A new Reuters report puts a national spotlight on what rising electricity costs are already doing to Ohio manufacturers.

OMA members Belden Brick, Plaskolite and Tosoh SMD describe soaring costs, difficult operating decisions and growing threats to their competitiveness. Belden Brick’s monthly capacity charge alone jumped from $1,600 to $12,000.

The story focuses heavily on data-center growth. But the more fundamental problem is not new customers seeking power. It is a market that allows aggressive, unverified load forecasts to drive up costs for manufacturers before that demand ever materializes.

“Ohio manufacturers are paying real bills today based on electricity demand that may never show up,” said Lindsey Short, managing director of energy and advocacy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. “That is not planning. It is speculation with someone else’s money. Policymakers should require independent proof before another dollar is shifted onto the factory floor.”

Reuters is right to show the consequences. Now policymakers must confront the cause. 7/7/2026