The government of Buryatia has endorsed the introduction of a year-round ban on cryptocurrency mining, according to TASS citing regional authorities. The Ministry of Transport, Energy, and Road Management explained this stance as necessary to stabilize energy supply and rationally use available resources.
What Buryatia Authorities Decided
The decision to support a year-round ban was made at the republic's government level and justified by the needs of the energy system. The ministry emphasized that the measure aims to stabilize energy supply and realistically redistribute capacity amid shortages.
Ministry Arguments and Power Deficit Data
The ministry's official explanation states the ban is linked to the "currently existing serious deficit of electrical capacity." The text provides an estimate of the deficit for three neighboring regions — Irkutsk Oblast, Zabaykalsky Krai, and Buryatia — totaling nearly 3,000 MW.
Timeline and Documents — What Is Known
A Kommersant report dated December 16 indicates the government plans to implement a year-round ban starting in 2026 in southern Buryatia and Zabaykalsky Krai. This information is based on a draft protocol from the energy development commission dated December 10, though the exact date of the meeting where the decision will be made has not been specified.
Background of Restrictions in Russia
Previously, restrictions in the region were only in effect during periods of high load — from November 15 to March 15 — when some capacity was redirected to social facilities. At the start of 2025, federal measures limited mining in energy-deficit territories until spring 2031; several regions are already included in the year-round ban list.
Reactions from Regions and Federal Agencies
During the heating season, restrictions were introduced in Buryatia, Zabaykalsky Krai, and southern Irkutsk Oblast, while Irkutsk Oblast Governor Igor Kobzev secured a full mining ban in his region "for the next several years." Some regions requested a complete ban, but at a June energy commission meeting, the decision on Buryatia and Zabaykalsky Krai was postponed pending further assessments.
Next Steps and What to Watch For
Following previous meetings, it was decided first to assess lost revenues for the electric grid complex and prepare regulatory frameworks to redistribute miners' capacity in favor of social facilities. Official protocols from the energy commission and comments from the Ministry of Energy and regional authorities are expected to clarify the timeline and implementation format.
Why This Matters
For farm owners and individual miners, any expansion of the ban means uncertainty regarding electricity availability and usage rules. Even if your hashrate is small, regional changes may affect capacity availability, redistribution procedures, and legal restrictions on equipment operation.
What to Do?
If you mine in Buryatia, Zabaykalsky Krai, or southern Irkutsk Oblast, keep a few simple steps in mind. First, monitor official energy commission documents and Ministry of Energy statements — the meeting date is still unknown, and the protocols will determine enforcement practices.
Second, prepare a backup plan: evaluate shifting loads to less deficit hours or temporarily shutting down some equipment, and assess financial impacts of capacity redistribution. Finally, if needed, clarify local rules with your electricity provider and regional authorities.
For details on neighboring decisions and regional bans, see the article on the ban in southern Priangarye and the overview on electricity deficits in mining, which help compare regional practices.
