Eby maps out B.C.’s trade-war power strategy with an eye on Doug Ford and Elon Musk

British Columbia is closely monitoring the actions of Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) as they navigate the management of power supply. Premier David Eby has emphasized that aggressive moves from both parties could impact B.C.’s ability to buy and sell electricity in the United States.

Ford has taken a direct approach in his political and economic battle with the United States by imposing a 25 per cent surcharge on electricity exported from Ontario to states like Minnesota, New York, and Michigan. This decision is part of his strategy to convey a message to U.S. President Donald Trump that Canada will not tolerate unfair trade practices. Eby, on the other hand, is observing the repercussions of mass firings at a U.S. power supplier due to actions from DOGE, prompting him to shift attention towards the east rather than the south for future power sales.

While Ford is adamant about imposing tariffs on U.S. electricity, Eby has expressed reservations about following a similar path. He believes in collaborating with other premiers and the federal government to formulate a unified response to tariff threats. Given the interconnected nature of B.C.’s power system with the western United States, particularly Washington state, Oregon, and California, any disruptions in power sales could lead to brownouts and blackouts along the West Coast.

Despite the potential financial losses from halting power exports to the United States, Eby is proactively engaging in contingency planning. This includes exploring enhanced cooperation with Alberta to streamline power distribution across provincial borders. Additionally, efforts are underway to bolster B.C.’s power supply through projects like the Site C dam and wind energy initiatives.

In terms of natural gas exports, B.C. is a significant producer that primarily ships to the United States through pipelines. Any tariffs or surcharges imposed on natural gas exports could diminish profits and impact the industry. The province is also looking into developing a liquefied natural gas industry to diversify the economy, although this comes with environmental trade-offs due to the high carbon footprint of compression processes.

As B.C. navigates the complex landscape of power supply management amidst geopolitical tensions, Eby remains committed to safeguarding the province’s interests while exploring avenues for sustainable energy solutions. The evolving dynamics between B.C., Ontario, and the United States underscore the importance of strategic planning and collaboration in ensuring a resilient and reliable power infrastructure.