President Trump’s State of the Union address on Tuesday night placed renewed emphasis on domestic energy supply, affordability and infrastructure as drivers of economic competitiveness. The president pointed to increased oil and natural gas production and lower fuel prices as indicators of a stronger U.S. energy position, signaling continued federal attention on supply expansion and competitive energy costs.

The address also referenced federal proposals tied to projected AI data-center demand, highlighting growing scrutiny of utility load forecasts and how forecast assumptions are shaping grid investment decisions and future electricity costs.

Lindsey Short, managing director of energy and advocacy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association, said manufacturers remain focused on ensuring projections do not outpace reality.

“We keep hearing about massive new loads that are always just over the horizon,” Short said. “Ohio manufacturers have learned the hard way that when projections drive policy, customers end up paying long before the demand shows up.” 2/25/2026