Overview
- Energy Minister Adrian Dix introduced Bill 31 to authorize and expedite the North Coast Transmission Line, updating the first two phases to about C$6 billion, exempting it from standard regulatory certification, and targeting construction as early as summer 2026 with full operation by 2034.
- BC Hydro’s first-come, first-served obligation for industrial hookups would be replaced with a system that prioritizes customers based on economic contribution, leaving resource and manufacturing projects uncapped.
- Access for artificial intelligence and data centres would be limited through competitive calls beginning in early 2026, with 300 megawatts available for AI and 100 megawatts for data centres every two years and prices set by regulation.
- The government plans to make the moratorium on new cryptocurrency-mining connections permanent, citing disproportionate energy use and limited provincial benefit.
- The line would cross 14 First Nations territories with opportunities for equity participation, interconnection rules would allow multiple customers to post security to advance projects, and the province is seeking federal support to help finance the build.