The Cost of Your Cloud
Data Centers in Ohio
As more data centers are being built in Ohio, the demand is putting stress on the state’s power grid and water supply. While these facilities bring major business investment, they also use huge amounts of electricity. This could cause utility bills to go up for all Ohioans.
To deal with these concerns, the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel has pushed for new rules that would require tech companies to pay for the power and utility upgrades their data centers need. These rules are meant to protect families from higher costs and make sure large companies take responsibility for the energy they use.
The information below shows the challenge of supporting new technology growth while keeping utility services affordable for Ohio's residential utility consumers.
Click here for OCC's Quick Facts: Data Centers in Ohio fact sheet and watch the short explainer video below.
Pending Legislation
As of April 2026, there are eight pieces of data center related legislation being considered by the General Assembly.
- HB 646 — Create Data Center Study Commission
- HB 695 — Ban NDAs for local officials related to data center transparency concerns
- HB 706 — Minimum requirements for data center customers
- HB 710 — Prohibit public support/limit new data centers
- HB 784 — Require data center water use reports
- SB 374 — Ban new data center tax exemptions
- SB 378 — Data centers pay own water costs & permits
- SB 381 — PUCO approval required for large data center grid connection
To contact your elected officials about these bills, please visit https://www.occ.ohio.gov/advocacy#legislator
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In The News
Testimony & Filings
Related Topics
Quick Facts: Data Centers in Ohio
A large or “hyperscale” data center can use as much electricity as 100,000 homes.
Past Consumer Alert:
Data Center Costs – Who should pay the costs of serving these power-hungry consumers?
Data Center Costs – Who should pay the costs of serving these power-hungry consumers?
OCC urges consumers to submit a public comment online.
Understanding Your Ohio Electric Bill: Where Your Money Goes
Your electric bill can be confusing, but knowing what each part means helps you take control of your energy costs.
OCC Challenges Unfair Transmission Fee Increases at FERC
The proposed project includes new high-voltage transmission lines estimated to cost approximately $1.1 billion, with up to 60% of those costs potentially allocated to Ohio consumers.