado Data Center Workforce, Clean
Page 7, Line 4Energy, Grid Modernization, and Consumer and Environmental
Page 7, Line 5Protection Act is to:
Page 7, Line 6(a) Drive the expansion of community access to solar
Page 7, Line 7generation and battery storage statewide;
Page 7, Line 8(b) Improve competitiveness with tax incentives to attract
Page 7, Line 9data center investment;
Page 7, Line 10(c) Accelerate grid modernization and infrastructure
Page 7, Line 11through private contributions;
Page 7, Line 12(d) Create high-wage technology and construction jobs
Page 7, Line 13to strengthen the workforce;
Page 7, Line 14(e) Ensure responsible development with local
Page 7, Line 15employment and community benefits;
Page 7, Line 16(f) Strengthen local economies, especially in rural
Page 7, Line 17communities and communities in transition;
Page 7, Line 18(g) Advance state policy goals while maintaining
Page 7, Line 19resource reliability and protecting ratepayers; and
Page 7, Line 20(h) Enhance leadership in technological innovation, clean
Page 7, Line 21and renewable energy, and sustainable growth.
Page 7, Line 2224-48.5-803. Definitions.
Page 7, Line 23As used in this part 8, unless the context otherwise
Page 7, Line 24requires:
Page 7, Line 25(1) "Certification" means recognition granted to a data
Page 7, Line 26center by the authority pursuant to section 24-48.5-807, upon a
Page 7, Line 27determination that the data center meets the requirements
Page 8, Line 1specified in section 24-48.5-806.
Page 8, Line 2(2) "Certified data center" means a data center that has
Page 8, Line 3received certification.
Page 8, Line 4(3) "Colorado data center development authority" or
Page 8, Line 5"authority" means the Colorado data center development
Page 8, Line 6authority created in section 24-28.5-804.
Page 8, Line 7(4) "Commission" means the public utilities commission of
Page 8, Line 8the state of Colorado created in section 40-2-101.
Page 8, Line 9(5) "Data center" means a facility with one or more
Page 8, Line 10buildings, including corresponding electrical infrastructure,
Page 8, Line 11that:
Page 8, Line 12(a) Houses information technology equipment used for
Page 8, Line 13data processing, data storage, or telecommunications; and
Page 8, Line 14(b) Has a primary function of delivering information
Page 8, Line 15technology services, including:
Page 8, Line 16(I) Providing data storage, processing, and transport
Page 8, Line 17services;
Page 8, Line 18(II) Supporting the delivery of cloud computing services;
Page 8, Line 19(III) Providing network connectivity services; and
Page 8, Line 20(IV) Supporting artificial intelligence, machine learning,
Page 8, Line 21or similar computational services.
Page 8, Line 22(6) "Data center operator" means a person that owns or
Page 8, Line 23operates a data center in the state.
Page 8, Line 24(7) "Data center tenant" means a client or colocation
Page 8, Line 25tenant or licensee of a data center, including an entity that
Page 8, Line 26leases, rents, or otherwise enters into a contractual agreement
Page 8, Line 27for the use of data center space or services, or otherwise
Page 9, Line 1colocates information technology equipment within a data
Page 9, Line 2center.
Page 9, Line 3(8) "Department" means the department of revenue.
Page 9, Line 4(9) "Office" means the office of economic development
Page 9, Line 5created in section 24-48.5-101.
Page 9, Line 6(10) "Program" means the data center development and
Page 9, Line 7incentive program created in this part 8.
Page 9, Line 8(11) "Qualified purchase" means the purchase, on or after
Page 9, Line 9January 1, 2027, of:
Page 9, Line 10(a) Information technology infrastructure, including:
Page 9, Line 11(I) Computer equipment or software used in the operation
Page 9, Line 12of or for the benefit of a certified data center;
Page 9, Line 13(II) Software servers, routers, connections, monitoring
Page 9, Line 14and security systems, and other enabling machinery, equipment,
Page 9, Line 15software, and hardware, regardless of whether the property is
Page 9, Line 16affixed to or incorporated into real property;
Page 9, Line 17(III) Data storage systems; and
Page 9, Line 18(IV) Network infrastructure; or
Page 9, Line 19(b) Data center infrastructure and transmission and
Page 9, Line 20generation system assets, including:
Page 9, Line 21(I) Environmental control systems;
Page 9, Line 22(II) On-site energy storage systems; and
Page 9, Line 23(III) On-site renewable and clean energy systems.
Page 9, Line 24(12) "Renewable and clean energy" means electricity
Page 9, Line 25generated from:
Page 9, Line 26(a) Sources meeting the definition of clean energy, as
Page 9, Line 27defined in section 30-20-1202 (2); or
Page 10, Line 1(b) Sources qualifying as eligible energy resources
Page 10, Line 2pursuant to section 40-2-124.
Page 10, Line 324-48.5-804. Colorado data center development authority -
Page 10, Line 4office of economic development - creation - membership - powers and
Page 10, Line 5duties - report.
Page 10, Line 6(1) The Colorado data center development authority is
Page 10, Line 7created in the office.
Page 10, Line 8(2) (a) The authority consists of nine members as follows:
Page 10, Line 9(I) Two members appointed by the governor with the
Page 10, Line 10consent of the senate;
Page 10, Line 11(II) The director of the Colorado energy office created
Page 10, Line 12in section 24-38.5-101 or the director's designee;
Page 10, Line 13(III) One member who has experience in water projects or
Page 10, Line 14water resource management, appointed by the president of the
Page 10, Line 15senate;
Page 10, Line 16(IV) One member who has experience in clean and
Page 10, Line 17renewable energy, appointed by the speaker of the house of
Page 10, Line 18representatives;
Page 10, Line 19(V) Two members who have experience in data center
Page 10, Line 20development, with one member appointed by the speaker of the
Page 10, Line 21house of representatives and one member appointed by the
Page 10, Line 22president of the senate;
Page 10, Line 23(VI) One member representing a statewide organization
Page 10, Line 24that represents workers in trade crafts who construct data
Page 10, Line 25centers, appointed by the speaker of the house of
Page 10, Line 26representatives; and
Page 10, Line 27(VII) One member representing a statewide organization
Page 11, Line 1that represents contractors who construct data centers,
Page 11, Line 2appointed by the president of the senate.
Page 11, Line 3(b) (I) Except as provided in subsection (2)(b)(II) of this
Page 11, Line 4section for the initial terms of the initially appointed members,
Page 11, Line 5all appointed members of the authority serve four-year terms.
Page 11, Line 6Members of the authority are eligible for reappointment for
Page 11, Line 7consecutive terms.
