Ohio manufacturers are already paying more for electricity. Now, speculative data center demand and proposals for new power infrastructure threaten to push costs even higher, leaving existing customers exposed to billions in potential financial risk.

With critical decisions approaching in the General Assembly’s lame duck session and at PJM, OMA’s Energy Committee will meet Tuesday, Nov. 10, from 10 a.m. to noon to examine the proposals, their potential costs and what’s being done to protect manufacturers.

“Ohio manufacturers should not be writing blank checks for electricity demand that may never materialize,” said Lindsey Short, OMA managing director of advocacy and energy services. “We need credible forecasts, real financial commitments from large new customers and an energy market that rewards competition instead of shifting risk onto everyone already paying the bills.”

The agenda will focus on potential legislation affecting data center tariffs, OMA’s push for greater transparency and accountability in utility load forecasts, and PJM’s proposed reliability backstop procurement process. Members will get an inside look at the policy debates, the financial risks and OMA’s efforts to ensure new demand pays for new demand.

The meeting will also celebrate 116 years of OMA advocacy on behalf of Ohio manufacturing, followed by a networking lunch from noon to 1 p.m. Members can attend at OMA’s Columbus offices or virtually via Zoom.

Register here to participate. 10/23/2026