America’s ability to compete with China increasingly depends on access to affordable, reliable electricity. A new analysis warns that the United States risks surrendering a critical industrial advantage as electricity costs rise and investments in power infrastructure struggle to keep pace with growing demand.

High electricity costs and delays in connecting new power generation threaten America’s industrial competitiveness. With manufacturers already facing intense pressure from Chinese competitors, rising energy expenses create another obstacle to domestic investment, production growth and job creation.

Ohio’s nearly 690,000 manufacturing jobs and approximately $138 billion in annual manufacturing output depend on an economy where companies can produce goods at competitive costs. Steelmakers, automotive suppliers, chemical producers and other energy-intensive industries rely on affordable electricity to maintain production and justify future investments. Rising utility bills, compounded by infrastructure spending tied to speculative demand forecasts, threaten to make Ohio-made products more expensive and weaken the state’s position in global markets.

“Ohio manufacturers are competing against China every day. They shouldn’t also be forced to pay for billions in electric infrastructure built around demand that may never materialize,” said Lindsey Short, managing director of advocacy and energy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. “Every unnecessary dollar added to an Ohio manufacturer’s electric bill is money that can’t be invested in new equipment, expanded production or good-paying jobs. We should be making it easier to manufacture in Ohio, not more expensive.” 10/27/2026