Page 11, Line 8(II) (A) One of the members initially appointed by the
Page 11, Line 9governor and two of the members initially appointed by the
Page 11, Line 10speaker of the house of representatives serve initial terms of
Page 11, Line 11three years. One of the members initially appointed by the
Page 11, Line 12governor and two of the members initially appointed by the
Page 11, Line 13president of the senate serve initial terms of two years. The
Page 11, Line 14remainder of the initially appointed members serve initial terms
Page 11, Line 15of four years. The appointing authority shall designate the
Page 11, Line 16initial term length of the initially appointed member.
Page 11, Line 17(B) The appointing authorities shall make their initial
Page 11, Line 18appointments as soon as practicable following the effective
Page 11, Line 19date of this section. Appointments made while the senate is not
Page 11, Line 20in session are temporary appointments and such appointees serve
Page 11, Line 21on a temporary basis until the senate is in session and is able to
Page 11, Line 22confirm the appointments.
Page 11, Line 23(III) A vacancy in the membership of the authority must be
Page 11, Line 24filled in the same manner as the original appointment for the
Page 11, Line 25remainder of the expired term.
Page 11, Line 26(c) The authority shall select a chair and a vice chair
Page 11, Line 27from among its members.
Page 12, Line 1(d) A two-thirds majority of the members of the authority
Page 12, Line 2may remove a member of the authority for cause.
Page 12, Line 3(e) Five members of the authority constitute a quorum.
Page 12, Line 4(f) Members of the authority serve without compensation
Page 12, Line 5but are entitled to reimbursement for actual and necessary
Page 12, Line 6expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.
Page 12, Line 7(3) The authority has the following powers and duties:
Page 12, Line 8(a) To administer the data center development and
Page 12, Line 9incentive program created in this part 8, including creating and
Page 12, Line 10modifying policies, procedures, and guidelines as necessary to
Page 12, Line 11implement the program and the tax benefits that may be claimed
Page 12, Line 12pursuant to this part 8. The authority may modify the program
Page 12, Line 13requirements as necessary to accomplish the program's goals,
Page 12, Line 14provided that all program requirement modifications are
Page 12, Line 15prospective and no modification impairs an in-progress
Page 12, Line 16application for certification.
Page 12, Line 17(b) To adopt an annual budget;
Page 12, Line 18(c) To contract for those services, including personnel
Page 12, Line 19services, and materials required by the activities of the
Page 12, Line 20authority;
Page 12, Line 21(d) To collect the fees authorized in section 24-48.5-805
Page 12, Line 22(3);
Page 12, Line 23(e) To administer the data center development and
Page 12, Line 24incentive program cash fund created in section 24-48.5-805 (4);
Page 12, Line 25and
Page 12, Line 26(f) To exercise any other powers or perform any other
Page 12, Line 27duties that are consistent with the purposes for which the
Page 13, Line 1authority was created and that are reasonably necessary for
Page 13, Line 2the fulfillment of the authority's responsibilities.
Page 13, Line 3(4) (a) On or before January 31, 2027, and on or before
Page 13, Line 4each January 31 thereafter, the authority shall report on the
Page 13, Line 5program to a joint session of the house of representatives
Page 13, Line 6energy and environment committee and the senate
Page 13, Line 7transportation and energy committee, or their successor
Page 13, Line 8committees. The authority shall make each annual report
Page 13, Line 9publicly available.
Page 13, Line 10(b) Notwithstanding the requirement in section 24-1-136
Page 13, Line 11(11)(a)(I), the requirement to submit the report required in this
Page 13, Line 12subsection (4) continues indefinitely.
Page 13, Line 13(5) The office shall, within existing resources, provide
Page 13, Line 14staffing, administrative, and operational support to the
Page 13, Line 15authority in performing its duties.
Page 13, Line 1624-48.5-805. Data center development and incentive program
Page 13, Line 17- data center development and incentive program cash fund - fees -
Page 13, Line 18guidelines.
Page 13, Line 19(1) The data center development and incentive program
Page 13, Line 20is created to facilitate efficient data center development by
Page 13, Line 21allowing tax relief to a data center operator of a certified
Page 13, Line 22data center, as provided in this part 8.
Page 13, Line 23(2) (a) The authority shall administer the program.
Page 13, Line 24(b) The authority may create and modify policies,
Page 13, Line 25procedures, and guidelines as necessary to implement the
Page 13, Line 26program and tax benefits that may be claimed pursuant to this
Page 13, Line 27part 8.
Page 14, Line 1(3) (a) (I) To recover the direct costs of establishing and
Page 14, Line 2implementing the program, the authority may:
Page 14, Line 3(A) Establish and collect a nonrefundable application fee
Page 14, Line 4not to exceed thirty thousand dollars for each application for
Page 14, Line 5certification submitted pursuant to this part 8; and
Page 14, Line 6(B) Establish and collect a nonrefundable certification
Page 14, Line 7fee not to exceed twenty thousand dollars for each
Page 14, Line 8certification awarded pursuant to this part 8.
Page 14, Line 9(II) The authority shall deposit all fees collected
Page 14, Line 10pursuant to subsection (3)(a)(I) of this section into the data
Page 14, Line 11center development and incentive program cash fund created in
Page 14, Line 12subsection (4) of this section.
Page 14, Line 13(b) The authority shall:
Page 14, Line 14(I) Set the amount of any fees established pursuant to this
Page 14, Line 15subsection (3) at the minimum amount necessary to offset the
Page 14, Line 16authority's direct costs of implementing its responsibilities
Page 14, Line 17under this part 8; and
Page 14, Line 18(II) Annually review the fees and adjust the amounts as
Page 14, Line 19necessary to ensure that the fees do not exceed the direct costs
Page 14, Line 20of implementing this part 8.
Page 14, Line 21(4) (a) The data center development and incentive
Page 14, Line 22program cash fund is created in the state treasury. The data
Page 14, Line 23center development and incentive program cash fund consists of
Page 14, Line 24money from fees collected and credited to the fund pursuant
Page 14, Line 25this section and any other money that the general assembly may
Page 14, Line 26appropriate, transfer, or require by law to be credited to the
Page 14, Line 27fund.
Page 15, Line 1(b) The state treasurer shall credit all interest and
Page 15, Line 2income derived from the deposit and investment of money in the
Page 15, Line 3data center development and incentive program cash fund to
Page 15, Line 4the fund.
Page 15, Line 5(c) Money in the data center development and incentive
Page 15, Line 6program cash fund is continuously appropriated to the
Page 15, Line 7authority for the purpose of administering the program.
Page 15, Line 8(d) The data center development and incentive program
Page 15, Line 9cash fund is excluded from the limitations specified in section
Page 15, Line 1024-75-402.
Page 15, Line 1124-48.5-806. Certification - application process - data center
Page 15, Line 12operators - minimum commitments.
