The Government of British Columbia has introduced sweeping legislative changes aimed at redefining how electricity is distributed among industries, prioritizing resource-based and manufacturing projects while placing controls on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), data centres, and hydrogen-for-export ventures. The reforms also make the province’s moratorium on cryptocurrency mining permanent, marking a significant shift in how B.C. manages its growing power demand.
Prioritizing projects that benefit British Columbians
Energy Minister Adrian Dix announced the Energy Statutes Amendment Act on Monday, describing it as a framework that would ensure electricity allocation reflects the province’s long-term economic priorities rather than a first-come, first-served model.
“Our new allocation framework will prioritize vital growth in sectors like mining, natural gas and lowest-emission LNG, while ensuring our clean energy is directed to projects that deliver the greatest benefit to British Columbians. We’re taking action to build the North Coast Transmission Line as fast as possible to accelerate the development and construction of major industrial projects and bring good, well-paying jobs to people in B.C.” Dix said.
Under the updated framework, natural resource industries, including mining, natural gas, and manufacturing, will receive priority access to clean power. Meanwhile, AI, data centres, and hydrogen export projects will need to compete for limited supply through a bidding process expected to launch in early 2026.
Permanent ban on crypto mining connections
The new regulations enshrine into law a permanent ban on new BC Hydro connections for cryptocurrency mining, following earlier temporary restrictions introduced in December 2022.
According to the Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions, the move is designed to protect the province’s electricity grid from “disproportionate energy consumption” by crypto miners that provide “limited economic benefit.”
Charlotte Mitha, president and CEO of BC Hydro, backed the decision, citing the company’s responsibility to maintain a stable and affordable electricity supply.
“We’re seeing unprecedented demand from traditional and emerging industries,” she said. “This strategy empowers BC Hydro to manage this growth responsibly, keeping our grid reliable and our energy future clean and affordable.”
While AI and data centres will face new limits on available power, the government said it will engage with industry leaders to support their development “in a manner that results in the greatest benefit to people in British Columbia.”
Fast-tracking the North Coast Transmission Line
The legislation also lays the groundwork for the expedited construction of the North Coast Transmission Line (NCTL), a critical nation-building infrastructure project with a newly updated cost estimate of $6 billion for its first two phases. The 450-kilometre line, connecting Prince George to Terrace, is intended to supply clean electricity to new mines and industrial projects across northern B.C.
Premier David Eby said the project represents both an economic and strategic opportunity for the province and Canada.
“B.C. will be the economic engine that drives a more independent Canadian economy – powered by clean energy, built through partnership with First Nations, and driven by the hard work of British Columbians,” Eby said.
To avoid procedural delays, the provincial government has directed the B.C. Utilities Commission to issue a certificate of public convenience and necessity for the project without standard hearings.
“We are making the decision as a government that this is in the public interest,” Eby said. “We will be held accountable for that decision by voters.”
Construction of the transmission line is scheduled to begin next year and is expected to create approximately 9,700 direct full-time jobs, contribute nearly $10 billion annually to GDP, and generate around $950 million in public revenues once operational.
Broad support from industry and First Nations
The proposal has drawn strong endorsements from industry and Indigenous leaders. Michael Goehring, president of the Mining Association of British Columbia, called the project transformative:
“The North Coast Transmission Line will strengthen Canada’s position as a leading global supplier of critical minerals and metals and unlock more than $45 billion in near-term economic activity.”
Wes Sam, Chief of Ts’il Kaz Koh First Nation, emphasized the importance of Indigenous partnership, saying that First Nations aim to “co-own the North Coast Transmission Line from construction through its full life,” underscoring a move toward shared prosperity and reconciliation.
A proactive approach to clean growth
Dix said the new framework is designed to balance growth with sustainability, ensuring B.C. avoids the pitfalls faced by other jurisdictions dealing with skyrocketing energy costs.
“We must act with urgency to leverage our clean-electricity advantage and grow and diversify our economy,” he said. “Our new allocation framework will prioritize sectors that deliver the greatest benefit to British Columbians while maintaining our commitment to clean, affordable power.”
The legislation underscores B.C.’s vision of becoming a clean energy powerhouse, providing a reliable foundation for industrial expansion, Indigenous partnerships, and long-term economic resilience, while permanently closing the door on energy-intensive crypto mining.
Kristian Koch
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