Ohio’s electricity demand may be surging, as a growing number of massive data centers operated by tech giants like Amazon, Facebook, Google, and Microsoft commit to Ohio. The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) will hold a public hearing 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 3 to gather input on how AEP will collect the costs of serving these data centers.
Here is a statement from Ohio Consumers’ Counsel Maureen Willis, Agency Director of the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel:
“While business growth in Ohio is welcome, these data centers, along with cryptocurrency mining operations, consume vast amounts of energy while contributing relatively few local jobs. Residential utility customers, who already pay steep transmission and distribution costs, shouldn’t have to subsidize these investments to benefit corporate giants.”
The five PUCO Commissioners will have to decide on the course to take: to protect Ohio consumers from shouldering these additional costs or to prioritize the interests of global tech giants.
OCC is encouraging AEP consumers to attend the hearing or submit comments online. See details below.
In person:
- When: 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 3, 2025
- Where: PUCO Hearing Room 11-B
180 E. Broad St., 11th floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Comment Online:
- https://dis.puc.state.oh.us/CaseRecord.aspx?Caseno=24-0508&link=COM
(Click the red “File a Public Comment” link)
For more details, see OCC’s Consumer Alert on the case: https://www.occ.ohio.gov/data-center-costs
