British Columbia seeks permanent ban on new crypto mining projects

British Columbia, Canada's third-largest province, intends to permanently prohibit new cryptocurrency mining projects from accessing government electricity supplies to preserve the region's power grid. The province submitted an amendment act to the legislature that prioritizes electricity for sectors expected to generate jobs and public revenue, citing concerns over unchecked power demands from emerging sectors causing rate increases for taxpayers elsewhere. Starting in fall 2025, policy adjustments will limit power allocations for data centers and AI, while enacting a total ban on new crypto mining power connections to BC Hydro, the provincial utility. This move formalizes and makes permanent a moratorium that was initially placed on new crypto mining connections in 2022.

(Source：The Block)