if time stood still, a river would not move - no hydroelectric power. because time moves forward, the river moves as well, thus generating energy. So in this instance, time creates energy. Bitcoin is like water, because it moves, it uses and creates energy in different ways. Perhaps, you are right, and it isn't energy, but energy flows into and out of it.

I simplify it by just saying bitcoin is energy, which may not be completely right, but it is mostly right.

Bitcoin miners are fueled by electricity, yes. But they are also fueled by the incentive of a reward - 6.25 bitcoin currently. The incentive is energy as well. Bitcoin mining is basically proof of work expending energy (electricity) for another type of energy (bitcoin).