The Russian government has officially placed all crypto mining facilities at the lowest priority in the national electricity supply system. Under Resolution No. 1300 issued on October 6, 2026, Moscow requires crypto mining farms to connect via Category 4 power. In Russia’s power supply reliability framework, Category 4 represents the lowest tier.
The government did not impose an immediate shutdown of mining operations under the new decree. The change solely affects grid connection requirements, placing miners’ power reliability below public needs.
When Can Miners’ Power Be Cut?
Category 4 allows authorities to cut off miners’ power without prior coordination during electricity shortages. This unilateral disconnection measure is enforced to protect power supplies for households and other consumers.
This status is not a new framework in Russia. The government first introduced Category 4 in February 2026 under Resolution No. 103 for consumers willing to accept less reliable power supplies. Under Resolution No. 1300, what was once a voluntary arrangement is now mandatory for all crypto mining facilities.
Across Russia, the rule applies to new connection applications as well as several pending requests. The provision applies to mining farms without exception, including in regions where mining activities remain permitted.
Regional Bans Keep Expanding
Moscow has continued to expand regional restrictions since legalizing regulated crypto mining in 2024. Despite holding official permits, miners face increasingly limited room to operate at the regional level. In August 2026, the government broadened mining bans to include Moscow, the Moscow region, and parts of Kursk.
In regions with outright mining bans, grid operators cannot accept new Category 4 connection requests for mining equipment. Meanwhile, in areas where mining is still permitted, businesses can still apply for connections, provided they are prepared for the risk of power cuts without prior notice.
The Energy Ministry stated that the regulation supports the efficient use of energy infrastructure while safeguarding residential electricity supplies. The rules are designed to prevent mining compute loads from compromising power availability for everyday consumers during grid demand spikes.
Russia’s Position Behind the US and Kazakhstan
Russia currently holds a strategic position on the global computing map as the world’s third-largest Bitcoin mining nation, trailing only the United States and Kazakhstan.
For industry players, Category 4 status demands tangible operational adjustments. Mining facilities requiring stable power supplies now sit at the bottom of the hierarchy when grid capacity tightens. Running mining farms in Russia going forward means bracing for the risk of sudden blackouts whenever power shortages strike.
Reported by crypto.news.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only, not financial advice. Cryptocurrency assets are highly volatile and carry significant risk. Always do your own research (DYOR) and never invest more than you can afford to lose.
