Last week, the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) changed the narrative on rising electric bills across Ohio, a shift reflected clearly in the coverage that followed.
Coverage from Columbus Business First, Utility Dive, The Toledo Blade, Cleveland.com, WSYX-TV (Columbus), Politico and other outlets focused on the same conclusion. Inflated utility load forecasts, not data centers, are pushing electricity prices higher for families and employers across Ohio. Reporters highlighted OMA’s new analysis, testimony from independent energy experts, and growing bipartisan concern that speculative demand projections are being treated as guaranteed growth.
That message came through clearly during the press conference.
“Ohioans are being asked to pay for a future that exists on paper, not on the grid,” said OMA President Ryan Augsburger. “When speculative forecasts are treated like guaranteed demand, customers lose and utilities win. Before anyone is forced to fund billions in new power projects, those assumptions need to be tested, transparent and accountable.”
The coverage also spotlighted the policy momentum coming out of the event. Multiple outlets reported on forthcoming legislation that would require independent verification and public scrutiny of large-load forecasts before they can be used to justify billions of dollars in new generation and transmission spending. The proposal was widely framed as a commonsense safeguard that protects customers while still supporting responsible economic growth.
Most importantly, the reporting reinforced a clear message from manufacturers. Rising electric costs are not inevitable, and they should not be accepted without scrutiny. The event put utility forecasting practices on notice and helped set the stage for legislative action at the Statehouse. In the weeks ahead, OMA will continue pressing for transparency and accountability with opportunities for members to engage as legislation moves forward.
Paper forecasts are driving real costs, and manufacturers are done staying quiet about it. 2/9/2026
