Montana-Dakota Utilities signs power deal with Applied Digital for 430 MW AI campus

Montana-Dakota Utilities Co., a subsidiary of MDU Resources Group, Inc. (NYSE: MDU), has entered into an electric service agreement with Applied Digital Corporation (NASDAQ: APLD) to supply power to a proposed AI data center campus near Center, North Dakota.

The facility, called Polaris Forge 3, would require up to 430 megawatts of electricity at full capacity. Under the agreement, Applied Digital would be responsible for purchasing energy directly from the market or through other power supply arrangements. The company anticipates initial operations to begin in August 2027.

The agreement is subject to approval by the North Dakota Public Service Commission before Montana-Dakota Utilities can provide power under the terms.

Applied Digital has previously announced a 15-year lease with a U.S.-based investment-grade hyperscaler for the site. Wes Cummins, chairman and CEO of Applied Digital, said the campus is expected to create approximately 200 full-time jobs and generate property tax revenue for Oliver County.

Montana-Dakota Utilities already serves Applied Digital at Polaris Forge 1, near Ellendale, North Dakota. The companies said that existing relationship has resulted in $38.4 million credited back to North Dakota customers over the past three years.

Nicole Kivisto, president and CEO of MDU Resources, said the project reflects growing interest in North Dakota among large energy users and that the company is committed to serving such customers in a manner that benefits communities and supports the regional grid.

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