$BTC Gary Gensler, Chairman of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), announced his resignation from his position effective January 20, 2025, coinciding with the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. Gensler was known for his tough stance on cryptocurrencies and his actions against major platforms such as Coinbase and Binance. His resignation opens the way for Trump to appoint a new chairman who may change the Commission's policies towards financial markets and digital assets.
#BTC The impact of Bitcoin mining on Texas's electrical grid and cost savings AI Summary According to Cointelegraph, a recent report from the Digital Assets Research Institute (DARI) highlights the significant impact of Bitcoin mining on Texas's electrical grid, which could allow the state to save up to $18 billion by reducing the need for new gas plants for peak consumption. This revelation comes at a time when Texas has faced severe climate issues, such as the winter storm of 2021 that caused widespread power outages and economic losses. Traditionally, grid operators have relied on gas plants to manage peak electricity demand. While they are effective during short periods, these plants are expensive, idle for most of the year, and contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. The DARI report suggests that Bitcoin mining presents a more efficient alternative through demand response programs. These programs allow Bitcoin miners to quickly reduce energy consumption during demand peaks, thus stabilizing the grid. The report indicates that the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) explored alternatives to conventional peak gas plants after the devastation of the winter storm of 2021. Bitcoin mining emerged as a viable solution to balance electricity demand and supply, preventing additional power outages. Miners in Texas are actively participating in ERCOT's demand response programs, voluntarily reducing energy use during peak demand times. This strategy has negated the need for Berkshire Hathaway Energy's proposed $10 billion investment in new peak gas plants, which would have increased electricity costs for Texans.