Page 15, Line 13(1) Minimum certification commitments.To qualify for
Page 15, Line 14certification pursuant to this part 8, a data center operator, or
Page 15, Line 15a data center operator collectively with its participating data
Page 15, Line 16center tenants, shall commit to:
Page 15, Line 17(a) Making a minimum investment of two hundred fifty
Page 15, Line 18million dollars in data center qualified purchases within sixty
Page 15, Line 19months of obtaining certification;
Page 15, Line 20(b) Creating, within sixty months of the data center's
Page 15, Line 21receipt of a final certificate of occupancy, and maintaining new
Page 15, Line 22full-time equivalent jobs, including employees and long-term
Page 15, Line 23service and maintenance positions, with an average
Page 15, Line 24compensation of at least one hundred ten percent of the
Page 15, Line 25average wage in the county in which the data center will be
Page 15, Line 26located;
Page 15, Line 27(c) Hiring contractors to build and service the data
Page 16, Line 1center;
Page 16, Line 2(d) Working to ensure that the data center will not cause
Page 16, Line 3unreasonable cost impacts to other utility ratepayers;
Page 16, Line 4(e) Implementing water stewardship measures that
Page 16, Line 5optimize operational water management through
Page 16, Line 6implementation of closed-loop cooling systems or cooling
Page 16, Line 7system technology that does not use water, and the optional
Page 16, Line 8deployment of additional water-efficient technology;
Page 16, Line 9(f) Obtaining certification under one of the following
Page 16, Line 10standards within twenty-four months of the data center's
Page 16, Line 11receipt of a final certificate of occupancy:
Page 16, Line 12(I) LEED for data centers at gold level or higher;
Page 16, Line 13(II) Energy Star certification;
Page 16, Line 14(III) Green Globes certification;
Page 16, Line 15(IV) ISO 50001 energy management certification;
Page 16, Line 16(V) ISO 14001 standard for environmental management
Page 16, Line 17systems; or
Page 16, Line 18(VI) Other equivalent standards approved by the
Page 16, Line 19authority;
Page 16, Line 20(g) Consulting with the department of natural resources
Page 16, Line 21regarding wildlife areas, wildfire and urban interface, and
Page 16, Line 22water;
Page 16, Line 23(h) Ensuring that all backup power generation associated
Page 16, Line 24with the data center meets one or more of the requirements
Page 16, Line 25listed in subsections (1)(h)(I) to (1)(h)(IV) of this section; except
Page 16, Line 26that the authority may grant additional time for compliance
Page 16, Line 27with this subsection (1)(h) if a data center operator
Page 17, Line 1demonstrates reasonable efforts to comply but requires
Page 17, Line 2additional time due to equipment availability or supply chain
Page 17, Line 3constraints due to factors outside the control of the data
Page 17, Line 4center operator.
Page 17, Line 5(I) For diesel generators, the generator must:
Page 17, Line 6(A) Meet or exceed the United States environmental
Page 17, Line 7protection agency's Tier 4 final emissions standards; or
Page 17, Line 8(B) Meet or exceed the United States environmental
Page 17, Line 9protection agency's Tier 2 emissions standards and be equipped
Page 17, Line 10with a selective catalytic reduction system or equivalent
Page 17, Line 11after-treatment technology.
Page 17, Line 12(II) The backup power generation must be a battery
Page 17, Line 13electric storage system.
Page 17, Line 14(III) The backup power generation must be from one or
Page 17, Line 15more of the following sources:
Page 17, Line 16(A) Hydrotreated vegetable oil, ethical biofuel oil, or
Page 17, Line 17one hundred percent biodiesel;
Page 17, Line 18(B) Fuel-cell or hydrogen fuel;
Page 17, Line 19(C) Natural gas; or
Page 17, Line 20(D) Ammonia.
Page 17, Line 21(IV) The backup power generation must be from other
Page 17, Line 22clean or low-emission backup power technologies approved by
Page 17, Line 23the authority.
Page 17, Line 24(i) Breaking ground on the data center within
Page 17, Line 25twenty-four months of obtaining certification;
Page 17, Line 26(j) Complying with, and ensuring that the utility that will
Page 17, Line 27provide electricity to the data center complies with, for the
Page 18, Line 1entirety of the construction phase of the data center and for
Page 18, Line 2any subsequent service and maintenance work, the craft labor
Page 18, Line 3requirements in part 3 of article 92 of this title 24 and the
Page 18, Line 4apprenticeship utilization requirements in section 24-92-115 (7),
Page 18, Line 5if the project for the data center, the electric utility
Page 18, Line 6infrastructure attached to the data center, or the electrical
Page 18, Line 7power generation technology attached to the data center
Page 18, Line 8meets the definition of an energy sector public works project as
Page 18, Line 9defined in section 24-92-303 (5);
Page 18, Line 10(k) Complying with the prevailing wage requirements in
Page 18, Line 11part 2 of article 92 of this title 24, as if the project for the data
Page 18, Line 12center satisfied the criteria for a public project as described in
Page 18, Line 13section 24-92-203 (1);
Page 18, Line 14(l) Agreeing to file, and ensuring that all contractors
Page 18, Line 15associated with construction of the data center file as part of
Page 18, Line 16the bid process, worker safety plans that include provisions for
Page 18, Line 17compliance with all federal occupational safety and health
Page 18, Line 18administration standards and applicable state and federal
Page 18, Line 19workplace safety laws; and
Page 18, Line 20(m) Committing to satisfying the post-certification data
Page 18, Line 21center requirements specified in section 24-48.5-809.
Page 18, Line 22(2) Preliminary electric utility consultation.
Page 18, Line 23(a) Before submitting an application for certification, a
Page 18, Line 24data center operator shall initiate a preliminary consultation
Page 18, Line 25with the utility that will provide electricity for the data
Page 18, Line 26center regarding interconnection feasibility, capacity, and
Page 18, Line 27infrastructure requirements.
Page 19, Line 1(b) A data center operator is responsible for paying all
Page 19, Line 2costs that an electric utility will incur for the planning to
Page 19, Line 3provide electricity to a new data center.
