Starting today, Ontario has slapped a 25% surcharge on electricity exports to the United States in response to tariffs imposed by President Trump’s administration.
The surcharge will affect 1.5 million homes and businesses in Michigan, Minnesota and New York, costing up to $400,000 daily.
“President Trump’s tariffs are a disaster for the U.S. economy,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Until the threat of tariffs is gone for good, Ontario won’t back down. We’ll stand strong and do whatever it takes to protect Ontario.”
It is set to remain in place until tariffs are lifted.
Premier Doug Ford says the measure protects Ontario workers and families, warning the province could hike the surcharge or cut off exports entirely.
Under the new market rules, any electricity generator selling power to the United States must now add $10 per megawatt-hour to the cost of their exports. Revenue collected from the surcharge will be used to support Ontario families, workers and businesses affected by the trade dispute.
Ford notes there is one person to blame for that.
The Premier added that the revenue generated from the surcharge will be reinvested to support local communities.
“For decades, Ontario has powered American homes, factories and jobs,” said Lecce. “We will not stand by as our electricity exports are taken for granted.”
This move follows Canada’s $30 billion in retaliatory tariffs, with Ontario also banning U.S. products from LCBO shelves and excluding American firms from government contracts.
(Written by: K. Freeman)
