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B.C. Says AI and Data Centre Projects Must Compete for Power in New Selection Process
B.C. will allocate up to 400 megawatts of power through a competitive process prioritizing economic and environmental benefits amid a projected 15% electricity demand increase by 2030.
- On Jan. 30, 2026, British Columbia's government announced a competitive process for AI and data centre projects, with applications open until March 18, and projects already in development exempted.
- Citing U.S. states, Dix said the measure responds to climbing electricity rates attributed to data-centre demand, as BC Hydro projects demand will increase by 15 per cent or more by 2030.
- Under the new rules, Energy Minister Adrian Dix said the process will award projects based on economic and environmental benefits, excluding traditional industries, to support long-term benefits.
- Jobs Minister Ravi Kahlon said the process will attract AI investment, create tech jobs, and the government expects to notify successful applicants in late summer or early fall while managing power limits for certain industries.
- With prior procurement rounds, the government put out calls for power in 2024 and 2025 to shape long-term implications for the cryptocurrency mining sector, homes, and other businesses.
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Winnipeg Free Press+10 Reposted by 10 other sources
B.C. says AI and data centre projects must compete for power in new selection process
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B.C. says AI and data centre projects must compete for power in new selection process – Energeticcity.ca
British Columbia’s government says it’s launching a competitive selection process for artificial intelligence and data centre projects that would see companies fight over a set amount of power. Energy Minister Adrian Dix says companies that apply could gain access to a total of 400 megawatts of electricity over a two-year period. The new requirement does not apply to traditional industries like liquefied natural gas, forestry or mining. Dix says…
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Leaning Left6Leaning Right0Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution60% Left
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C 40%
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