Fact Check: Can Canada shut off electricity to the US causing massive blackouts?

WASHINGTON, DC: Several social media users are claiming that Canada could cut off electricity to the US and trigger widespread blackouts.

The speculation grew after Ontario Premier Doug Ford revealed that “everything is on the table,” including stopping electricity exports to the US if the trade dispute worsens. Let's fact-check the claim.

Claim: Canada could cut off electricity to the US, causing massive blackouts

According to a video shared by Ed Krassenstein, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said Canada could consider stronger measures if the trade dispute with the US continues. Ford said “everything is on the table,” including cutting off electricity and critical minerals to the US.

The video’s caption also claimed that Canada was prepared to target “deep red states” and make the US economy feel the impact of the dispute.

"Canada did not start this fight, but we're prepared to win it. As for the electricity, everything's on the table. Critical minerals, everything's on the table."

Ford also warned that Canada could take further action if President Donald Trump continued targeting Canadian industries such as oil and potash. He said Ontario could raise electricity prices or stop sending power to the US.

Ontario supplies electricity to about 1.5 million US homes and businesses. Ford said his government was prepared to consider different options in response to further trade pressure, adding, “Everything’s on the table. I’ll do whatever it takes.”

Fact Check: The claim is misleading

The claim is misleading. Canada supplies electricity to some parts of the US and could stop those exports, experts say. However, such a move would not cause massive blackouts across the country. The US has other sources of electricity that could make up for the lost supply, although they may cost more.

Barbara Kates-Garnick, a professor of energy policy at Tufts University, explained that a cutoff would likely affect electricity prices rather than leave Americans without power. She said, “We would see it in the market, we would see it in the prices, but we would not be bereft of electricity.”

Canada exported about $3.3 billion worth of electricity to the US in 2025, while the US exported about $1.4 billion in electricity to Canada, according to the Canada Energy Regulator. During the same year, the US generated about 4,430 terawatt-hours of electricity.

The US imports Canadian electricity partly because it can be cheaper than producing more power domestically. If Canada stopped those exports, US utilities could turn to other sources, but this would raise electricity costs.

Saleh ElHattab, founder and CEO of energy management company Gravity, said Canada supplies electricity but does not control whether American homes have power. “They’re mostly a supplier; they do not control the actual availability of energy in our homes,” he said.