Overview
- Bill 31 would replace first-come, first-served industrial hookups with a criteria-based system that prioritizes projects with stronger economic benefits such as mining, LNG and manufacturing.
- The legislation makes permanent a ban on new cryptocurrency-mining connections to BC Hydro, while allowing existing contracted operations to continue.
- AI and data centres would face a competitive allocation capped at 300 megawatts for AI and 100 megawatts for data centres every two years, with rules due in November and the first call set for January 2026.
- The North Coast Transmission Line’s first two phases are now estimated at about $6 billion for the 450‑kilometre Prince George–Terrace corridor, with construction expected to begin by summer 2026.
- The province is directing the B.C. Utilities Commission to issue a certificate to shorten approvals and is enabling potential equity partnerships with First Nations, with future northern extensions under discussion.