New York State is taking significant steps towards regulating the energy consumption of crypto mining operations. A new bill introduced by State Senator Liz Krueger aims to impose an excise tax on the energy used by crypto mining companies within the state.
The proposed crypto mining tax will be implemented in tiers. Miners consuming up to 2.25 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually will be exempt. However, those using between 2.26 million to 5 million kWh will face a tax of 2 cents per kWh. For miners whose consumption ranges from 5 million to 10 million kWh, the tax increases to 3 cents per kWh. The rate further escalates to 4 cents per kWh for those utilizing up to 20 million kWh. Finally, any mining operation exceeding 20 million kWh per year will incur a tax of 5 cents per kWh.
Impact of the Crypto Mining Tax on New York State
This proposed legislation is not unprecedented but could have substantial impacts on the crypto mining industry. Companies reliant on grid electricity may find their profit margins squeezed even tighter, potentially forcing them to relocate to regions without such regulatory expenses.
Interestingly, the bill exempts miners who use 100% renewable energy. These miners were permitted to remain operational under a two-year mining moratorium that began in 2022 and expired in 2024. This exemption could provide an incentive for companies to invest in renewable energy infrastructure.
Challenges for Crypto Miners
With electricity costs being a critical component of mining operations, companies that use renewable energy in remote areas may gain a competitive edge. These businesses can mitigate the fluctuating costs of energy, which is a crucial factor in the mining process.
The median cost to mine a single Bitcoin (BTC) soared to over $70,000 in the second quarter of 2025 due to increasing mining difficulty and network hashrate, as reported by TheMinerMag. Rising energy prices in early 2025, estimated at $0.08 per kWh, doubled the costs for TeraWulf, a mining firm in upstate New York. This led to a reported loss of $61.4 million during the period.
It’s clear that the proposed crypto mining tax in New York State could significantly alter the landscape for miners, especially those unable to switch to renewable energy sources.
