Bitcoin miners turn to software to help balance Texas network

Bitcoin mining can help balance power grids, but software can help ensure miners can turn on and off turn off in seconds.

Analysis

While bitcoin (BTC) mining remains a controversial topic, it is increasingly common to hear how bitcoin mining can help balance network demand. This is demonstrated in the state of Texas, as Bitcoin miners can participate in demand response programs, which incentivize miners to shut down their operations during peak demand.

A spokesperson for the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) — the organization that operates the Texas power grid — told Cointelegraph that crypto charges can impact the network just like any heavy load. Still, they noted that crypto miners can help stabilize the grid by cutting off their demand for electricity in real time:

"Crypto mining is extremely responsive and can shut down in a fraction of a second and stay shut down for as long as needed. We work closely with the crypto mining industry and have implemented an extensive flexible load task force to ensure we move forward with grid reliability and load growth in Texas in mind.”

On March 25, ERCOT implemented an interim process to ensure that large new loads, such as Bitcoin miners, can be connected to the ERCOT network. While large load interconnect assessments are not a new process, ERCOT explained that the timeline in which most crypto-miners operate necessitates a new process to ensure that existing standards for interconnecting new loads important are respected. ERCOT's Technical Advisory Committee approved the creation of a "Large Flexible Loads Working Group" on March 30 to assist in the development of a long-term process that will replace the current interim process.

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