ActBritish ColumbiaSwitched on and used

Energy Statutes Amendment Act, 2025 (BC Bill 31) (Bill 31 (BC); SBC 2025, c. 23)

Amends British Columbia's energy laws to let BC Hydro co-own the North Coast Transmission Line with First Nations through limited partnerships, and gives the province control over electricity service to high-demand uses such as data centres. Third reading 19 November 2025; royal assent and in force 27 November 2025. Ministerial order M366/2025 (B.C. Reg. 228/2025), made under the Utilities Commission Act and relying on this Act's co-ownership framework, effective 8 December 2025, exempts phases 1 and 2 of the line from the requirement for a certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN).

Stages

Passing a law is not the same as switching it on, and switching it on is not the same as using it. Each stage is dated where known.

1. Royal Assent 27 November 2025
   BC Bill 31 receives Royal Assent
2. First used 8 December 2025
   BC ministerial order exempts BC Hydro from the Utilities Commission certificate (CPCN) for the NCTL

Events

• 3 September 2026Construction begins on BC Hydro's North Coast Transmission Line from Prince George toward TerraceActionInvestment decisionBritish Columbia9 sources
• 8 December 2025BC ministerial order exempts BC Hydro from the Utilities Commission certificate (CPCN) for the NCTLActionRegulationBritish Columbia2 sources
• 27 November 2025BC Bill 31 receives Royal AssentActionLegislationBritish Columbia3 sources