The B.C. government is introducing legislation to make a slew of energy-related moves to boost electricity supply for projects deemed in the public interest, as well as restrict energy usage for others.
Those projects that could be boosted include critical minerals and natural gas, while the project that could face restrictions include artificial intelligence (AI), data centres and cryptocurrency mining operations, Premier David Eby said during a news conference Monday (Oct. 20).
If passed, the bill would further expedite the North Coast Transmission Line, an electrical line planned to run about the length of B.C. from Prince George to Terrace, by forcing the B.C. Utilities Commission to deem it a “public convenience and public necessity.”
This project is slated to power a bunch of future mines and liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects.
“We are making the decision as a government that this is in the public interest,” Eby said. “We will be held accountable for that decision by voters.”
Meanwhile, this legislation would also restrict future energy usage for AI and data centres by requiring that they go through a competitive bidding process, allowing BC Hydro to decide if they can go ahead. A current moratorium restricting new electrical connections for cryptocurrency mining operations would also be made permanent under the legislation.
“AI data centres can be really positive,” Eby said, adding that the government also needs to ensure the data centre’s are doing things such as reusing water and creating local economic benefit.
“That requires individual negotiations with project owners,” he said.
More to come.
<!– SE HDhcl Z –>