Will Canadian Tariffs Affect Your Electricity?

In light of the recent 25% federal tariffs on Canadian imports, as well as the 10% levy on Canadian natural gas, oil, and electricity, we want to share information from Minnkota Power Cooperative, our wholesale power provider.

Overall, Minnkota does not anticipate any impact on electric reliability, affordability, or service for our members. Thanks to a diverse energy portfolio and strong regional partnerships, Minnkota is well-positioned to manage these changes without disruption.

Minnkota generates 100% of its electricity in North Dakota, meaning tariffs on Canadian power imports will not directly impact energy costs. Additionally, Minnkota does not rely on Canadian electricity purchases, further insulating our members from potential price increases.

As a participant in the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), which oversees the electric grid across 15 U.S. states and Manitoba, Minnkota benefits from a diverse energy mix that reduces risks from trade policies. Canadian imports make up only a small portion of the MISO market, and any price fluctuations due to tariffs are expected to be minimal and within normal market variations.

On a separate note, Minnkota has a dedicated team that has been actively monitoring supply chain disruptions, material costs, and inflationary pressures since the pandemic. This team continues to assess potential impacts of international trade policies on critical materials needed for power generation and transmission. By securing reliable supply chains and planning for cost fluctuations, Minnkota remains focused on maintaining stable infrastructure and cost-effective operations.