‌Abkhazia's energy crisis intensifies, nearly 200 private Bitcoin mining machines seized recently

The State Security Service (SSS) in the autonomous republic of Abkhazia has discovered and seized 194 private Bitcoin mining machines in different regions over four days (December 10-13). However, the crackdown does not appear to have slowed down the operations of cryptocurrency miners. Timur Dzhindzholiya, head of state-run electricity provider Chernomorenergo, said the republic’s energy situation remains “critical.” He said that despite rolling blackouts and the rising cost of importing electricity from Russia, “electricity consumption has not decreased,” which the report said “suggests that crypto mining farms continue to operate in Abkhazia.” Bganba said he hopes to convince acting president Badre Gunba and the country’s parliament to “declare a state of emergency in the energy sector.” The country’s acting Minister of Energy and Transport, Dzhansukh Nanba, recently said that crypto miners “consume 10% to 15% of the republic’s electricity.” December’s electricity crisis in Abkhazia worsened. On December 10, the republic’s internet providers cut off access to the network for seven hours to relieve pressure on the grid related to cryptocurrency mining. On December 11, power suppliers were forced to shut down the key Inguri hydroelectric power station for about 24 hours due to extremely low water levels. Media reports said, "The energy consumption situation in Abkhazia has reached a critical point." Russia has said it will no longer provide cheap electricity to Abkhazia and will begin charging the republic standard commercial electricity prices. In the past, Moscow has helped it alleviate power shortages with emergency power supplies. (Cryptonews)