Page 19, Line 4(3) Application for certification.A data center operator
Page 19, Line 5seeking certification must submit an application to the
Page 19, Line 6authority, in a form and manner determined by the authority,
Page 19, Line 7that includes the following:
Page 19, Line 8(a) Information about the data center for which the data
Page 19, Line 9center operator is seeking certification, including:
Page 19, Line 10(I) The identity and qualifications of the data center
Page 19, Line 11operator;
Page 19, Line 12(II) Evidence of site control or a pathway to site control;
Page 19, Line 13(III) A proposed development timeline and phasing;
Page 19, Line 14(IV) An estimated timeline for qualified purchases
Page 19, Line 15reaching a minimum of two hundred fifty million dollars within
Page 19, Line 16thirty-six months of the data center being placed in service or
Page 19, Line 17receipt of a final certificate of occupancy, whichever is earlier;
Page 19, Line 18(V) An estimated job creation plan by the data center
Page 19, Line 19operator, or by the data center operator collectively with its
Page 19, Line 20participating data center tenants, showing the anticipated
Page 19, Line 21number of new full-time equivalent jobs that will be created
Page 19, Line 22within sixty months after the data center's receipt of a final
Page 19, Line 23certificate of occupancy, including employees and long-term
Page 19, Line 24service and maintenance positions, with compensation of at least
Page 19, Line 25one hundred ten percent of the average wage for the county in
Page 19, Line 26which the data center will be located; and
Page 19, Line 27(VI) An environmental sustainability plan for the data
Page 20, Line 1center that includes:
Page 20, Line 2(A) A facility certification commitment, including LEED,
Page 20, Line 3Energy Star, Green Globes, ISO 50001, ISO 14001, or an
Page 20, Line 4equivalent standard; and
Page 20, Line 5(B) Consultation with department of natural resources;
Page 20, Line 6(b) The identity of the utility that will provide
Page 20, Line 7electricity for the data center and expected peak electricity
Page 20, Line 8demand for the data center;
Page 20, Line 9(c) Documentation of the preliminary consultation with
Page 20, Line 10the utility that will provide electricity to the data center as
Page 20, Line 11required by subsection (2)(a) of this section;
Page 20, Line 12(d) Information about whether the data center will use
Page 20, Line 13water as part of its cooling system and, if water will be used,
Page 20, Line 14the identity of the utility that will provide water for the data
Page 20, Line 15center; and
Page 20, Line 16(e) Local government documentation in connection with
Page 20, Line 17the data center, including:
Page 20, Line 18(I) Documentation of the status of the land use
Page 20, Line 19application from the local governmental entity that will
Page 20, Line 20provide the permit for the data center, if available;
Page 20, Line 21(II) A description of any applicable local incentives;
Page 20, Line 22(III) A description of the negotiated community benefits;
Page 20, Line 23and
Page 20, Line 24(IV) The status of local permits and approvals.
Page 20, Line 25(4) Review and effect of certification.Upon receipt of an
Page 20, Line 26application for certification from a data center operator, the
Page 20, Line 27authority shall review the application pursuant to section
Page 21, Line 124-48.5-807. If the authority approves the data center for
Page 21, Line 2certification, the data center operator becomes eligible, as of
Page 21, Line 3the date of certification, for the tax benefits specified in section
Page 21, Line 424-48.5-808.
Page 21, Line 524-48.5-807. Application review and certification process -
Page 21, Line 6Colorado data center development authority.
Page 21, Line 7(1) (a) The authority shall review all applications for
Page 21, Line 8certification submitted by a data center operator pursuant to
Page 21, Line 9section 24-48.5-806. The authority shall determine whether an
Page 21, Line 10application is complete within thirty days after the authority's
Page 21, Line 11receipt of the application. Within ninety days of determining
Page 21, Line 12that an application is complete, the authority shall conduct a
Page 21, Line 13full application review pursuant to this section.
Page 21, Line 14(b) If the authority determines that an application is
Page 21, Line 15deficient, the authority shall provide written notification to
Page 21, Line 16the applicant that identifies the specific deficiencies. The
Page 21, Line 17authority shall allow thirty days for the applicant to cure any
Page 21, Line 18deficiencies in the application, and the authority shall complete
Page 21, Line 19a review of the revised application within thirty days after
Page 21, Line 20receipt.
Page 21, Line 21(c) Within fourteen days of receiving a complete
Page 21, Line 22application for certification from a data center operator, the
Page 21, Line 23authority shall notify the utility that will provide electricity
Page 21, Line 24for the data center, as identified in the application, of the
Page 21, Line 25application. Within sixty days of the date that the authority
Page 21, Line 26notifies the utility, the utility shall:
Page 21, Line 27(I) Pursue one of the following methods to verify that the
Page 22, Line 1data center will not cause unreasonable cost impacts to other
Page 22, Line 2utility ratepayers:
Page 22, Line 3(A) Submitting a targeted resource acquisition
Page 22, Line 4application to the commission pursuant to section 40-2-140 and
Page 22, Line 5providing proof of the application submission to the authority;
Page 22, Line 6(B) Providing a technical report to the authority
Page 22, Line 7attesting that the utility infrastructure costs associated with
Page 22, Line 8the data center are reasonably allocated and are not expected
Page 22, Line 9to cause unjustified rate increases for other customers; or
Page 22, Line 10(C) Providing documentation to the authority of a
Page 22, Line 11proposed interconnection agreement, electric service
Page 22, Line 12agreement, or similar agreement that identifies required utility
Page 22, Line 13infrastructure upgrades and confirms that the data center
Page 22, Line 14operator has agreed or will agree to cover its fair share of
Page 22, Line 15costs in accordance with the utility's policy; and
Page 22, Line 16(II) Provide a written feasibility assessment to the
Page 22, Line 17authority that includes a timeline of service.
Page 22, Line 18(d) Within fourteen days of receiving a complete
Page 22, Line 19application for certification from a data center operator that
Page 22, Line 20identifies that the data center will use water as part of its
Page 22, Line 21cooling system, the authority shall notify the utility that will
Page 22, Line 22provide water for the data center, as identified in the
Page 22, Line 23application, of the application. Within sixty days of the date
Page 22, Line 24that the authority notifies the utility, the utility shall provide
Page 22, Line 25documentationto the authority attesting that the water
Page 22, Line 26management plan for the data center is sufficient and will not
Page 22, Line 27negatively impact existing customers either through rate
Page 23, Line 1increases or water availability.
Page 23, Line 2(e) (I) If a utility fails to provide the authority with any
Page 23, Line 3documentation, report, assessment, or application required by
Page 23, Line 4subsection (1)(c) or (1)(d) of this section within the required time
Page 23, Line 5frame, the authority may proceed to review and approve an
Page 23, Line 6application for certification without the required
Page 23, Line 7documentation, report, assessment, or application. The
Page 23, Line 8documentation, report, assessment, or application must be added
Page 23, Line 9to the application for certification upon the authority's receipt
Page 23, Line 10of the documentation, report, assessment, or application.
Page 23, Line 11(II) If an electric utility fails to provide the authority
Page 23, Line 12with a written feasibility assessment required by subsection
Page 23, Line 13(1)(c)(II) of this section within the sixty-day time frame, the
Page 23, Line 14authority shall notify the applicant data center operator and
Page 23, Line 15the commission of the electric utility's failure to respond.
Page 23, Line 16(2) The authority may approve an application for
Page 23, Line 17certification if the application meets all of the application
Page 23, Line 18criteria specified in section 24-48.5-806.
