British Columbia said it plans to permanently ban new cryptocurrency mining operations that connect to its power grid, citing the need to protect power supplies for industries that drive jobs and government revenue.
The move by the government in Canada’s third most populous province is part of a broader legislative and regulatory overhaul unveiled Monday that also sets new limits on electricity use by data centers and artificial intelligence (AI) companies.
“The government will also implement several legislative and policy changes in the fall of 2025 that will … permanently prohibit new BC Hydro grid connections for cryptocurrency mining in order to preserve the province’s electricity supply and avoid grid congestion,” the government said in a post on its website
The province said the restrictions will help prevent strain on the grid and ensure industrial development is powered by clean electricity.
We’re seeing unprecedented demand from traditional and new industries,” said Charlotte Mitha, president and CEO of electricity utility BC Hydro, in the web post. “The province’s strategy allows BC Hydro to responsibly manage this growth and keep our grid reliable and our energy future clean and affordable.”
Crypto mining often consumes large amounts of electricity without generating many local jobs or tax revenue, according to the statement.
In contrast, projects such as mines or liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants are seen as more beneficial to the economy.
In addition to the crypto ban, the province will limit electricity availability for AI and data centers while launching a competitive allocation process in January 2026.
Detailed rules are due to be rolled out in November, with a competitive process to allocate electricity to AI and data centers scheduled for January 2026.
