Speculative electricity demand from data centers is driving billions of dollars in costs that Ohio manufacturers and other existing customers could be left paying. Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) President Ryan Augsburger delivered that warning during an Oct. 23 discussion at The City Club of Cleveland, challenging utility forecasts that could saddle customers with expensive infrastructure built for projects that never materialize.

Appearing alongside representatives of FirstEnergy and the Ohio Business Roundtable, Augsburger questioned the assumptions behind projected electricity demand and the financial risks those forecasts create. PJM’s independent market monitor found that unbuilt data centers contributed approximately $21.3 billion in capacity costs over three years, compared with $1.8 billion attributable to operating facilities.

“Ohio manufacturers shouldn’t be financing infrastructure for projects that may never materialize,” said Lindsey Short, OMA managing director of advocacy and energy services. “If a developer needs new transmission capacity, that developer should make a meaningful financial commitment up front. Existing customers shouldn’t be left paying the bill when projections fall apart.”

OMA is pressing for greater transparency in utility forecasting, independent verification of projected demand and stronger financial safeguards before costly infrastructure investments are approved. The association maintains that developers bringing new electricity demand onto the grid should bear the costs and risks associated with serving it, rather than shifting those burdens to Ohio’s existing manufacturers and households. 10/26/2026