BC Limits AI Power, Bans Crypto

British Columbia is set to restrict electricity consumption for AI data centres and permanently ban new cryptocurrency mining operations. The province aims to prioritise grid connections for industries like mining and natural gas, which are considered to generate more jobs and revenue.

New regulations will accelerate the North Coast Transmission Line (NCTL) project, expected to create 9,700 jobs and contribute nearly $10 billion annually to GDP. BC Hydro will launch a competitive process in early 2026, allocating 300MW for AI and 100MW for data centres every two years. Industrial power for mining, oil, gas, manufacturing and hydrogen will remain uncapped. The province had already placed a moratorium on new crypto-mining connections in 2022, which is now permanent due to its disproportionate energy consumption and limited economic benefit.

These measures aim to balance the growing electricity demands of emerging sectors while ensuring clean energy supports projects that deliver the greatest benefit to British Columbians.