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ARTICLE · 29 NOVEMBER 2021

Bitcoin Operations: Some Clarity For Self-Supply Electricity In Alberta

Stikeman Elliott LLP
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In recent years Alberta has seen interest from, and entry of, data processors and bitcoin miners. Given the abundance of natural gas and related infrastructure...

CanadaEnergy and Natural Resources
Dennis P Langen
Dennis P Langen
Larissa Lees
Larissa Lees
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In recent years Alberta has seen interest from, and entry of, data processors and bitcoin miners. Given the abundance of natural gas and related infrastructure, sophisticated natural gas producers and Alberta's energy only electricity market (which is similar to the Texas electricity market) the reasons for this are obvious. However, as demonstrated by a recent Alberta Utilities Commission (the "AUC" or "Commission") enforcement decision, understanding the nuances of the regulatory regime for both the generation and consumption of electricity in Alberta are of import to any entity seeking to establish a data processing and bitcoin mining operation in Alberta. 

On August 19, 2021, the Commission released an enforcement decision in respect of the allegations against Link Global Technologies Inc. ("Link Global") that Link Global contravened the Hydro and Electric Energy Act ("HEEA") and AUC Rule 007.1 In the summer of 2020 Link Global began operating two small power

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