Power Play: The Blame Game in Iran
In the ongoing saga of power shortages, Iran’s Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade has thrown cold water on claims made by the major power company Tavanir. Alireza Hadi, the ministry’s director of investment and planning, boldly stated that Tavanir’s figures regarding illegal cryptocurrency miners are not just inflated—they’re like a hot air balloon during a power outage!
Exaggerated Claims and Cold Hard Numbers
Tavanir has suggested that illegal mining operations are guzzling down 2,000 megawatts of electricity, a claim that Hadi has branded as highly dubious. He remarked, “This amount would equal power used by 3 million pieces of hardware,” invoking mental images of dodgy miners hoarding equipment like a kid with a candy stash. The debate continues: Are we really facing a mining crisis, or has Tavanir’s rhetoric spun out of control?
Flipping the Switch on Mining Regulations
Cryptocurrency mining is legal in Iran, yet Tavanir has pinned the blame for the nation’s blackouts mainly on unregistered miners. In August 2021, Tavanir spokesperson Rajabi Mashhadi pointed fingers and said: “Unauthorized miners are the main culprits behind the power outages in recent months. We would have had 80% fewer blackouts if those miners had just answered their phones and registered!”
Shutting Down Operations: A Stark Reminder
As a means of tackling the alleged issue, Tavanir claims to have shut down over 5,000 unregistered mining farms. They’ve even gone so far as to confiscate 213,000 pieces of unauthorized mining gear capable of consuming a hefty 850 megawatts. You could say they’ve been on a bit of a power trip, no pun intended.
The Bounty Hunters of Electricity
Those feeling brave and wanting to earn a little extra cash have become informants, with Tavanir rewarding citizens who help uncover illegal mining operations with a bounty of 100 million rials (approximately $480). That’s some serious coffee money for a little sleuthing! Despite having the legal green light for registered miners, the authorities have cautioned that unregistered businesses face an electric avalanche of trouble.
