Ontario briefly considered a 25% surcharge on electricity exports to New York, Michigan, and Minnesota, but Premier Doug Ford backed down after the U.S. threatened to double tariffs on steel and aluminum. Ford now seeks to renegotiate the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement.
Energy expert Dennis Elsenbeck noted the surcharge would have had minimal impact on New York’s electricity prices, as Ontario and Quebec supply only 11% of the state’s power. However, he emphasized the need for New York to reduce reliance on external sources and secure stable energy for industries like AI and semiconductors.
With a 70% renewable energy goal by 2030, Elsenbeck suggests New York focus on zero emissions by 2040, including investments in nuclear power to strengthen the grid.
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