Bitcoin mining. There are at least 137 Bitcoin mines in the US across 21 states, and reports indicate there are many more planned. According to estimates by the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), Bitcoin mining uses up to 2.3% of the nation's grid. "Fortunately we put a stop to it," he says, noting that all but one Bitcoin mining operation left the city. And the nature of Bitcoin mining means that, if it meets resistance, it can quickly move on to somewhere more favourable.