Ontario slaps 25% increase on electricity exports to US

Tariff looks set to hike Americans' bills as Canada responds to Trump's trade war and calls on president to 'show respect'

- ROB GILLIES

Ontario's premier announced yesterday that the Canadian province will charge 1.5 million Americans 25 per cent more for electricity in response to US president Donald Trump’s trade war.

Ontario provides electricity for Minnesota, New York and Michigan. Doug Ford, the leader of Canada’s most populous province, said in a statement: “President Trump’s tariffs are a disaster for the US economy. They’re making life more expensive for American families and businesses.

“Until the threat of tariffs is gone for good, Ontario won’t back down. We’ll stand strong, use every tool in our toolkit and do whatever it takes to protect Ontario.”

Mr Ford said Ontario’s tariff would remain in place despite a one-month reprieve from Mr Trump, noting that a one-month pause means nothing but more uncertainty.

Mr Ford’s office said the new market rules require any generator selling electricity to the US to add a 25 per cent surcharge to the US. Ontario’s government expects it to generate revenue of $300,000 (£161,000) to $400,000 per day, “which will be used to support Ontario workers, families and businesses”.