Gov. Mike DeWine used Tuesday’s State of the State address to argue that Ohio is gaining ground, pointing to workforce development, career tech expansion and private-sector investment as signs the state is moving in the right direction. The speech focused on jobs, talent and opportunity, casting Ohio as a place where employers can grow and workers can succeed.

But on one of the issues most likely to determine whether that growth is affordable and reliable, the speech went quiet. DeWine did not meaningfully address energy policy, electric rates, grid reliability or utility regulation. Outside of brief environmental references, he offered little on the energy cost and reliability challenges facing employers.

“Ohio has real economic momentum, but long-term competitiveness will depend on energy policy that serves the broader economy, not just utility balance sheets,” said Ryan Augsburger, president of the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. 3/10/2026