MASSENA — North Country residents continue to feel the crunch as energy costs continue to rise due to possible tariffs and proposed rate hikes.
The province of Ontario has backed down from a March 11 plan to impose a 25% tariff on all electric exports to the United States in a move that was described as direct retribution for President Donald Trump’s trade war, according to Ontario’s Premier Doug Ford.
That means 1.5 million Americans, including some in New York, could still see much higher electric bills in the coming months.
“I will not hesitate to increase this charge. If the United States escalates, I will not hesitate to shut the electricity off completely,” Ford said in a press conference last week.
Quebec is also considering a similar measure at this time, further exacerbating matters.
Canadian officials also added retaliatory tariffs on other American goods, like orange juice, peanut butter, appliances, footwear, cosmetics, pulp and paper products and motorcycles.
That means higher prices across the board as demand will likely decline, officials say.
In Massena, electric rates spiked last month with numerous residents telling North Country This Week they saw 100% increases or more last month.
MED Superintendent Andrew McMahon said overall usage was up by 12%, with residential usage up by 20% compared to last year due to colder temperatures this winter.
“At the same time, because of the widespread and prolonged cold weather, the cost we are paying for supplemental energy has gone from $52/MWh in January 2024 to $99 this January. The cost of supplemental energy in February was $85/MWh, nearly three times the cost from February 2024, which was only $27/MWh,” he said.
McMahon said the rate increases led to “some extremely high bills.”
For Massena Electric customers there are options though.
“We are working with those customers who are struggling. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is still accepting applications. If eligible customers move quickly they still may have time to get a benefit through HEAP, 315-379-2303,” he said.
He said MED also offers interest free balanced repayment plans to get customers caught up.
Those interested should call (315) 764-0253 and ask about Budget Billing.
“Obviously, we are still encouraging customers to be as energy efficient as possible and look into our efficiency programs,” he said.
But as MED looks to assist customers who are struggling, Liberty Utilities is pressing forward with a proposed rate hike that would raise residential rates nearly 12%.
Liberty Utilities currently provides service to Brasher, Winthrop, Canton, Gouverneur, Heuvelton, Lisbon, Madrid, Massena, Norfolk, North Lawrence, Norwood, Ogdensburg, Potsdam and Waddington in St. Lawrence County. Services are also provided to Beaver Falls, New Bremen, Croghan, Chateaugay and Malone.
According to Liberty Utilities, 14,862 residential, 1,770 commercial, 21 industrial and two cogeneration customers are currently serviced by the company.
The amendment filed by Liberty Utilities in November would result in a 6.12% revenue increase for the rate year running from Nov. 1, 2025 through Oc. 31, 2026.
A public comment period was open until Feb. 20, garnering 67 total comments.
All comments requested Liberty Utilities reconsider the proposed rate hike, with many pointing toward living on fixed incomes as a primary concern.
“My wife and I are both in our 80’s and living on fixed income. Your 11.45% increase certainly out paces my meager increase of 2%. Please consider this. Paying $8.59 /dz for eggs along with everyone else seeking huge increases are placing undue hardships on the senior community that you serve,” one comment read.
Another comment touched on rising housing costs in the area, despite the region being economically depressed.
“This is a depressed area and has been for a long while. Many people are on fixed incomes and/or receiving public assistance. Please give this area a break. Food and housing costs are already more than most can afford,” they wrote.
But with Trump’s trade war in full swing, imports of natural gas will also receive tariffs. That means rates will increase for all users as Liberty Utilities imports gas from Canada.
According to a memo on Liberty’s website, the 10% tariff on energy imported from Canada would likely “be passed to customers in the Gas Charge portion of their bills only.”
“Your bill consists of Delivery Charges, which primarily includes charges that allow us to operate, maintain, and invest in our system so we can continue providing safe, reliable service.
Your bill also has a Gas Charge. This is the actual cost of the gas, which is a pass-through cost. Liberty buys gas off the open market and passes this cost directly on to customers,” Liberty wrote.
For a breakdown of billing charges, visit www.stlawrencegas.com/understanding-my-bill
But Liberty New York Gas buys the majority of its gas from Canada, which officials say remains the best option.
“We will keep customers updated as we learn more about the rollout of the tariff and what it means for Liberty’s customers,” officials wrote.
While Liberty is pressing forward with a proposed rate hike, the New York Power Authority canned plans to seek a 256% rate hike just last month after public outcry from elected officials that included Governor Kathy Hochul.
In a press release, NYPA officials said they were committed to making “every effort to collaborate with customers.”
“At Governor Hochul’s request, NYPA will move to withdraw the 2025 proposed rate increase. We understand that New Yorkers are struggling right now, and we intend to make every effort to collaborate with our customers and stakeholders to find a way forward,” NYPA officials told multiple media outlets.
The proposal was aimed at increasing Preference Power Rates, which would have impacted numerous North Country communities, county officials said.
In total, Preference Power Rates apply to hydroelectric sales to customers in 47 municipal electric systems, four rural electric cooperatives, three investor-owned utilities, the Tuscarora Nation, two transportation authorities, customers in neighboring states and host communities.
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