More than 100 ratepayer organizations, including the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association, are urging federal regulators to strengthen oversight of long-range grid projects, according to a new filing led by the Industrial Energy Consumers of America. The coalition argues that escalating infrastructure spending and weak cost controls are pushing electricity prices higher, calling on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to use its authority to protect customers from excessive transmission charges.

The push comes as new analysis from RunnerStone shows transmission costs for Ohio customers climbing sharply over the past decade, with AEP’s rates surging even as demand growth remains uncertain.

Manufacturers warn that without stronger guardrails, long-range projects could lock customers into decades of rising charges tied to projections that may never fully materialize.

“Competition is one of the few tools regulators have to control costs before they show up on customer bills,” said Lindsey Short, managing director of energy and advocacy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. “If transmission spending keeps accelerating without accountability, affordability becomes an afterthought.” 2/18/2026