British Columbia Moves to Permanently Ban Crypto Mining from Public Power Grid

British Columbia is advancing legislation to permanently prohibit cryptocurrency mining operations from accessing its public electricity supply. The proposed amendment to provincial energy laws, introduced on October 21, 2025, would codify a 2022 moratorium that blocked new crypto mining projects from connecting to BC Hydro.

The government aims to prioritize power allocation for industries generating employment and economic value, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects. Energy Minister Josie Osborne emphasized the need to prevent electricity rate spikes for residents, citing examples where unchecked crypto mining demand distorted power markets in other jurisdictions.

Separate power use restrictions for artificial intelligence operations and data centers will take effect in fall 2025. The measures reflect growing global scrutiny of energy-intensive blockchain operations as governments balance technological innovation with infrastructure constraints.