>> Microsoft, on the other hand, worked out that going through $70,000 of unnecessary power by running "giant heaters" would put them in the clear and save $140,000 from the $210,000 fine.
Times must be pretty tough at Microsoft if they are prepared to do something as stupid as this to make a minuscule $140,000.00 in savings.
They could have at least donated the excess energy to finally breaking SHA-1, Folding at Home, SETI, or Bitcoins for Babies, or whatever.