British Columbia has introduced a new competitive process for artificial intelligence infrastructure and data centre projects seeking access to the province’s electricity grid, reflecting growing concern over the power demands of large-scale computing.
The province says B.C.’s artificial intelligence sector is expanding rapidly, alongside increasing recognition that domestic data centres play an important role in protecting Canadian data and supporting sovereign digital infrastructure.
At the same time, officials acknowledge that the rapid growth of AI computing and digital infrastructure is placing new pressure on electricity systems.
“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,” said Adrian Dix, B.C.’s Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions.
Under Bill 31, the Energy Statutes Amendment Act, prospective AI and data centre developments will now be required to participate in a provincial selection process in order to secure access to B.C.’s clean electricity supply.
“Clean electricity is essential to B.C.’s economic success, and demand is growing quickly,” Dix stated. “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.”
Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth, said the approach is intended to ensure that new digital infrastructure investments deliver meaningful economic benefits.
“As demand for technology infrastructure grows, British Columbia needs a strategic approach to ensure our clean electricity supports the right projects,” Kahlon said. “By supporting projects already well underway and establishing a clear, transparent path for future proposals, we’re ensuring clean electricity powers well-paying jobs and opportunities across the province.”
The province is working with BC Hydro to administer the new process.
“The competitive process will give emerging proponents a fair and transparent pathway to access clean electricity while protecting long-term affordability and grid reliability for our customers,” said Charlotte Mitha, President and CEO of BC Hydro.
The requirement will apply specifically to AI and data centre developments. Traditional industries—including mining, forestry, manufacturing, liquefied natural gas, and hydrogen production for domestic use—are excluded from the new process.
As AI adoption accelerates globally, electricity availability is emerging as one of the key constraints on where new data centres can be built, making energy policy increasingly central to digital infrastructure planning.