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The Canadian province of Manitoba has opted to extend a moratorium on new requests for electric providers from the authorities-owned Manitoba Hydro company meant for cryptocurrency operations.
This decision mirrors a similar suspension of carriers carried out in British Columbia (BC), even though the processes taken by each province vary in their specifics.
Extension of Manitoba
Manitoba’s extension of the pause relates to new requests from crypto miners and requests for electric-powered service, which have yet to result in the execution of agreements to assemble essential infrastructure. This pass reflects Manitoba’s cautious stance on handling the burgeoning call for strength from cryptocurrency mining sports.
The preliminary pause on electric connections to crypto-mining operations was instituted with the aid of the provincial government in November 2022, spanning 18 months. With the recent extension, the pause is slated to persist until April 30, 2026.
During this time, the province intends to formulate a complete, long-term technique to address the demanding situations related to the growing call for electricity from cryptocurrency mining operations.
It said in an announcement, “Manitoba Hydro continues to expect unprecedented demand for electricity from new or expanding cryptocurrency operations. That demand has the potential to drastically increase our total electrical load.”
Reason For Extension
The choice to increase the moratorium became underpinned by issues over the pressure on Manitoba’s electric infrastructure. Former CEO of Manitoba Hydro, Jay Grewal, highlighted the magnitude of the assignment in 2022, noting that connecting every cryptocurrency operator expressing hobby would bring about an astonishing growth of 4,600 megawatts in total electrical load. It posed a considerable venture considering Manitoba Hydro’s overall ability stood at 6,100 megawatts.
In contrast, British Columbia initiated a comparable suspension of carriers for brand-spanking new crypto miners in December 2022, affecting 21 tasks. However, BC has taken a divergent approach by introducing amendments to its Utilities Commission Act to regulate electricity service to cryptocurrency miners.
Provincial government directs Manitoba Hydro to continue pause on cryptocurrency connections https://t.co/nzIp06D1nK pic.twitter.com/QgvIFxWPr9
— HYDROVISION International (@HYDROVISIONIntl) April 22, 2024
Provincial Energy Minister Josie Osborne outlined the amendments, which would empower the BC government to prohibit, restrict, or regulate service to crypto miners.
“We’re working with BC Hydro to ensure we have the electricity we need […] and that includes regulating electricity service for energy-intensive cryptocurrency miners that create very few local jobs.”
BC’s pass to introduce regulatory measures displays a choice to address the challenges posed by cryptocurrency mining sports, even while ensuring the sustainability and reliability of the province’s electrical infrastructure.
Notably, BC boasts some of North America’s lowest industrial and industrial electricity charges, making it an attractive vacation spot for cryptocurrency miners seeking cost-effective energy answers.
Conclusion
Manitoba and British Columbia have both grappled with the impact of cryptocurrency mining on their respective electric infrastructures, prompting them to implement measures to control the demand for electricity from this area.
Manitoba’s choice to increase the moratorium on new electric provider requests for cryptocurrency operations underscores the province’s commitment to addressing these challenges proactively and sustainably. Similarly, BC’s circular to introduce regulatory amendments reflects a concerted effort to strive for stability by facilitating financial development and safeguarding the stability of its electrical grid.
Anurag is working as a fundamental writer for The Coin Republic since 2021. He likes to exercise his curious muscles and research deep into a topic. Though he covers various aspects of the crypto industry, he is quite passionate about the Web3, NFTs, Gaming, and Metaverse, and envisions them as the future of the (digital) economy. A reader & writer at heart, he calls himself an “average guitar player” and a fun footballer.
