Minnesota electric cooperative accuses electricity theft of mining, seeks damages

In a case involving cryptocurrency mining and public utility theft, the Minnesota-based power company, Northern Star Cooperative, has accused Ryan Jaenicke and Tina Fehlhaber of stealing a large amount of electricity. During a routine inspection in May 2023, two unauthorized 50 kVA transformers and cryptocurrency mining equipment were discovered. Northern Star has disconnected the unauthorized equipment and reported the case to law enforcement. They are seeking compensation for losses of at least $50,000 and the return of all profits obtained through suspected electricity theft.