ORDER NUMBER
G-390-22A
IN THE MATTER OF
the Utilities Commission Act, RSBC 1996, Chapter 473
and
British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority
Application to Suspend Obligation to Supply Service to Cryptocurrency Mining Projects
BEFORE:
B.A. Magnan, Commissioner
on December 28, 2022
ORDER
WHEREAS:
A. On December 21, 2022, pursuant to section 28(3) of the Utilities Commission Act British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority (BC Hydro) filed an application with the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC), requesting the BCUC suspend its obligation to supply service to certain new cryptocurrency mining projects (Application);
B. On December 21, 2022, the Lieutenant Governor in Council, issued Order in Council (OIC) No. 692, directing the BCUC to issue final orders approving BC Hydro’s Application within 10 days of the filing date of the Application;
C. In the Application, BC Hydro requests relief from the obligation to supply service to certain new cryptocurrency mining projects requiring low-voltage or high-voltage connections, as defined in the OIC;
D. BC Hydro also requests relief from the obligation to enter into a system impact study agreement in relation to any new high-voltage cryptocurrency projects, and the obligation to enter into a facilities study agreement in relation to a paused project, as defined in the OIC;
E. In the Application, BC Hydro states the suspension to supply service will be temporary and last 18 months from the date of BCUC’s ordering approving the Application (Suspension Period);
F. BC Hydro requests that Appendix C and associated customer information be kept confidential due to its commercially sensitive nature; and
G. The BCUC has reviewed the Application and considers approval is warranted.
NOW THEREFORE the BCUC orders as follows:
BC Hydro is relieved of the following obligations during the Suspension Period:
a. The obligation to supply service respecting a new low-voltage, cryptocurrency project as defined in the OIC, including, without limitation, the obligation to accept a design deposit in relation to a new low voltage cryptocurrency project; and
b. The obligation to supply service respecting a new high-voltage, cryptocurrency project as defined in the OIC, including, without limitation:
i. The obligation to enter into a system impact study agreement in relation to a new high-voltage cryptocurrency project; and
ii. The obligation to enter into a facilities study agreement in relation to a paused project.
2. The BCUC will keep Appendix C and associated customer information confidential as they contain commercially sensitive information.
DATED at the City of Vancouver, in the Province of British Columbia, this 28th day of December 2022.
BY ORDER
Original signed by:
B.A. Magnan
Commissioner