CANADA THREATENS TO CUT POWER TO U.S. AS TRADE WAR ESCALATES

Ontario Premier Doug Ford

Ontario Premier Doug Ford is threatening to cut electricity exports to the United States as tensions over President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods escalate.

Ford said Monday that Ontario could raise the price of electricity sent to the U.S. or stop the exports altogether if the Trump administration continues targeting Canadian industries.

“Everything’s on the table,” Ford said, warning that Ontario would do whatever it takes to protect Canadian workers and businesses.

Ontario exports enough electricity to serve about 1.5 million U.S. homes and businesses, primarily in New York, Michigan and Minnesota. A cutoff would likely put pressure on electricity markets in those states, particularly during periods of high demand.

However, a nationwide blackout is unlikely. The U.S. and Canadian power grids are interconnected, allowing utilities to shift electricity between regions and use other sources of generation when supplies change.

Ford has used electricity as a trade weapon before. In March 2025, Ontario imposed a 25% surcharge on electricity exports to New York, Michigan and Minnesota in response to Trump's tariffs. The surcharge was suspended the following day after trade tensions temporarily eased.

Ford’s latest threat comes as Canada prepares retaliatory tariffs on U.S. products following the collapse of trade talks. The escalating dispute is raising concerns about higher costs and disruptions across the deeply integrated U.S.- Canada economy.