Page 23, Line 19(3) The authority may reject an application if:
Page 23, Line 20(a) The authority finds that the data center operator
Page 23, Line 21materially misrepresented facts in the application;
Page 23, Line 22(b) The authority finds that the data center operator
Page 23, Line 23failed to provide required documentation after the authority
Page 23, Line 24provided an opportunity to cure an application deficiency
Page 23, Line 25pursuant to subsection (1)(b) of this section;
Page 23, Line 26(c) The authority determines that the data center
Page 23, Line 27operator does not meet minimum certification requirements
Page 24, Line 1under section 24-48.5-806; or
Page 24, Line 2(d) The program is canceled or repealed prior to the
Page 24, Line 3authority's review and approval of the application.
Page 24, Line 4(4) Before rejecting any application that meets the
Page 24, Line 5minimum investment and job creation criteria set forth in
Page 24, Line 6section 24-48.5-806, the authority shall:
Page 24, Line 7(a) Provide the data center operator an opportunity to
Page 24, Line 8address the authority's concerns; and
Page 24, Line 9(b) Explore alternative paths to approval with
Page 24, Line 10conditions, if possible.
Page 24, Line 11(5) In implementing the program, the authority shall
Page 24, Line 12facilitate efficient data center development by establishing
Page 24, Line 13clear qualification criteria and consistently administering a
Page 24, Line 14predictable application, review, and approval processfor data
Page 24, Line 15center certification pursuant to this part 8.
Page 24, Line 16(6) (a) The authority shall begin processing and reviewing
Page 24, Line 17applications for certification within one hundred eighty days
Page 24, Line 18after the effective date of this part 8.
Page 24, Line 19(b) This subsection (6) is repealed, effective July 1, 2028.
Page 24, Line 2024-48.5-808. Certification benefits - state sales and use tax
Page 24, Line 21exemption - compliance reports.
Page 24, Line 22(1) State sales and use tax exemption.
Page 24, Line 23(a) Subject to the provisions of subsection (1)(b) of this
Page 24, Line 24section, a data center operator of a certified data center is
Page 24, Line 25eligible for a one hundred percent state sales and use tax
Page 24, Line 26exemption on qualified purchases pursuant to section 39-26-735.
Page 24, Line 27(b) Unless an eligibility period is extended as provided in
Page 25, Line 1section 24-48.5-810, a data center operator of a certified data
Page 25, Line 2center is eligible for the state sales and use tax exemption for
Page 25, Line 3twenty years from the date that the data center received
Page 25, Line 4certification, so long as the data center operator:
Page 25, Line 5(I) Maintains the qualifying employment and
Page 25, Line 6compensation commitment specified in section 24-48.5-806 (1)(b);
Page 25, Line 7and
Page 25, Line 8(II) Submits annual compliance reports to the authority
Page 25, Line 9as required in subsection (3) of this section.
Page 25, Line 10(2) Exemption certificate.The authority shall issue a state
Page 25, Line 11sales and use tax exemption certificate to the data center
Page 25, Line 12operator of a certified data center as evidence that the data
Page 25, Line 13center operator is eligible for the state sales and use tax
Page 25, Line 14exemption for qualified purchases pursuant to this section and
Page 25, Line 15section 39-26-735. The state sales and use tax exemption
Page 25, Line 16certificate must specify that the data center operator is
Page 25, Line 17entitled to the state sales and use tax exemption for twenty
Page 25, Line 18years, beginning on the date of certification. A state sales and
Page 25, Line 19use tax exemption certificate is nontransferable. The authority
Page 25, Line 20shall certify to the department the name of each data center
Page 25, Line 21operator that receives a state sales and use tax exemption
Page 25, Line 22certificate and other relevant information relating to the
Page 25, Line 23exemption.
Page 25, Line 24(3) Compliance reports.A data center operator of a
Page 25, Line 25certified data center shall submit an annual compliance report
Page 25, Line 26to the authority, in a form and manner to be determined by the
Page 25, Line 27authority, to verify that the data center operator is making
Page 26, Line 1timely progress in satisfying the requirements of section
Page 26, Line 224-48.5-806 and is on track to satisfy the requirements within the
Page 26, Line 3periods specified in that section. A data center operator shall
Page 26, Line 4submit the report required in this subsection (3) to maintain
Page 26, Line 5certification. The data center operator shall include in the
Page 26, Line 6report the total amount of the state sales and use tax
Page 26, Line 7exemption claimed each year and any other information
Page 26, Line 8requested by the authority.
Page 26, Line 9(4) Payment of tax upon revocation of certification.If the
Page 26, Line 10authority revokes a data center's certification pursuant to
Page 26, Line 11section 24-48.5-809 (2), the data center operator shall pay the
Page 26, Line 12entire amount of the state sales and use tax on any qualified
Page 26, Line 13purchase for which the state sales and use tax exemption was
Page 26, Line 14claimed pursuant to this part 8 and section 39-26-735.
Page 26, Line 1524-48.5-809. Post-certification data center requirements -
Page 26, Line 16revocation.
Page 26, Line 17(1) A data center operator of a certified data center
Page 26, Line 18shall:
Page 26, Line 19(a) Maintain all commitments and requirements set forth
Page 26, Line 20in section 24-48.5-806 throughout its twenty-year benefit period;
Page 26, Line 21and
Page 26, Line 22(b) Submit the annual compliance reports required by
Page 26, Line 23section 24-48.5-808 (3).
Page 26, Line 24(2) (a) Except as provided in subsection (4) of this section,
Page 26, Line 25the authority may revoke a certification that it has awarded if
Page 26, Line 26the authority determines that the data center operator has:
Page 26, Line 27(I) Failed to make substantial progress toward satisfying
Page 27, Line 1the requirements specified in section 24-48.5-806 within
Page 27, Line 2twenty-four months of the data center being placed in service
Page 27, Line 3or receipt of a final certificate of occupancy;
Page 27, Line 4(II) Materially changed the data center in a way that
Page 27, Line 5would have disqualified it from certification; or
Page 27, Line 6(III) Failed to maintain compliance with the criteria that
Page 27, Line 7formed the basis of approval and certification.
Page 27, Line 8(b) Before revoking a certification that it has awarded,
Page 27, Line 9the authority shall provide the data center operator with:
Page 27, Line 10(I) Written notice specifying the grounds for potential
Page 27, Line 11revocation;
Page 27, Line 12(II) At least one hundred twenty days to remedy the
Page 27, Line 13grounds for potential revocation and to demonstrate
Page 27, Line 14compliance; and
Page 27, Line 15(III) An opportunity to present evidence and arguments to
Page 27, Line 16the authority.
Page 27, Line 17(3) The authority shall use the reports that a data center
Page 27, Line 18operator is required to submit to the authority pursuant to
Page 27, Line 19section 24-48.5-808 (3) to ensure that a certified data center
Page 27, Line 20remains in compliance with program requirements.
