British Columbia slams the door on crypto mining development

British Columbia just dropped a bombshell, starting fall 2025, no new crypto mining operations will get hooked up to the province’s hydro power grid.

The government blames soaring electricity demand and wants to protect the grid that powers roughly 95% of its 5 million residents.

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Keep the grid steady

In a statement, BC’s officials tried to sound positive, waving flags for sectors like mining, natural gas, LNG, data centers , and artificial intelligence as the future stars, all needing reliable, clean electricity at competitive rates.

But when it comes to crypto mining? That industry is on the chopping block.

New data centers and AI setups get some room to grow, but crypto miners face a permanent ban on new power connections.

Charlotte Mitha, the president and CEO of BC Hydro, put it bluntly, industries are demanding unprecedented power, and the province aims to keep the grid steady, affordable, and eco-friendly.

There’s a hint of tough love in there, crypto mining’s appetite for electricity is disproportionate, and the government questions its economic perks.

False promise

But here’s where things get spicy, crypto supporters beg to differ.

Experts like Bitcoin environmentalist Daniel Batten argue crypto mining is misunderstood and can play a smart role in climate action by syncing with clean energy initiatives.

Media outlet rewrites some previously inaccurate statements about Bitcoin mining

5th one this year

Good integrity Coinlaw pic.twitter.com/zHZSDJJ5do

— Daniel Batten (@DSBatten) October 20, 2025

The usual energy consumption criticism faces pushback, but BC doesn’t seem persuaded.

British Columbia’s move isn’t a total surprise. Back in December 2022, the province slapped down an 18-month freeze on new crypto mining connections, promising a fair framework afterward. Fast-forward, and that promise has mutated into a full-on ban.

Protecting resources

So what’s next for existing miners like Bitfarms for example, who’ve already set up shop with Bitcoin mining rigs or AI-focused data centers?

The jury’s out. The ban targets newcomers, but it could send ripple effects through current operations and possibly shift the regional crypto industry.

Cities like Vancouver are trying to wear the “Bitcoin-friendly city” badge, highlighting the patchwork of Canadian attitudes toward crypto.

British Columbia’s stance shows the tension between nurturing emerging tech and protecting limited power resources.

The main takeaway? BC’s grid is booked solid for traditional and AI-driven enterprises. Crypto mining’s massive energy thirst meets a hard no new hookups sign.