Ohio manufacturers had the opportunity Thursday afternoon to take their energy concerns directly to U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno.

Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) President Ryan Augsburger joined OMA energy counsel Kim Bojko, John Seryak, OMA energy engineer, and manufacturers from around the state for a discussion focused on PJM, rising electricity costs and the need for greater scrutiny of the demand forecasts driving major energy investments and customer costs.

“PJM and utilities are making enormous decisions based on forecasts that may or may not become real,” said Lindsey Short, OMA managing director of advocacy and energy services. “That is not good enough when manufacturers are the ones being asked to absorb the cost. We need much tougher scrutiny up front and much stronger proof that the demand is actually there.”

The discussion took place ahead of the Energy Affordability Summit and gave manufacturers a direct opportunity to share what they are seeing on the ground with federal leaders shaping the energy debate.

“Meetings like this are exactly why OMA exists,” Augsburger said. “Our members should have a direct voice with the people making decisions that affect their costs, investments and ability to grow. Bringing manufacturers into the room helps turn policy debates into a conversation about what is actually happening across Ohio.” 9/3/2026