Page 27, Line 21(4) The authority shall not revoke certification based on:
Page 27, Line 22(a) Changes to electric utility rates, cost allocations, or
Page 27, Line 23resource plans made through proceedings before the
Page 27, Line 24commission;
Page 27, Line 25(b) Changes to water utility rates or service terms made
Page 27, Line 26by a water utility, unless such changes are caused by water
Page 27, Line 27scarcity or force majeure; or
Page 28, Line 1(c) Changes to federal, state, or local environmental
Page 28, Line 2laws or regulations that occur after a data center's
Page 28, Line 3certification, provided that the data center operator
Page 28, Line 4demonstrates good faith efforts to achieve compliance with the
Page 28, Line 5changed laws or regulations within a reasonable time.
Page 28, Line 624-48.5-810. Certification benefits extension - duration -
Page 28, Line 7extension eligibility - extension terms.
Page 28, Line 8(1) A data center operator of a certified data center may
Page 28, Line 9apply to the authority, in a form and manner determined by the
Page 28, Line 10authority and no earlier than ten years after obtaining its
Page 28, Line 11initial certification, for an extension of its certification
Page 28, Line 12benefits. To be eligible for an extension of its certification
Page 28, Line 13benefits, a data center operator must demonstrate that:
Page 28, Line 14(a) During the initial twenty-year benefit period, the data
Page 28, Line 15center operator, or the data center operator collectively with
Page 28, Line 16its participating data center tenants, has made investments in
Page 28, Line 17data center qualified purchases in a total amount of at least
Page 28, Line 18five million dollars in addition to the minimum investment that
Page 28, Line 19the data center operator was required to make pursuant to
Page 28, Line 20section 24-48.5-806;
Page 28, Line 21(b) During the initial twenty-year benefit period, the data
Page 28, Line 22center operator, or the data center operator collectively with
Page 28, Line 23its participating data center tenants, has created at least ten
Page 28, Line 24new qualifying jobs in addition to the jobs that the data center
Page 28, Line 25operator created to satisfy the requirements of section
Page 28, Line 2624-48.5-806; and
Page 28, Line 27(c) The certified data center continues to comply with
Page 29, Line 1environmental requirements.
Page 29, Line 2(2) A data center operator of a certified data center that
Page 29, Line 3is approved for an extension of its certification benefits by the
Page 29, Line 4authority pursuant to this section is eligible:
Page 29, Line 5(a) For an additional ten years of eligibility to claim the
Page 29, Line 6state sales and use tax exemption allowed pursuant to this part
Page 29, Line 78 and section 39-26-735; and
Page 29, Line 8(b) To maintain its certification, provided that the data
Page 29, Line 9center continues to meet all applicable certification
Page 29, Line 10requirements imposed by this part 8.
Page 29, Line 1124-48.5-811. No restriction on local government authority and
Page 29, Line 12coordination.
Page 29, Line 13This part 8 does not limit a local government's authority
Page 29, Line 14regarding the regulation of data centers, including taxation,
Page 29, Line 15incentives, land use, permitting, and nuisance. This part 8 does
Page 29, Line 16not limit any local environmental regulation. In addition, this
Page 29, Line 17part 8 does not restrict local incentives, including utility
Page 29, Line 18incentives in the case of a municipally owned utility. This part
Page 29, Line 198 does not require local governments to participate in the
Page 29, Line 20program.
Page 29, Line 21SECTION 2. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 24-75-402, amend
Page 29, Line 22(5)(mmm) and (5)(nnn); and add (5)(ooo) as follows:
Page 29, Line 2324-75-402. Cash funds - limit on uncommitted reserves -
Page 29, Line 24reduction in the amount of fees - exclusions - definitions.
Page 29, Line 25(5) Notwithstanding any provision of this section to the contrary,
Page 29, Line 26the following cash funds are excluded from the limitations specified in
Page 29, Line 27this section:
Page 30, Line 1(mmm) The reentry services for justice-involved individuals
Page 30, Line 2reinvestment cash fund created in section 25.5-4-505.7;
andPage 30, Line 3(nnn) The health-related social needs reinvestment cash fund
Page 30, Line 4created in section 25.5-5-340; and
Page 30, Line 5(ooo) The data center development and incentive program
Page 30, Line 6cash fund created in section 24-48.5-805 (4).
Page 30, Line 7SECTION 3. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add 40-2-140 as
Page 30, Line 8follows:
Page 30, Line 940-2-140. Targeted resource acquisition - emerging large-load
Page 30, Line 10customers - process - funding - definitions.
Page 30, Line 11(1) Definitions.As used in this section, unless the context
Page 30, Line 12otherwise requires:
Page 30, Line 13(a) "Advanced carbon-free technology" means electric
Page 30, Line 14generation technology or resources, including long-duration
Page 30, Line 15energy storage, that can be turned on or off, or otherwise have
Page 30, Line 16their power output adjusted, based on demand so as to enable
Page 30, Line 17operation of a carbon-free electric system.
Page 30, Line 18(b) "Emerging large-load customer" means a customer of
Page 30, Line 19a utility with projected load requirements of at least one
Page 30, Line 20hundred megawatts, either individually or in the aggregate
Page 30, Line 21through colocated customers.
Page 30, Line 22(c) "Nameplate capacity" means the maximum rated output
Page 30, Line 23of an electric generator, or other electric power production
Page 30, Line 24equipment, under specific conditions designated by the
Page 30, Line 25manufacturer.
Page 30, Line 26(d) "Utility" means a utility regulated under the
Page 30, Line 27commission's resource planning authority.
Page 31, Line 1(2) Eligibility for targeted resource acquisition.A utility may
Page 31, Line 2submit to the commission a targeted resource acquisition
Page 31, Line 3application describing how the utility intends to meet energy
Page 31, Line 4and capacity needs created by one or more emerging large-load
Page 31, Line 5customers. For a utility to be eligible to submit a targeted
Page 31, Line 6resource acquisition application to the commission, emerging
Page 31, Line 7large-load customers of the utility must:
Page 31, Line 8(a) Enter into a contractual agreement with the utility,
Page 31, Line 9which agreement includes:
Page 31, Line 10(I) Minimum demand, duration, and billing commitments;
Page 31, Line 11or
Page 31, Line 12(II) Participation in any applicable large-load tariff
Page 31, Line 13intended to balance load factor;
Page 31, Line 14(b) Agree to exit fee provisions that address early
Page 31, Line 15departure or reduced demand, including but not limited to a
Page 31, Line 16three-year exit fee structure to ensure revenue stability;
Page 31, Line 17(c) Provide appropriate credit securitization; and
Page 31, Line 18(d) Demonstrate site control and submit signed
Page 31, Line 19development agreements to the utility.
Page 31, Line 20(3) Resource acquisition process.
Page 31, Line 21(a) Prior to filing a targeted resource acquisition
Page 31, Line 22application under this section, a utility may issue a competitive
Page 31, Line 23solicitation to identify potential resources to serve an
Page 31, Line 24emerging large-load customer.
