Restrictions on cryptocurrency mining were introduced in Russia from the beginning of 2025. After that, electricity consumption decreased by 300-370 MW, most of which occurred in Siberia. However, despite the positive results, power grid companies note a decrease in revenue, and some miners continue to operate bypassing the bans.
According to the Ministry of Energy, restrictions on mining in the Irkutsk region, Buryatia, and the Trans-Baikal Territory from January 1 to March 15, 2025, made it possible to reduce electricity consumption by 320 MW. Thanks to this, it was possible to abandon disconnections for ordinary consumers during peak loads. In other regions, such as the North Caucasus, the decrease was about 50 MW, but some of the mining still remains in the "gray area."
It is worth recalling that the ban on mining will be in effect annually from November 15, 2024, to March 15 until 2031 in a number of regions, including the Irkutsk region and the North Caucasus. Such restrictions should help reduce accidents in the power system and ensure the connection of new consumers.
Companies engaged in mining report financial losses due to reduced workloads. For example, the Irkutsk Electric Grid Company (IESK) underreceived about 800 million rubles due to a decrease in electricity consumption by legal miners.
According to experts, restrictions on cryptocurrency mining in Russia have both positive and negative consequences. On the one hand, they help stabilize the energy system, and on the other hand, they lead to financial losses for companies and an increase in illegal activities.
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