Ontario to import U.S. electricity this winter despite Ford’s earlier threat to cut power exports

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 19, 2026

Photo courtesy: CBC News

TORONTO, Canada — Ontario is preparing to import electricity from the United States this winter to maintain a reliable power supply, months after Premier Doug Ford threatened to restrict electricity exports to the U.S. in response to President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs.

The province’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) confirmed that it had secured a six-month agreement with U.S.-based Alpha Generation for 600 megawatts (MW) of electricity capacity, beginning November 1, 2026.

The agreement is intended to provide additional power capacity while electricity-generating facilities undergo maintenance during the winter and into the following years.

In its announcement, the IESO said the arrangement would help maintain electricity system reliability as the province manages temporary reductions in available generation.

Ontario secures U.S. power amid maintenance needs

The electricity agreement comes as Ontario prepares for maintenance and refurbishment work at some of its generating facilities, including the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station.

The IESO said the additional supply would help the province manage periods of reduced electricity generation while maintaining sufficient reserves to meet demand.

Ontario regularly exchanges electricity with neighboring Canadian provinces and U.S. states, particularly when seasonal demand increases or generating facilities undergo maintenance.

Despite the latest import agreement, Ontario remains a major electricity exporter.

According to the IESO, the province exported nearly seven times more electricity than it imported in 2025.

The system operator also maintained that obtaining additional electricity from neighboring jurisdictions is part of its normal planning process to ensure a stable and reliable power supply.