Manitoba to use data centre and crypto mining tax to lower utility rates

Manitoba plans to direct revenue from its levy on AI data centres and cryptocurrency mining toward lower Manitoba Hydro rates for residential customers. The tax adds 100 percent markups on electricity used by crypto operations and data centres over 5 megawatts; the province expects up to $20 million, cutting household bills by about $50 a year.

• 100% markup applies to crypto operations and data centres over 5 MW
• Expected levy revenue reaches up to $20 million
• Manitoba Hydro rate cuts start early next year
• Only one 5.5 MW project near Rosser currently meets the threshold