Debate continues on AEP Ohio’s controversial proposed data center tariff at the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. AEP Ohio, which has a legal obligation to serve customers in a non-discriminatory manner, started the controversy with a self-imposed and unapproved moratorium on new data center development in Ohio. However, testimony revealed this week that AEP Ohio does in fact have electric capacity to serve data centers in certain regions in Ohio.

OMA energy experts from Runnerstone have raised concerns about AEP Ohio’s lack of proof of limitations to serve the customers and have warned of the potential for billions of dollars in additional and unneeded electricity costs that would be billed to Ohio’s manufacturers and other customers.

The case, regarded as a bellwether for other states to follow, comes as data center development takes to the national stage – President-elect Trump announced billions in private investment in data centers this week, including in Ohio. 1/6/2024