China Forces Bitcoin Miners to Scale Down Amid Electricity Shortfall

With the dry season approaching, Bitcoin miners in China’s Sichuan province may be forced to reduce their electricity consumption.

Prioritizing Communal Electricity Needs Over Crypto Miners

According to Asia Times, authorities in Sichuan Province, China, are reportedly leaning on Bitcoin miners to cut down electricity consumption. This news comes amid the dry season in Southwest China which usually lasts until April.

During the dry season, Sichuan Province experiences electricity shortfalls as the region’s main power supply comes from hydroelectric sources. Sources at the local government say authorities expect a 30% increase in electricity demand by domestic households over the previous dry season.

Thus, authorities are reportedly looking for ways to ensure that ‘normal’ electricity consumers are affected by the operations of Bitcoin miners and other high energy consumers.

Already, a couple of hydroelectric power stations have received fines totaling $140,000 for…