Catenaa, Sunday, October 26, 2025- British Columbia plans to permanently bar new cryptocurrency mining projects from connecting to government-supplied electricity, the provincial government announced Tuesday.
The province, Canada’s third-largest by population, submitted amendments to energy statutes this week to ensure electricity is prioritized for industries such as mining, natural gas, and low-emission liquefied natural gas (LNG).
The legislation is part of a broader effort to manage surging electricity demand and prevent rising costs for taxpayers.
BC Hydro, the province’s hydroelectric power utility, has already been under a moratorium on new crypto mining connections since 2022.
Starting in fall 2025, further policy adjustments will also limit allocations to data centers and artificial intelligence operations, alongside the permanent ban on new crypto mining projects.
Premier David Eby said the legislation would accelerate construction of the North Coast Transmission Line, a key infrastructure project aimed at delivering clean electricity to industrial sectors responsibly.
Energy Minister Adrian Dix emphasized that the new allocation framework will prioritize projects that produce jobs and economic benefits while safeguarding clean energy for strategic growth.
The permanent ban aligns with efforts across other jurisdictions to manage industrial electricity demand and prevent unchecked increases in costs for residents.
