Ontario signs contract to purchase electricity from United States
The province usually sells its excess electricity to Michigan, Minnesota, and New York
In a peculiar twist of events, Ontario has agreed to purchase 600 megawatts of electricity from the United States during the winter months. This decision comes amid Premier Doug Ford's ongoing threats to cut off electricity exports due to President Donald Trump's tariffs. Jack Gibbons, chair of Ontario Clean Air Alliance, described the situation as "very ironic."
This is despite Ford's earlier threats to cut off electricity exports completely, which he later withdrew. Ontario currently exports nearly seven times more electricity than it imports. The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) claims the deal with Alpha Generation was the "only viable alternative" while exporting to other provinces.
The Alliance criticizes the move, calling it high-cost power that could increase household bills. Ontario's electricity rebate, which covered 23.5% of a consumer's bill, will be reduced to 15.7% starting in November, potentially raising the average household's bill by $12. NDP MPP Jamie West criticized the government's response, saying the plan was insufficient and they need a new approach to tackle electricity costs.
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