Page 31, Line 25(b) As part of the targeted resource acquisition
Page 31, Line 26application, the utility may propose system assets funded in
Page 31, Line 27whole or in part by the emerging large-load customer. All such
Page 32, Line 1assets must operate as system assets for the benefit of all
Page 32, Line 2customers.
Page 32, Line 3(c) For targeted resource acquisition applications
Page 32, Line 4submitted on or before December 31, 2039:
Page 32, Line 5(I) Standalone resource portfolios proposed in the
Page 32, Line 6targeted resource acquisition application must target a
Page 32, Line 7three-to-one ratio on a nameplate capacity basis between
Page 32, Line 8carbon dioxide nonemitting and emitting resources.
Page 32, Line 9(II) Standalone storage distributed energy resources
Page 32, Line 10developed for the emerging large-load customer, or procured
Page 32, Line 11by the emerging large-load customer via utility programs,
Page 32, Line 12receive a two-times multiplier bonus on the nameplate capacity
Page 32, Line 13value in a ratio calculation. Grid-connected solar distributed
Page 32, Line 14energy resources paired with storage receive a
Page 32, Line 15one-and-one-quarter-times multiplier bonus on the nameplate
Page 32, Line 16capacity value in a ratio calculation; except that the multiplier
Page 32, Line 17bonus only applies to the solar resources if the storage
Page 32, Line 18component of the hybrid project exceeds the solar portion.
Page 32, Line 19(III) (A) If the standalone resource portfolio, including
Page 32, Line 20any distributed energy resource multiplier bonus, does not meet
Page 32, Line 21the three-to-one target ratio, the targeted resource
Page 32, Line 22acquisition application must include a proposal for the emerging
Page 32, Line 23large-load customer to fund advanced carbon-free technology
Page 32, Line 24via either a clean transition tariff or through
Page 32, Line 25utility-administrated funding programs for such technology.
Page 32, Line 26(B) As the ratio of the proposed standalone resource
Page 32, Line 27portfolio falls below the three-to-one target ratio, the
Page 33, Line 1proposed funding from the emerging large-load customer must
Page 33, Line 2increase on a commensurate basis. The increased funding
Page 33, Line 3required will be calculated using the difference between the
Page 33, Line 4proposed ratio and the three-to-one target ratio, with the
Page 33, Line 5expected operation of the incremental emitting generation
Page 33, Line 6multiplied by a value determined by the commission as required
Page 33, Line 7to set the amount of funding that needs to be provided by the
Page 33, Line 8emerging large-load customer to fund advanced carbon-free
Page 33, Line 9technology.
Page 33, Line 10(d) For targeted resource acquisition applications
Page 33, Line 11submitted on or after January 1, 2040, all proposed resources
Page 33, Line 12must be renewable and clean energy resources as described in
Page 33, Line 13section 24-48.5-803 (12).
Page 33, Line 14(e) Any resources proposed in the targeted resource
Page 33, Line 15acquisition application must have sufficient cumulative
Page 33, Line 16accredited capacity, as determined by the utility, to meet the
Page 33, Line 17needs of the emerging large-load customer within the required
Page 33, Line 18interconnection time frame, which time frame may be phased as
Page 33, Line 19the load scales.
Page 33, Line 20(f) As part of a targeted resource acquisition application,
Page 33, Line 21the utility shall ensure that at least thirty percent of the
Page 33, Line 22resources and infrastructure proposed in the application
Page 33, Line 23support consumer-facing programs for solar energy systems,
Page 33, Line 24battery energy storage systems, and load reduction
Page 33, Line 25technology.
Page 33, Line 26(g) In connection with a targeted resource acquisition
Page 33, Line 27application, the utility must:
Page 34, Line 1(I) Use the request for proposal documents most recently
Page 34, Line 2approved by the commission, with customization allowed to
Page 34, Line 3reflect the specific solicitation and avoid cost shifts to other
Page 34, Line 4customers; and
Page 34, Line 5(II) Be permitted to bring forward recent bids received
Page 34, Line 6within the previous two years if the bid prices remain generally
Page 34, Line 7consistent with the previously submitted terms.
Page 34, Line 8(h) The utility must include in a targeted resource
Page 34, Line 9acquisition application an updated emissions workbook that
Page 34, Line 10reflects:
Page 34, Line 11(I) Total megawatt-hours and associated emissions
Page 34, Line 12attributable to the emerging large-load customer; and
Page 34, Line 13(II) Separate reporting for each discrete emerging
Page 34, Line 14large-load customer in the case of colocated arrangements, to
Page 34, Line 15the extent practicable.
Page 34, Line 16(i) Approval of a targeted resource acquisition
Page 34, Line 17application under this section creates a presumption of prudence
Page 34, Line 18for all infrastructure or resource investments necessary to
Page 34, Line 19serve the emerging large-load customer.
Page 34, Line 20(j) The standard of review for the targeted resource
Page 34, Line 21acquisition application is whether the proposed acquisition and
Page 34, Line 22associated infrastructure are in the public interest.
Page 34, Line 23(k) The utility need not obtain a certificate of public
Page 34, Line 24convenience and necessity pursuant to section 40-5-102 for
Page 34, Line 25specific resources and infrastructure identified in and approved
Page 34, Line 26through the application.
Page 34, Line 27(l) The commission shall act on the application within one
Page 35, Line 1hundred twenty days after the filing of the application. The
Page 35, Line 2period for other persons to intervene in the matter is within ten
Page 35, Line 3days after the filing of the application.
Page 35, Line 4(4) Funding and cost recovery.
Page 35, Line 5(a) A utility may include in the utility's targeted resource
Page 35, Line 6acquisition application pre-funding commitments from the
Page 35, Line 7emerging large-load customer for pre-development and early
Page 35, Line 8construction costs of resources or infrastructure, including
Page 35, Line 9transmission and distribution.
Page 35, Line 10(b) The emerging large-load customer may entirely bear
Page 35, Line 11the costs associated with the emerging large load, but the
Page 35, Line 12utility may also propose partial reimbursement of an
Page 35, Line 13appropriate portion of these costs through an existing
Page 35, Line 14cost-recovery mechanism.
Page 35, Line 15(c) The utility may recover costs associated with
Page 35, Line 16resources and infrastructure developed pursuant to an
Page 35, Line 17approved application through an adjustment clause until
Page 35, Line 18included in the rate base in a future rate case. The utility may
Page 35, Line 19recover transmission costs through a transmission adjustment
Page 35, Line 20clause and distribution costs through a grid modernization
Page 35, Line 21adjustment clause.
Page 35, Line 22(d) The commission shall approve the reimbursement
Page 35, Line 23recovery if the acquired resources or infrastructure provide
Page 35, Line 24system-wide benefits.
Page 35, Line 25(5) Advanced carbon-free technology fund.
