British Columbia Plans to Permanently Block New Crypto Mining Projects

TLDR

• BC introduced a bill to permanently ban new crypto mining from using BC Hydro.
• The 2022 moratorium on new crypto mining power connections may become law.
• The province will prioritize electricity for job-creating industries like LNG.
• Power use limits for AI and data centers will begin in fall 2025.

British Columbia plans to permanently block new cryptocurrency mining operations from accessing its public electricity supply. The province aims to protect its power grid and ensure electricity goes to industries that create jobs and revenue. This move would make permanent a moratorium first introduced in 2022 and prevent any new crypto mining projects from connecting to BC Hydro, the province’s government-owned power utility.

New Legislation Targets Crypto Mining Power Access

The provincial government introduced a new amendment to its energy laws on October 21, 2025. If passed, it will make the 2022 moratorium on crypto mining connections to BC Hydro permanent. The goal is to stop any future crypto mining operations from using public electricity, especially as power demand continues to grow.

The government stated this measure is needed to manage electricity supply and avoid placing added costs on other users. Officials also pointed to examples in other regions where unchecked demand from new sectors caused power rates to rise for the general public.

Priority Given to Job-Creating Sectors

The amendment gives priority access to electricity for industries that are expected to generate long-term economic benefits. These include sectors like traditional mining, natural gas production, and low-emission liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects. The government stated that these sectors support employment and public revenue.

“Our new allocation framework will prioritize vital growth in sectors like mining, natural gas and lowest-emission LNG,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. He added that the province wants to make sure clean electricity is used in a way that benefits British Columbians.

Fall 2025 to Mark Broader Power Policy Shifts

Starting in fall 2025, British Columbia will also introduce restrictions on power usage by data centers and artificial intelligence firms. These changes are part of a broader electricity allocation framework that aims to manage future power demands more carefully.

While these sectors are not banned from accessing electricity, their energy use will be capped or controlled. However, new cryptocurrency mining projects will not be allowed to connect at all. This distinction sets crypto mining apart due to its high energy use and limited job creation, according to provincial leaders.

Province Focuses on Grid Stability and Clean Power Use

British Columbia generates most of its electricity from hydroelectric sources, which are renewable but limited. The government wants to ensure this clean power supports industries that align with its economic and environmental goals.

Premier David Eby emphasized that the legislation supports long-term energy planning. “This legislation will help us move faster on the North Coast Transmission Line, a nation-building project that will deliver clean electricity to responsibly power industrial growth and job creation,” he said.

The province believes that this new law will allow for more balanced growth by guiding electricity toward industries with wider benefits. The shift also reflects broader concerns about how emerging sectors may affect electricity supply in regions with limited capacity.

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