B.C. unlikely to follow Ontario’s lead in slapping surcharge on power exports, premier says

British Columbia is carefully watching the actions of both Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) when it comes to managing its power supply, B.C. Premier David Eby says.

Aggressive moves from each could have an impact on B.C’s ability to buy and sell electricity in the United States.

. . .

But he’s so far expressed little interest in following Ford’s lead in hitting the United States in its power banks.

“We’re working with other premiers and with the federal government on how we can support the Team Canada approach with no-tariff responses,” he said on March 5 about the possibility of B.C. imposing its own surcharges.

“There’s no monopoly on good ideas … but we’re going to do it in a co-ordinated way with other premiers and the federal government.”

  • LaserEnglish
    5·
    24 hours ago

    Cut the power! They have repeatedly said they dont need Canada! Time for them to PROVE IT!

    • RentlarEnglish
      4·
      16 hours ago

      I don’t think Eby is against that, but we already make big bucks (the premier quoted a billion dollars) off of Washington state already for selling power when they desperately need it and buying it when they don’t to store it in dams.

      Washington State is blue and BC doesn’t want to hurt them if not necessary. Shutting off the power causes them pain but we also lose flexibility in our own grid and a lot of money.

    • LeenyEnglish
      5·
      23 hours ago

      But doesn’t it depend on how power is distributed in the US? I don’t think it’s centralized…I believe it’s very regional. So any impact would be felt by the PNW alone…and I don’t see Trump caring at all if Washington State is complaining to him about energy prices. It might actually work to the benefit of oil and gas states, which would have the opposite effect.

      I may be wrong, but just pointing out that it’s more complex than just “imports” and “exports”

      • LaserEnglish
        2·
        23 hours ago

        The states affected by the power tariffs will be Mich, Minn and NY. rump most likely wont care, but maybe his supporters will think about voting with only hate in their hearts!