Meters to be installed in Mestia to pinpoint illegal crypto mining, Gov’t Administration Head

The Georgian government plans to install electricity meters across the municipality of Mestia as part of efforts to identify locations linked to illegal cryptocurrency mining and excessive power consumption.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Head of the Government Administration Levan Zhorzholiani said authorities had identified illegal business activity related to crypto mining, which is placing significant strain on the local electricity network.

Zhorzholiani said electricity consumption in Mestia reached 133 million kilowatt-hours in 2025, while a municipality of a similar size would typically consume no more than 10 million kilowatt-hours annually.

He said the unusually high demand has caused substantial damage to the power grid and generated financial losses that are ultimately reflected in electricity tariffs.

To address the problem, the government has decided to install meters throughout the municipality for identification purposes. Some of the devices will be linked to specific villages and settlements, allowing authorities to determine where excessive electricity use is occurring.

Zhorzholiani said the system would also assist law enforcement agencies in identifying locations where illegal crypto-mining operations may be taking place.

He called on local residents to cooperate with authorities and support efforts to detect and prevent the unlawful use of electricity.