Rewritten Title: Tehran Intensifies Energy Management Drive: Unlicensed Crypto Mining Operations Unplugged
Rewritten Article:
In a significant move to bolster the national power grid and enforce energy regulations, Tehran’s electrical distribution company has announced a series of measures, including the decisive shutdown of dozens of unlicensed cryptocurrency mining farms.
Crackdown on Unauthorized Crypto Mining
Akbar Hassan Bekloo, Managing Director of Tehran Province’s Electricity Distribution Company, revealed that a major enforcement operation this year led to the discovery and closure of 63 unauthorized digital currency mining farms across the province. These illicit operations were found to be using a staggering amount of electricity, equivalent to the power consumption of approximately 50,000 households.
“These farms were unlicensed,” stated Hassan Bekloo. “All of them have been referred to the judicial authorities, and we are following up to ensure legal action is taken.”
A Broader Strategy for Energy Management
The action against unauthorized crypto mining is part of a wider, strategic push by the Energy Ministry to manage consumption and modernize the power infrastructure. A cornerstone of this initiative is the rapid, state-funded installation of smart electricity meters for high-consumption subscribers.
“On average, we are installing between 1,000 to 1,500 smart meters daily, and on some days, this number reaches 1,800,” Hassan Bekloo explained. “This comes at no cost to the citizens, as the distribution company bears all expenses.”
Solar Energy: A National Priority
Parallel to the crackdown and smart metering, significant progress is being made in developing solar power, a key national priority. Hassan Bekloo highlighted that, with support from the provincial governor and the energy committee, necessary land has been allocated for solar projects.
A major milestone is the handover of a 2,000-hectare site to an investor for the construction of a large-scale solar farm. The official expressed optimism that construction would begin soon. He further detailed ongoing projects, including what he described as “the largest solar site in Tehran province,” spanning nearly 400 hectares in Varamin, with other significant installations in Qarchak and Shamsabad.
Powering Schools and Homes with Solar Energy
In a collaborative effort with the School Development and Renovation Organization, an innovative plan is underway to equip 1,200 schools in the province with rooftop solar panels, generating a combined capacity of 6 megawatts.
For residential solar power, Hassan Bekloo clarified that the initiative is demand-driven. Citizens who wish to install solar panels on their homes can register through the “Mehrsan” system. Upon permit issuance, partner banks provide facilitative loans for 5-kilowatt home systems, with the electricity company offering full guidance and support throughout the process.
Addressing Unauthorized Constructions
The official also addressed the issue of unauthorized electricity usage in constructions built without proper permits, particularly on the outskirts of urban areas. He noted that while a regulatory solution has been found to provide power for residential units in certain circumstances, there will be “severe confrontation” against villas and garden villas using electricity illegally.