Crypto Miners in Texas Need 'Approval to Energize' in New Grid Hurdle

Texas has started requiring new large-scale cryptocurrency miners to seek permission to connect to the state's power grid in anticipation of a flood of requests expected to drive up electricity demand. From a report: The Electric Reliability Council of Texas is requiring utilities to submit studies on the impact of miners and other large users tapping the grid before they can get "approval to energize," according to a March 25 notice from the state's main grid operator. Ercot members voted Wednesday to form a task force to hash out details of an interim plan that's ultimately meant to protect the grid from being overwhelmed.

A lot of work ahead

[smooth wombat]

an interim plan that's ultimately meant to protect the grid from being overwhelmed.

If they couldn't keep the grid up and running during inclement weather, what makes them think they can keep it up when all this electricity is being poured down the drain? In the summer. Are they going to blame wind again [texastribune.org] despite their gas lines being dead?

Of course the real question is if Raphael Cruz will once again flee the country when the lights go out.

I'm not sure it matters

[rsilvergun]

if you're likely to be impacted by the inevitable grid collapse you're probably poor enough you can be ignored. If all else fails they can cut the number of polling places in your district to disenfranchise you (think 4-6 hour wait times to vote, same to register to vote, maybe throw in some voter Id purges, etc, etc).

Do all that and keep the deaths around a few hundred a year and you'll get away with it.

Stalin was wrong. It's not who counts the votes, it's who gets to vote in the 1st place.

Re:

[arglebargle_xiv]

It'll be fine, Texas has their own Electricity Reliability Council which ensures they have the most stable, reliable grid in the US. There's nothing to worry about here.

Re:

[JackieBrown]

Inclement weather? You either have no knowledge of Texas's weather or are purposely misrepresenting the situation.

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[Chas]

You seriously expect the US to ignore an avenue for money laundering?

Pardon me whilst I laugh uproariously.

NIMBY

[rsilvergun]

Seriously, I don't want Crypto in my back yard. Supply and demand are a thing. If they're hooking up to the grid it's going to raise my rates because I'll be competing with them for a limited supply. Electric companies aren't going to magically increase production, they're going to raise rates to limit usage (and maximize profits).

Ban crypto. And at the very least ban miners from opening up shop in your neighborhood. They're all cost and no benefit.

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[PsychoSlashDot]

Seriously, I don't want Crypto in my back yard. Supply and demand are a thing. If they're hooking up to the grid it's going to raise my rates because I'll be competing with them for a limited supply. Electric companies aren't going to magically increase production, they're going to raise rates to limit usage (and maximize profits). Ban crypto. And at the very least ban miners from opening up shop in your neighborhood. They're all cost and no benefit.

I agree. There's a sliding scale of value. Things you need are the most valuable. I'm willing to pay "more" if the demand for things people need increases. Things you want are of moderate value. I'm willing to pay "more" somewhat if demand goes up because people want things. Things you waste because of abuse or excess are of negative value.

If grid demand and pricing goes up because weather is exception and people need A/C or heat to stay alive and well? I'll pay. Because need.
If grid demand and

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[JeffOwl]

Maybe, maybe not. The price of power isn't that simple. If they are put on a program where they only use power when it is plentiful and they get cut off when demand is high, it won't likely have a significant impact on your rates. Except for the fact that it is kind of a waste, it is almost the idea use case for smoothing out the base load on a power grid. It can be started and stopped at a moment's notice or even ramped up and down incrementally. It could even be put under the control of the electric utili

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[gweihir]

Definitely ban proof-of-work. I think proof-of-stake will turn out to be not much better, but at least the damage will hopefully be contained to the crypto-morons. If not, ban that as well.

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[Tokolosh]

You are making the same argument as those opposed to net neutrality. There goes net neutrality!

The land of deregulation...

[MachineShedFred]

And in the utopia of deregulation - Texas - we see regulations being created because sometimes ideology has to cave in under the weight of reality.

Re:

[Inglix the Mad]

And in the utopia of deregulation - Texas - we see regulations being created because sometimes ideology has to cave in under the weight of reality.

Obviously this is due to the durty libs in Texas forcing GLORIOUS FREE MARKET IS THE ONLY WAY Republicans to hurt those poor, poor, cryptominers. Those cryptominers will be JOB CREATORS and should be allowed to do whatever they want without regard to heath or environmental factors.

What's really going on is the "right people" in Texas haven't been offered a "campaign contribution" so they're going to get hit regulations. You're rich enough to bribe, er, contribute campaign funds you'll be able to operate

Take this as a warning Texans...

[sarren1901]

Your assholes in charge are about to fuck you. If you are lucky enough to own a home where you control the roof, get solar and batteries if you can manage it.

I recommend this to everyone that can afford it actually. Energy independence from our insane politicians and CEOs is definitely worth striving for on an individual basis.

Proof of Work is STUPIDITY DEFINED

[OYAHHH]

Proof of space is the ultimate answer to this idiotic need for massive amounts of electricity.

I am amazed so many people, especially here, continue to be ignorant of the solution which is already picking up a lot of steam.

Just search for Chia

So much for Net Neutrality

[Tokolosh]

It won't end well when the government can decide for you about anything.

Possible carve-out coming?

[ChitlinCookoffChamp]

From what I'm reading, Texas may exempt stranded-gas sales from taxes if it is used for Bitcoin mining. That would be good if true! Such gas is often just wasted - flared off into the atmosphere and contributing nothing. It can instead be captured and used to power the Bitcoin network, and already is in various parts of North America.

Also, the NIMBY sentiment is kind of funny in this context. Y'all must live way out in the sticks. What's it like living next to a natural gas well? Does it smell funny