The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) is sounding the alarm over AEP Ohio’s proposed data center tariff, warning that major grid investment decisions could move forward before key questions about cost, risk and accountability are fully answered.

Ryan Augsburger, president of the OMA, discussed the issue in a recent interview with WSYX-TV anchor Mike McCarthy, focusing on utility assumptions, customer protections and the financial exposure facing existing ratepayers as large-load projects advance.

“Ohio cannot afford to let speculative growth claims drive costly decisions that leave existing customers exposed,” Augsburger said.

The story is expected to air on WSYX-TV in Columbus in mid-May 2026. 4/21/2026