The Russian government is considering a new electricity pricing mechanism for large power-consuming units, focusing on cryptocurrency mining facilities and large data centers. According to Vedomosti, the proposal was put forward by Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak and has been submitted to Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. If approved, the new policy is expected to take effect in 2027 and will apply to electricity users with a capacity of 670 kilowatts or more.
Under the current system, businesses only pay for their actual electricity consumption. The new plan will shift to a 'capacity-based payment' model, requiring users to pay up to 90% of the declared installed capacity fees, rather than the actual electricity consumed. This means that even if equipment is idle at night or underloaded, users will still incur nearly full electricity costs.
Currently, the total installed capacity of data centers in Russia is approximately 4.5 gigawatts, with about 2.7 gigawatts coming from cryptocurrency mining. According to the Ministry of Energy, by 2030, an additional 2.5 gigawatts of new data centers are expected to be added, while mining-related capacity could exceed 12.7 gigawatts, leading to a continuous increase in electricity demand.
The new mechanism will adopt a 'two-part tariff' system, splitting electricity costs into energy usage fees and grid access service fees. The latter could become a major cost item, significantly impacting mining projects with variable loads. Many mining operations rely on low night-time electricity rates, with actual utilization often below 70%, and under the new regulations, their electricity expenses could soar four to five times.
The industry has reacted strongly to this proposal. Currently, Federal Law No. 244 classifies data centers as communication infrastructure, allowing for a reduction of up to 50% in grid access fees. If the new policy is implemented, it will conflict with existing regulations, increasing construction and operational costs. Telecom operator MTS has warned that this move will not only affect the mining industry but could also impact the layout of artificial intelligence computing infrastructure.
Some companies may turn to self-built power sources or relocate to remote areas to avoid costs. Industry experts point out that due to Western sanctions, the supply of high-performance GPUs is limited, and the future demand for AI data centers is highly uncertain. The grid operators hope to reduce investment risks through a stable charging mechanism. However, for mining companies, the policy may significantly suppress expansion momentum and reshape the industry landscape.