The 50-Megawatt Threshold

SB 484 defines a large-scale data center as a single location with an on-site data center and an anticipated monthly peak load of 50 megawatts or more, calculated as the highest average load over a 15-minute interval. The statute excludes loads aggregated across multiple locations owned by the same customer. Still, it includes customers or other entities operating under a colocation or similar agreement at a qualifying single location. For developers and counsel, that distinction may be significant when structuring projects involving multiple entities, buildings, parcels, or phases. The threshold also determines when the project's electric and water requirements fall within portions of the new statutory framework.