Ohio voters send clear midterm message on energy costs, data centers

By Mark Richardson

Ohio’s midterm election results are putting electricity affordability and data center development at the center of the debate over the state’s energy future, according to clean energy and policy advocates.

The debate extends beyond electricity bills to water quality, water availability and the cost of tax incentives.

Joe Flarida, executive director of the group Power a Clean Future Ohio, said voters want elected officials to respond to rising utility bills.

"Ohioans on Election Day went to the ballot and voted for some more accountability. They want to see lower rates. They want to see utilities that are working harder to serve them, and they have not experienced that over the past several years," Flarida stressed.

Flarida noted his organization will keep listening to residents and working directly with local governments. He hopes new state leadership will pursue practical affordability solutions and investment in renewable energy jobs as lawmakers finish this year’s session and begin again in 2027.

Analysts said data center expansion is contributing to growing electricity demand and higher prices. Ohio’s data center sales tax exemption cost the state $1.6 billion in revenue in 2025.

Molly Bryden, climate and sustainability researcher for the nonprofit research organization Policy Matters Ohio, said local measures involving restrictions or other data center issues were definitely on Ohio voters' minds and on the ballot.

"Voters sent a very clear message: 21 local ballot measures surrounding data center restrictions or other data center-related issues. Those measures overwhelmingly landed on the side of opposition to data center development in Ohio," Bryden reported.

Bryden emphasized voters want stronger protections for communities, ratepayers and the environment, alongside fewer restrictions on renewable generation. She added policy groups are pushing to pass pending data center measures during the remainder of this year's legislative session and new restrictions during the 2027 General Assembly.