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. At the same time, 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 part of the mining still remains in the «gray area».
Recall 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 a decrease in the amount of work. For example, the Irkutsk Electric Grid Company (IESK) lost 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 power system, and on the other, they lead to financial losses for companies and an increase in illegal activities.
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