Bitcoin’s network stability came under pressure over the weekend as severe winter weather across the United States forced miners to reduce operations.
The disruption pushed Bitcoin’s hashrate to its lowest level in seven months, highlighting how weather-driven energy stress can impact the network.
Widespread power outages and surging electricity demand strained regional grids, prompting miners to respond.
The episode highlighted Bitcoin mining’s expanding role in energy management during extreme conditions, as Bitcoin traded at $88,380.45, up about 0.5% over the past 24 hours.
Bitcoin Hashrate slides sharply as winter storm hits US grids
Data from mining analytics platform CoinWarz showed that Bitcoin’s hashrate began falling on Friday before dropping sharply over the weekend.
By Sunday, network computing power fell to about 663 exahashes per second, marking a decline of more than 40% in two days.
The downturn coincided with a powerful winter storm that affected more than three dozen US states.
The United States accounts for the largest share of global Bitcoin mining activity. Estimates from the Hashrate Index suggested the country contributes nearly 38% of the total network hashrate.
A 2024 Energy Information Administration report identified at least 137 crypto-mining facilities nationwide.
As electricity demand surged during the storm, several miners curtailed activity to ease pressure on strained grids.
Oregon-based miner Abundant Mines described the disruption as significant. The company said about 40% of global Bitcoin mining capacity went offline within 24 hours due to extreme winter weather. It added that many operators reduced output voluntarily as energy demand spiked.
Abundant Mines said this flexibility showed a structural advantage, as mining operations can shut down quickly and restart once conditions stabilize.
Mining curtailments highlight role in grid stability
The hashrate decline proved temporary. CoinWarz data showed the network rebounded to around 854 exahashes per second by Monday as conditions improved.
The recovery reflected how miners can return operations rapidly once power availability normalizes. Industry advocates said this responsiveness supports grid stability rather than undermines it.
Bitcoin ESG researcher Daniel Batten said on X that demand response programs involving miners helped stabilize the Texas power grid during the storm. He noted that mining operations can absorb excess electricity from wind or solar sources, then power down during peak demand.
According to Batten, this flexibility helps balance supply during extreme weather events.
CryptoQuant analyst Julio Moreno said daily output dropped sharply at several major US mining firms during the disruption. However, production recovered alongside the hashrate rebound.
Batten also cited recent research arguing that Bitcoin mining can strengthen electrical grids and lower consumer electricity costs.
The analysis challenged claims that mining destabilizes grids or raises prices.
Instead, it pointed to peer-reviewed studies and operational data showing that flexible power usage can provide measurable benefits during grid stress.