🔌 Bitcoin miners causing issues for local residents in New York State

Crypto mining operations are expanding to areas like Massena and Plattsburgh in upstate New York in search of cheap hydroelectric power. Areas that were once home to large industrial operations, like Alcoa, are attractive for miners due to the low cost of power and existing facilities to house hardware. But the incredible demand for power has created issues for locals. In some cases the amount of electricity consumed exceeded what was available through low-cost sources, forcing towns to purchase more expensive power from the open market, causing utility bills to jump for local residents. Plattsburgh has introduced a moratorium on new mining operations as it works to figure out how to accommodate mining companies. Massena too has tried to keep mining operations at bay, but the potential for cheap power continues to draw miners to the area.