By Dave Thompson

BISMARCK, N.D. (Prairie Public News) – The Public Service Commission has approved a “service area agreement” between Otter Tail Power Company and Northern Plains Electric Cooperative on who will serve a new crypto-currency facility planned for Stutsman County, just north of Jamestown.

That helps pave the way for Advanced Blockchain to build its facility on state highway 20. It would be built in an area normally served by Northern Plains.

The company has a five year agreement with Otter Tail to provide power. It will start with 50 megawatts of power this year, and will ramp up to 100 megawatts next year.

Commissioner Brian Kroshus says the company chose Jamestown for a variety of reasons.

Kroshus says he expects Advanced Blockchain should be able to ramp up in short order.