Digital Power Network Calls on U.S. Department of Energy to Recognize Bitcoin Miners as Critical Grid Reliability Resources
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the Digital Power Network (DPN) submitted a formal public comment to U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright in response to the April 8 Executive Order on Strengthening the Reliability and Security of the United States Electric Grid. DPN urged the Department of Energy (DOE) to formally recognize Bitcoin mining operations as dispatchable, flexible-load assets that can enhance grid reliability, reduce emergency risk, and strengthen national energy security.
“Bitcoin miners across the U.S. are already acting as invisible grid partners, ramping down when the grid is stressed, absorbing excess power when renewables surge, and supporting local utilities with real-time load flexibility,” said Hailey Miller, Director of Government Relations & Public Policy at DPN. “The Department of Energy has a clear opportunity to integrate these assets into the nation's energy reliability strategy.”
In its comment, DPN calls on DOE to take four concrete actions aligned with the Executive Order’s goals:
Include flexible mining load in reserve margin methodologies
Accredit Bitcoin mining facilities as grid reliability resources
Develop a framework under Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act to curtail mining load during declared emergencies
Engage industry in data collection, pilot programs, and emergency response coordination
The comment draws on real-world data from ERCOT's Winter Storm Uri response, Texas’s record 2022 summer heat wave, and pilot programs led by Duke Energy, which show Bitcoin miners curtailing hundreds of megawatts of load on short notice to support grid operations. One study cited by DPN found that Bitcoin miners saved Texas up to $18 billion in avoided peaker plant and energy costs by serving as voluntary demand response assets.
Beyond reliability, DPN’s submission highlights the environmental and energy security benefits of Bitcoin mining, including flare gas mitigation, renewables integration, and incentivizing new domestic energy development.
“Bitcoin mining is more than a digital asset operation, it’s a new class of flexible infrastructure,” Miller added. “If DOE fully embraces it, we can strengthen grid reliability, cut emissions, and build a more resilient energy future for the United States.”
The full comment is available here.
About the Digital Power Network (DPN):
DPN is the largest coalition of Bitcoin miners in the United States, representing over 50% of domestic hash rate. Through public policy advocacy, industry coordination, and infrastructure innovation, DPN promotes responsible energy use, national security, and economic growth in the digital asset sector.