International Monetary Fund (IMF) economists have warned of the environmental impact of crypto mining and AI data centers, which are projected to increase global electricity consumption to 3.5% by 2027, leading to higher carbon emissions. Proposing a targeted electricity tax, the authors estimate a potential reduction in emissions by 100 million tons annually, while generating […]
Paraguayan Senate Passes Law Imposing up to 10 Years of Jail Time on Crypto Miners for Electricity Theft
The Paraguayan senate has passed a series of reforms that changed penalties for energy and cryptocurrency mining-related energy theft. Now, individuals and companies found to be stealing energy for cryptocurrency mining activities will face jail time for up to 10 years, while energy theft for other purposes will face penalties for up to three years. […]
Malaysia Loses Over $700 Million Worth of Electricity to Illegal Crypto Miners, Says Minister
According to a government minister, Malaysia lost $ 727 million worth of electricity stolen by illegal crypto miners between 2018 and 2023. The minister also warned that power companies have methods to detect unauthorized mining activity. Illegal Crypto Mining Detrimental To Malaysians Says Minister Between 2018 and 2023, the theft of electricity by illegal …
Minnesota Power Co-op Accuses Couple of Major Electricity Theft for Bitcoin Farm Operation
In a case that intertwines crypto mining and utility theft, a Minnesota power company, North Star Electric Cooperative, has accused a former couple, Ryan Jaenicke and Tina Fehlhaber, of stealing vast amounts of electricity. The alleged scheme, detailed in a 19-page civil suit filed in Roseau County Court, was purportedly to power a bitcoin farm […]
Mining Bitcoin on Household Electricity Most Profitable in Asia, Study Finds
Despite significant variations in electricity rates and regulations, the Asian region as a whole has the lowest average cost of bitcoin mining for solo miners, new research shows. At the same time, the surge of energy prices due to Covid, heatwaves, and the war in Ukraine render bitcoin mining largely unprofitable throughout Europe. Mining …