This will be interesting to see if this progresses elsewhere. Of course, some areas just have power that is too expensive for crypto mining unless they can tap into something cheaper like hydro, thermal… But it really seems like the world is prioritizing AI data centers for the Panopticon control grid.
The ban is part of an effort to manage electricity demand and ensure industrial development is powered by clean electricity.
By Francisco Rodrigues, AI Boost|Edited by Sheldon Reback
What to know:
- The Canadian province of British Columbia plans to introduce a permanent ban on new cryptocurrency mining operations connecting to its electricity grid.
- The ban is part of a broader effort to manage electricity demand and ensure industrial development is powered by clean electricity, with BC Hydro no longer approving grid connections for new crypto mining operations.
- The province will also cap electricity availability for AI and data centers and introduce a competitive allocation process in January 2026.
British Columbia said it plans to permanently ban new cryptocurrency mining operations connecting to its electricity grid, citing the need to protect power supplies for industries that drive jobs and public revenue.
The move from the government of Canada’s third-most populous province is part of a broader legislative and regulatory overhaul unveiled Monday that also places new limits on electricity use by data centers and artificial intelligence (AI) companies.
“Government will also implement several regulatory and policy changes in fall 2025 that will … permanently ban new BC Hydro connections to the electricity grid for cryptocurrency mining to preserve the province’s electricity supply and avoid the overburdening of the electricity grid,” the government said in a post on its website
The province said the restrictions will help prevent grid strain and ensure industrial development is powered by clean electricity.
We’re seeing unprecedented demand from traditional and emerging industries,” Charlotte Mitha, the president and CEO of power utility BC Hydro, said in the web post. “The province’s strategy empowers BC Hydro to manage this growth responsibly, keeping our grid reliable and our energy future clean and affordable.”
Crypto mining operations often consume large amounts of electricity without creating many local jobs or tax revenue, according to the statement.
By contrast, projects like mines or liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities are seen as more beneficial to the economy.
In addition to the crypto ban, the province will cap electricity availability for AI and data centers, while launching a competitive allocation process in January 2026.
Detailed regulations are set to roll out in November, with a competitive process to allocate electricity to AI and data centers scheduled for January 2026.