Every day, millions of Americans rely on Canadian energy without even knowing it. When you flip a light switch in New York or fill up your gas tank in Michigan, there’s a good chance that power comes from north of the border.
Canada supplies about 20% of America’s electricity and sends billions of dollars’ worth of oil and gas south each year. Here are ten Canadian companies that keep American cities running smoothly.
Enbridge Inc.
Operating the world’s longest crude oil pipeline system, this company moves millions of barrels daily from Canada to American refineries. Their massive network connects Canadian oil fields to major cities like Chicago and Detroit.
The pipelines transport about 30% of all crude oil produced in North America. They also run natural gas systems that heat millions of American homes in states like Michigan and Ohio.
TC Energy Corporation
Known for the famous Keystone Pipeline system, this company carries Canadian oil sands crude to American refineries in Texas and Illinois. Their natural gas network includes the ANR Pipeline, delivering Canadian gas throughout the Midwest and Southeast.
Moving about 25% of all natural gas consumed in North America, their infrastructure powers electric plants and home heating systems. These pipelines are considered critical infrastructure for American energy security.
Suncor Energy Inc.
As one of Canada’s largest oil sands producers, this company extracts crude oil from Alberta and ships much of it to American refineries. Several major facilities process oil sands into synthetic crude oil that travels through pipelines to fuel American cars and trucks.
Operations produce hundreds of thousands of barrels per day, with a significant portion ending up in American gas tanks. The company also operates wind farms, contributing clean electricity to both Canadian and American power grids.
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.
Through its subsidiary Liberty Utilities, this Canadian company provides regulated electricity, water, and natural gas services to over 1.2 million customer connections across North America. Their operations serve primarily in North America, with significant American utility operations in multiple states.
In 2017, Algonquin completed its acquisition of the Empire District Electric Company, resulting in a significant expansion of its regulated utility footprint in the central United States and adding operations in Kansas and Oklahoma. The company operates power generation, transmission, and distribution systems that directly serve American communities with essential utilities.
Hydro-Québec
Massive hydroelectric dams operated by this company generate clean electricity for Quebec and several American states. Billions of kilowatt-hours are sold annually to utilities in New York, Vermont, and Maine through high-voltage transmission lines.
Their hydroelectric plants harness Quebec’s rivers to create renewable energy that helps American cities reduce their carbon footprint. These electricity exports help stabilize the power grid across the entire northeastern United States.
Imperial Oil Limited
Refineries and production facilities run by this company supply fuel to American markets, particularly in the Great Lakes region. They produce gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel, with much crossing the border to supply American gas stations and airports.
Retail gas stations in several American border states directly serve American consumers. Their integrated operations make them a key player in keeping American vehicles and planes running.
Fortis Inc.
Owning electric utilities that serve customers in both countries, this company includes major operations in New York and Arizona. They generate and distribute electricity to millions of American homes through subsidiary utilities like Central Hudson Gas & Electric.
Billions have been invested in upgrading American power infrastructure and building new transmission lines. Their American operations make them one of the largest Canadian-owned utility companies serving American customers.
Pembina Pipeline Corporation
An extensive pipeline network operated by this company transports Canadian oil and natural gas liquids to American markets. Their pipelines connect Canadian production areas to American refineries and chemical plants along the Gulf Coast.
Processing facilities prepare Canadian natural gas for export to American customers. This infrastructure has become essential for moving Canadian energy resources to meet growing American demand.
Cenovus Energy Inc.
Producing oil from Canada’s oil sands and conventional fields, this company sends much of its production to American refineries. Several major oil sands projects in Alberta produce synthetic crude oil that travels through pipelines to American markets.
Upgrading facilities convert heavy oil into lighter products that American refineries can easily process. Their operations have made them a significant supplier to American oil companies.
Emera Inc.
Owning electric utilities and energy infrastructure in both countries, this company includes operations in Florida and Maine. They generate electricity from various sources, serving millions of American customers with natural gas, renewables, and traditional power plants.
Heavy investment in transmission lines connects Canadian renewable energy sources to American power grids. Their integrated approach provides reliable electricity to American communities while promoting cleaner energy sources.
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