Utilities

Columbus Stand Up, Common Cause Ohio and other groups are opposing a revenue increase for central Ohio's largest utility company.

Meta is trying to jumpstart Ohio's nuclear energy sector, while Microsoft is committing to paying for its own electric and water usage. Both come as electric and water utility rates rise in Columbus, one of the largest data center hubs.

If rate increases are approved, an average customer can expect to pay an extra $36 a month by 2027 if they use American Electric Power of Ohio, Columbia Gas of Ohio and Columbus Water.

Columbus Stand Up has been building its ranks in local politics and is now organizing opposition to a utility rate increase by AEP Ohio.

The city will hold a public meeting on the proposed rate increases from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday at Columbus City Hall, which is located at 90 West Broad Street.

The $1.9 billion in bonds will be put towards affordable housing, utilities, public safety, parks and more. Ads claim the bonds won't raise taxes, but advocates say that may not be completely accurate.

Former House Speaker Larry Householder, is serving 20 years in federal prison for masterminding the racketeering operation at the center of the scandal.

With data centers and tech industries moving into Ohio, demand for energy is growing rapidly.

At the far northern banks of the O'Shaughnessy reservoir, the Scioto River is down considerably. The edges of the riverbed are exposed and dirt is starting to crack.

A deal between AEP Ohio and Intel to have AEP Ohio's customers foot the $95-million bill for the new electric infrastructure Intel needs is gaining more support.