Ohio’s energy future was the focus Monday as state Rep. Roy Klopfenstein hosted a Statehouse briefing featuring Travis Fisher and Duell Lauderdale of the Cato Institute. The discussion examined electricity demand forecasts, competitive energy markets and the growing financial stakes of Ohio’s energy decisions.

Lindsey Short, managing director of advocacy and energy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA), and John Seryak, OMA energy engineer, attended the briefing before welcoming Fisher and Lauderdale to OMA headquarters for a deeper discussion of the challenges facing Ohio electricity customers.

“When we’re talking about billions of dollars in potential energy costs, the accuracy of demand forecasts matters enormously,” Short said. “Ohio needs policies grounded in realistic projections and competitive markets that reward efficiency, not spending. Getting those decisions right today will shape what businesses and families pay for electricity for years to come.”

The visit brought national energy policy perspectives into OMA’s ongoing work to strengthen forecast accountability, preserve competitive markets and ensure Ohio’s energy infrastructure decisions reflect real demand rather than speculation. 11/9/2026