B.C. gov't proposes new power rules for AI, data centres (www.cbc.ca)

British Columbia announced a new electricity allocation framework that moves AI, data centres and hydrogen-export projects off a first-come, first-served basis and into a competitive bidding process, while making the province’s ban on cryptocurrency-linked power uses permanent. The government will open a biennial competitive round starting in January with 300 MW earmarked for AI workloads and 100 MW for data centres every two years; natural resource and manufacturing projects will be prioritized ahead of these bidders. Energy minister Adrian Dix framed the change as “paced growth” to avoid infrastructure strain and higher residential rates. To support industrial expansion, B.C. is fast‑tracking the $6 billion first two phases of the 450 km North Coast Transmission Line (initially Prince George–Terrace), directing the utilities regulator to issue a certificate without the usual public hearings. Construction is expected to start next year, with the province projecting ~9,700 direct jobs and nearly $10B/yr GDP benefit once operational. For the AI/ML community this means constrained, centrally allocated grid capacity that will favor projects offering clear local economic benefits; expect tighter competition for limited MW, greater emphasis on power efficiency, on-site generation or geographic diversification, and potentially slower hyperscale expansion in B.C. compared with jurisdictions with more open access to grid power.