Russian Miners Refused Exclusion from 'Take and Pay' Scheme
The Russian Ministry of Energy has clarified that cryptocurrency mining companies will not be excluded from the new "take-or-pay" pricing scheme, despite ongoing discussions and complaints. Under this mechanism, set to take effect from January 1, miners will have to pay for nearly all the kilowatts of their maximum declared power capacity, not just for their actual electricity consumption. While the draft document is being adjusted, primarily to exempt utility companies (water and heat suppliers), miners face stricter rules: they are placed in a separate category and will be subject to the scheme regardless of their connection date, with a minimum payable volume set at 90% of their declared capacity (compared to 70% for others).
The scheme, targeting industrial consumers with over 670 kW capacity and expected to fully launch by 2027, requires payment based on maximum possible consumption. Utility companies had argued that inclusion would at least double their costs, which would then be passed on to consumers via tariffs. They also criticized the proposed power thresholds as lacking technological or economic justification, claiming they would generate extra revenue for grid operators.
Mining companies oppose the plan. Firm "Algorithm" warned in a study that rising energy costs are already making continuous grid-powered mining economically unviable in Russia within 2-3 years, putting the country at a competitive disadvantage against major US companies. In a letter to the Ministry, "Algorithm" requested an exemption, suggesting miners could instead serve as "energy-balancing" organizations—consuming power during off-peak periods and reducing load during peaks. The Ministry's stance indicates this proposal has been rejected.
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