PUCO Adopts AEP Ohio Data Center Proposal to Protect Consumers

American Electric Power Company, Inc. (NASDAQ:AEP) is among the 13 Best Electrical Infrastructure Stocks to Invest In. American Electric Power Company, Inc. (NASDAQ:AEP)’s unit AEP Ohio’s plan to guarantee data centers pay for the infrastructure needed to satisfy their high energy demands was accepted by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) on July 9, 2025.

A series of large electrical transmission towers providing power to the public.

Large data center clients are required under the agreement to pay for a minimum of 85% of the energy they have contracted for, regardless of lower usage. Smaller facilities are subject to a sliding scale, and exit fees and financial viability proof are necessary. The regulations are in effect for 12 years, with a 4-year ramp-up period. The plan also lifts the previous restriction on new Central Ohio data center agreements.

American Electric Power Company, Inc. (NASDAQ:AEP)’s AEP Ohio, which serves 1.5 million consumers in 61 counties, submitted the plan in May 2024, with the cooperation of PUCO personnel, the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel, and the Ohio Energy Group.

President Marc Reitter stressed how crucial it is to coordinate infrastructure planning with data center expansion. The decision benefits Ohio’s technology sector while protecting other ratepayers from bearing the infrastructure burden.

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