The British Columbia government has implemented a ban on new connections for crypto mining to the province’s hydroelectric power grid, citing unprecedented demand and a desire to prioritize economic diversification. This new legislation, set to take effect in fall 2025, aims to promote growth in data centers and artificial intelligence while addressing concerns about grid reliability and energy affordability. The move is a shift away from the previously implemented temporary ban on new connections for crypto mining announced last year. The ban aims to address disproportionate energy consumption by cryptocurrency miners, emphasizing their limited economic contribution compared to other sectors like data centers and AI.