Texas Grid & Cryptocurrency Mining Impact

What is happening? Texas elected officials are welcoming cryptocurrency touting the renewable reserve power in Texas. Energy experts are split.

Why is this important? Supporters say for this work and help the grid, cryptocurrency has to be willing to shut down when the grid asks it to do so.

How will this be important? Opponents say:

• miners draw a lot of electricity & will increase ratepayer costs if new generation isn’t added
• there will be a CO2 increase
• simply adding new demand doesn’t fix the grid or automatically add supply

Houston Chronicle via Governing | Can Texas’ Power Grid Withstand Cryptocurrency Mining?