Page 35, Line 26(a) A utility may propose the creation of an advanced
Page 35, Line 27carbon-free technology fund, to which emerging large-load
Page 36, Line 1customers may contribute voluntarily.
Page 36, Line 2(b) A utility may use the fund to:
Page 36, Line 3(I) Cover pre-development and early construction costs
Page 36, Line 4for system resources and infrastructure;
Page 36, Line 5(II) Support utility exploration or deployment of
Page 36, Line 6advanced carbon-free technology;
Page 36, Line 7(III) Allow emerging large-load customers to benefit
Page 36, Line 8from clean firm dispatchable technology located near their
Page 36, Line 9operations in exchange for their contributions;and
Page 36, Line 10(IV) Mitigate or allocate technology performance risk
Page 36, Line 11associated with advanced carbon-free technology, subject to
Page 36, Line 12the commission's review and approval.
Page 36, Line 13(c) If a utility is not able to use money that is contributed
Page 36, Line 14to the fund for the purposes specified in subsection (5)(b) of this
Page 36, Line 15section because an emerging large-load project does not
Page 36, Line 16materialize, the utility may use money that is contributed to the
Page 36, Line 17fund to offset infrastructure and resource costs for the benefit
Page 36, Line 18of other customers.
Page 36, Line 19SECTION 4. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 29-2-105, amend
Page 36, Line 20(1)(d)(I)(T) and (1)(d)(I)(U); and add (1)(d)(I)(V) as follows:
Page 36, Line 2129-2-105. Contents of sales tax ordinances and proposals.
Page 36, Line 22(1) The sales tax ordinance or proposal of any incorporated town,
Page 36, Line 23city, or county adopted pursuant to this article 2 shall be imposed on the
Page 36, Line 24sale of tangible personal property at retail or the furnishing of services,
Page 36, Line 25as provided in subsection (1)(d) of this section. Any countywide or
Page 36, Line 26incorporated town or city sales tax ordinance or proposal shall include the
Page 36, Line 27following provisions:
Page 37, Line 1(d) (I) A provision that the sale of tangible personal property and
Page 37, Line 2services taxable pursuant to this article 2 is the same as the sale of
Page 37, Line 3tangible personal property and services taxable pursuant to section
Page 37, Line 439-26-104, except as otherwise provided in this subsection (1)(d). The
Page 37, Line 5sale of tangible personal property and services taxable pursuant to this
Page 37, Line 6article 2 is subject to the same sales tax exemptions as those specified in
Page 37, Line 7part 7 of article 26 of title 39; except that the sale of the following may be
Page 37, Line 8exempted from a town, city, or county sales tax only by the express
Page 37, Line 9inclusion of the exemption either at the time of adoption of the initial
Page 37, Line 10sales tax ordinance or resolution or by amendment thereto:
Page 37, Line 11(T) The exemption for sales of heat pump systems and heat pump
Page 37, Line 12water heaters set forth in section 39-26-732;
andPage 37, Line 13(U) The exemption for sales of energy storage systems set forth
Page 37, Line 14in section 39-26-733; and
Page 37, Line 15(V) The exemption set forth in section 39-26-735 for sales
Page 37, Line 16of information technology infrastructure and data center
Page 37, Line 17infrastructure and transmission and generation system assets.
Page 37, Line 18SECTION 5. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add 39-26-735 as
Page 37, Line 19follows:
Page 37, Line 2039-26-735. Certified data centers - qualified purchases -
Page 37, Line 21information technology infrastructure - data center infrastructure -
Page 37, Line 22tax preference performance statement - legislative declaration -
Page 37, Line 23definitions.
Page 37, Line 24(1) (a) In accordance with section 39-21-304, which
Page 37, Line 25requires each bill that creates a new tax expenditure to include
Page 37, Line 26a tax preference performance statement as part of a statutory
Page 37, Line 27legislative declaration, the general assembly finds and
Page 38, Line 1declares that the purposes of the tax expenditure created in
Page 38, Line 2subsection (3) of this section are to:
Page 38, Line 3(I) Improve industry competitiveness, specifically in data
Page 38, Line 4center development; and
Page 38, Line 5(II) Provide tax relief to certain businesses, specifically
Page 38, Line 6data center operators that own or operate a certified data
Page 38, Line 7center in the state.
Page 38, Line 8(b) The general assembly and the state auditor shall
Page 38, Line 9measure the effectiveness of the tax expenditure in achieving
Page 38, Line 10the purposes specified in subsection (1)(a) of this section based on
Page 38, Line 11the number of certified data centers that are constructed and
Page 38, Line 12placed in service in the state and the number and value of the
Page 38, Line 13exemptions claimed pursuant to this section. The authority
Page 38, Line 14shall provide the state auditor with any available information
Page 38, Line 15that would assist in the state auditor's analysis.
Page 38, Line 16(2) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise
Page 38, Line 17requires:
Page 38, Line 18(a) "Certified data center" means a data center that has
Page 38, Line 19obtained certification from the authority pursuant to part 8 of
Page 38, Line 20article 48.5 of title 24.
Page 38, Line 21(b) "Colorado data center development authority" or
Page 38, Line 22"authority" means the Colorado data center development
Page 38, Line 23authority created in section 24-48.5-804.
Page 38, Line 24(c) "Qualified data center infrastructure and systems"
Page 38, Line 25means information technology infrastructure and data center
Page 38, Line 26infrastructure and transmission and generation system assets,
Page 38, Line 27as described in section 24-48.5-803 (11).
Page 39, Line 1(d) "State sales and use tax exemption certificate" means
Page 39, Line 2a state sales and use tax exemption certificate issued by the
Page 39, Line 3authority to a certified data center pursuant to part 8 of
Page 39, Line 4article 48.5 of title 24.
Page 39, Line 5(3) Beginning January 1, 2027, all sales and use of
Page 39, Line 6qualified data center infrastructure and systems that will be
Page 39, Line 7purchased and used in connection with a certified data center
Page 39, Line 8for which a data center operator has a state sales and use tax
Page 39, Line 9exemption certificate is exempt from taxation under parts 1 and
Page 39, Line 102 of this article 26.
Page 39, Line 11(4) Notwithstanding section 39-21-304 (4), the exemption
Page 39, Line 12allowed pursuant to this section continues indefinitely.
Page 39, Line 13SECTION 6. Applicability. This act applies to data centers for
Page 39, Line 14which the building or the purchase of equipment or regulated resource
Page 39, Line 15acquisitions commence on or after the effective date of this act.
Page 39, Line 16SECTION 7. Safety clause. The general assembly finds,
Page 39, Line 17determines, and declares that this act is necessary for the immediate
Page 39, Line 18preservation of the public peace, health, or safety or for appropriations for
Page 39, Line 19the support and maintenance of the departments of the state and state
Page 39, Line 20institutions.