New Yorkers could see their electricity bills increase even higher due to a tariff imposed by Canada on energy imports from the US state. Experts say that if the tariff, which could be as high as 10 percent or more, is implemented, it will likely add costs passed on to consumers.
The US and Canada have an interconnected power grid, with electrons flowing between the two countries daily. New York City’s electricity supply is largely dependent on hydroelectric power plants in Canada, but some Canadian power also comes from New York.
Under the proposed tariff, a 10 percent or higher increase would add costs passed on to consumers, according to experts. The impact on residential electricity prices in New York was already high, with prices 45 percent above the national average in November.
While it’s unclear exactly how much the tariff will affect consumers, Marguerite Wells, executive director of Alliance for Clean Energy New York, noted that only a small portion of the bill covers energy usage. A 10 percent tariff could add around $3 to a $100 monthly bill, she said.
The US has announced a 25 percent tariff on Canadian imports starting Tuesday, with an exception allowing a 10 percent rate for energy products. The impact on New York’s power grid is being closely monitored by the state’s power operator, but estimates are currently unclear.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/03/us/tariffs-canada-ny-electric-bills.html