Lao's state-owned #power company, Electricite du Laos (EDL), announced that it will no longer supply #electricity to #cryptocurrency #mining operations in the country. EDL stated that Laos experienced drought in the first half of 2023, with high temperatures leading to increased demand for electricity, making it difficult for #hydropower plants to generate enough power. EDL said that 95% of the country's electricity is generated through its system from hydropower plants, with plans to supply local power and export large quantities to the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) to provide power to the Thai grid during the upcoming dry season in 2024. The president of EGAT noted that if the drought situation in Laos worsens, the power generation capacity of Lao hydropower plants will decrease, reducing their export capabilities. Meanwhile, Lao authorities stated that cryptocurrency mining operations have failed to repay their growing debts.