Why is the OMA passionate about energy policy? Because manufacturers and other industrial users account for nearly one-third of Ohio’s total energy consumption — including motor fuel and electricity. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) has posted its most recent breakdown of Ohio’s energy consumption. Key facts include:

• Ohio’s industrial sector is a major user of natural gas.
• As of April, Ohio’s average industrial electric rate was 6.26 cents/kWh compared to 6.53 cents/kWh nationally.
• Ohio is the third-largest coal-consuming state after Texas and Indiana, and nearly 90% of the coal consumed in Ohio is used for electric power generation. Nationwide, coal-fired generation continues to be retired.

As stated in the OMA’s Public Policy Competitiveness Agenda, energy policy can enhance — or hinder — Ohio’s ability to attract business investment, stimulate economic growth, and spur job creation. This is especially true in manufacturing. 8/5/2019