The Government of British Columbia has announced a sweeping new plan to accelerate industrial development, expand clean-energy infrastructure, and drive economic growth across the province, while permanently banning new electricity connections for cryptocurrency mining.
Unveiled Monday by Premier David Eby, the initiative centers on the North Coast Transmission Line (NCTL), a nation-building project designed to unlock the full economic potential of northern B.C. through reliable, clean power. The plan aims to attract investment in industries such as mining, natural gas, LNG, data centers, and artificial intelligence (AI), while prioritizing projects that create jobs and advance decarbonization.
A Clean-Energy Blueprint for Growth
“B.C. will be the economic engine that drives a more independent Canadian economy – powered by clean energy, built through partnership with First Nations, and driven by the hard work of British Columbians,” said Premier Eby.
The Energy Statutes Amendment Act, tabled on October 20, 2025, will expedite the construction of the NCTL in partnership with First Nations. Once completed, the project is expected to:
- Create 9,700 direct full-time jobs;
- Contribute $10 billion annually to GDP;
- Generate $950 million in annual public revenues;
- Prevent up to 3 million tonnes of carbon emissions per year.
By twinning the existing line from Prince George to Terrace and Bob Quinn Lake, the NCTL will provide the clean-electricity foundation needed to expand mines, LNG facilities, and renewable projects across the North Coast.
Managing Power Demand from Emerging Sectors
As global interest in AI, data centers, and hydrogen production intensifies, British Columbia is introducing new regulatory safeguards to ensure these industries grow sustainably. The province will cap electricity access for energy-intensive sectors like AI and data storage, ensuring priority goes to projects delivering the “greatest benefit to British Columbians.”
“We must act with urgency to leverage our clean-electricity advantage and grow and diversify our economy,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. “Our new allocation framework will ensure clean power flows to sectors that produce jobs and advance decarbonization.”
Permanent Ban on Crypto Mining Connections
In a decisive move, the province will permanently ban new BC Hydro grid connections for cryptocurrency mining, citing concerns over excessive power consumption and limited economic benefit. The restriction aims to preserve clean electricity for industries that drive long-term growth, such as manufacturing, mining, and hydrogen production.
Implementation Timeline
Key measures will roll out over the coming months:
- November 2025: Regulations on industrial electricity allocation finalized.
- January 2026: BC Hydro to launch a competitive access process for AI and data center electricity use.
- Summer 2026: Construction of the North Coast Transmission Line begins.
- 2032–2034: Phased completion of NCTL expected.
By linking clean power development with industrial expansion, British Columbia is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable growth, balancing innovation, energy efficiency, and environmental responsibility while cementing its role as Canada’s clean-energy powerhouse.