Definition
Behind-the-meter (BTM) describes electrical load that is wired directly to a generation source on the generator's side of the utility revenue meter and the point of interconnection with the grid. Because the power never flows onto the public grid, it avoids transmission and distribution charges, grid fees, and most of the line losses that come with moving electricity over long distances. The miner effectively buys power at the plant gate.
Why Miners Use It
A behind-the-meter Bitcoin mine gives a power plant a buyer of last resort. When grid prices are low or demand is weak, the generator can route megawatts to on-site ASICs instead of selling at a loss or shutting down. Because the grid operator only sees the net output after the miners take their share, behind-the-meter load is insulated from curtailment and volatile spot pricing. It is one of the cheapest ways to source large-scale mining power.
In Front of the Meter
The contrast is "in front of the meter" (or grid-connected) load, which draws from the public grid and pays full retail or wholesale rates plus delivery charges. Behind-the-meter is most common at gas plants, hydro dams, and renewable farms where co-located mining turns surplus generation into revenue rather than waste.
Behind-the-meter mining pairs naturally with stranded energy and demand response strategies. For the home-scale equivalent — running miners on your own service — explore D-Central's Bitcoin space heaters.
In Simple Terms
Behind-the-meter (BTM) describes electrical load that is wired directly to a generation source on the generator’s side of the utility revenue meter and the point…