Large amount of electricity theft by cryptocurrency machines uncovered in highland town of Mestia

The police have uncovered a large number of cryptocurrency machines illegally consuming large amounts of electricity in the auxiliary space of the hotel Banguriani in central Mestia, Svaneti region, says energy company Energo-Pro Georgia.

The electricity theft of the hotel Banguriani is equal to the consumption of approximately four-five villages.

In Mestia, especially in the last one year, electricity consumption has increased catastrophically. The reason for this is cryptocurrency production points opened in the area, which steal a large amount of electricity,” reads the information.

Mestia district, at the moment, consumes on average the electricity of 12-14 other districts,” says Energo-Pro Georgia.

Increased electricity consumption cannot be physically borne by the existing electrical network. Accidents often occur and company employees try to repair a broken network in a timely manner, says the company adding that increased electricity consumption is making the network to be out of order again, says the company.

The reason for high energy consumption and cryptomining which crops up in Mestia is that residents of Mestia municipality do not pay their electricity costs. However, the government decision does not apply to commercial consumers.