The Province and BC Hydro are launching a new competitive process to manage rising electricity demand from artificial intelligence and data-centre projects.

“Clean electricity is essential to B.C.’s economic success, and demand is growing quickly,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions.

“By managing demand carefully and directing power to projects that deliver the greatest long-term benefits, we will build our province, while protecting affordability and reliability for British Columbians. At the same time, we are creating a clear path for emerging industries, like AI, to quickly and efficiently get the power they need, positioning British Columbia as a leader in innovation and data sovereignty.”

AI and data-centre proponents will be required to apply through a competitive selection process to access clean electricity.

The approach is enabled through Bill 31, the Energy Statutes Amendment Act, and is designed to balance rapid growth in emerging technology sectors with affordability, reliability, and long-term planning for the provincial power system.

The province says demand from AI and data centres is growing quickly, while clean electricity capacity must also continue to support communities and long-standing industries.

Traditional industries - including forestry, mining, liquefied natural gas, manufacturing and hydrogen for domestic use - are not part of the competitive process and will continue to access electricity under existing rules.

During the first two years, allocation targets allow for up to 400 megawatts of electricity for AI and data-centre projects.

The province says it will continue working with First Nations, local governments and industry partners to ensure projects move forward responsibly, while protecting B.C.’s clean electricity system for the future.

For more information, visit Government of British Columbia.