Ontario Premier Doug Ford has issued a bold warning: if the United States escalates its tariffs on Canadian products, he’s prepared to cut off power to 1.5 million homes and businesses south of the border.
New Energy Surcharge Targets U.S. Exports
In response to recent U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, Ford introduced a 25% surcharge on energy exported from Ontario to Michigan, Minnesota, and New York. This surcharge is expected to generate up to $400,000 per day.
However, Ford hinted this might not be the end of the conflict.
“If the United States escalates, I will not hesitate to shut the electricity off completely,” Ford declared on Monday.
Impact on Ontario’s Energy Output
Cutting off U.S. energy supply isn’t as simple as flipping a switch. To reduce energy exports, Ontario would need to scale back its own energy production — particularly from hydro-electric sources.
“We just have to reduce the amount of energy we’re outputting right now,” Ford explained. “It wouldn’t be nuclear because turning down a nuclear reactor could take six months, but with hydro, we could slow that down.”
The Role of U.S. Energy Agreements
Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) relies on energy agreements with the U.S. to help maintain affordability, reliability, and sustainability. These agreements are particularly valuable during low-demand periods like nights and weekends when power plants continue to operate.
Selling surplus energy to U.S. states — as well as Quebec and Manitoba — prevents excess electricity from going to waste. However, reducing Ontario’s energy output to avoid exporting to the U.S. could also reduce power sold to its Canadian neighbours.
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Uncertain Timeline for Energy Cutoff
Ford has not specified when he might take action or what conditions would trigger a full cutoff. Meanwhile, the White House has warned of reciprocal tariffs in response.
Possible Impact on Ontario’s Energy Costs
While Ontario is a major energy exporter, it also imports some power from the U.S. Energy expert Tom Timmins warned that Ford’s surcharge could raise electricity costs for Ontario consumers.
“If there was a response, yes, imported power could become more expensive,” Timmins explained. This could especially affect Ontario during peak periods like cold January mornings or hot August afternoons.
Ontario’s Energy Advantage
Despite potential risks, Ontario’s Energy Minister Stephen Lecce believes the province can manage the situation. Ontario currently exports 31 times more energy to the U.S. than it imports, selling 12,000 megawatt hours compared to the 374 megawatt hours it buys from American suppliers.
“We have the ability,” Lecce assured. “The IESO is fully confident in their capacity to keep the lights on for Ontarians.”
Lecce emphasized that Ontario could rely on natural gas reserves to stabilize its energy supply if needed.
Potential Long-Term Risks
Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles warned that Ford’s aggressive stance could backfire, jeopardizing future energy trade deals.
“The premier takes a simplistic approach and isn’t considering that the United States might find other sources for energy,” Stiles cautioned.
As tensions grow, Ford’s energy ultimatum adds yet another layer to the unfolding trade dispute between Canada and the U.S.
नमस्ते, मेरा नाम अमित वर्मा है। मैं हिंदी में सरकारी योजनाओं और स्कीम्स से जुड़ी ताज़ा खबरें और जानकारी साझा करता हूं। राजस्थान का निवासी होने के नाते, मेरा उद्देश्य आपको सभी सरकारी योजनाओं की सटीक और सरल जानकारी प्रदान करना है।