Skeena Data Centers Plans Power Solutions Amid B.C. Electricity Allocation Limits
Christopher Chong, CEO of Skeena Data Centers, is exploring alternative power sources for a new facility in Terrace, British Columbia. The B.C. government has introduced the Energy Statutes Amendment Act (Bill 31), which limits electricity available for data centers and AI projects, prioritizing sectors like mining and manufacturing.
Critics, including Rory Capern from Redbrick Technologies, argue this approach is shortsighted and could jeopardize Canadian tech businesses, especially as reliance on U.S. data infrastructure grows amid political uncertainties. The province's electricity imports have increased, with BC Hydro expected to supply nearly a quarter of its needs by 2024.
Skeena Data Centers is considering options such as LNG power plants, wind generation, and river flow to mitigate reliance on BC Hydro. The B.C. government is urged to designate local data centers as significant projects to attract investment.
