Russia is developing measures to tighten control over shadow mining. It is planned to remotely compare meter readings with information provided by the user. If the data does not match, a fine will be issued. This initiative was proposed for consideration for implementation in the Expert Council under the Government of the Russian Federation in order to reduce disruptions in the country's energy system.
Despite the fact that mining in Russia is mostly industrial in nature, there remains a certain percentage of shadow miners. They exceed the volume of electricity consumption, but continue to make utility payments at rates for the population, which are significantly lower than industrial rates.
At the moment, the cost of electricity for the population is 1.5 rubles per 1 kWh lower than the tariffs for industrial use. Fines for miners can reach from hundreds of thousands to a million rubles.
In addition, shadow miners do not register their activities, but use energy-intensive equipment to obtain cryptocurrency. This often leads to overloading the power system and problems with the supply of electricity to consumers.
In some regions, there is a significant increase in electricity consumption, including due to the growth of mining loads, which led to the emergence of local deficits in the southeastern part of the Unified Energy System of Siberia—Irkutsk—Cheremkhovo district, Irkutsk region, southern part of Buryatia and certain regions of Transbaikalia.
Experts note that the situation is complicated by the lack of a unified law at the federal level. Utility companies have to go to court to prove their case. This takes extra money and time.
The new initiative will be considered by the government on May 16 of this year.
Earlier www1.ru reported that electricity for cryptocurrency miners may become more expensive in Russia.
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