Speaker Matt Huffman says House Bill 15 lets large energy users generate power on-site, a boost for data centers

Speaker Matt Huffman said House Bill 15, now signed by the governor, allows large energy users to generate electricity on site and called the change “very significant” for Ohio’s economic competitiveness.

Huffman, speaking on the year‑end Message from the House program, said, “we are the only state in the union that has the type of government infrastructure that allows behind the meter generation.” He described that ability as a central reason manufacturers and data centers can locate or expand in Ohio.

The speaker credited members of the legislature’s energy committee with shepherding the measure, naming Chairman Adam Holmes and Roy Kloppenstein as key contributors to advancing the bill. Huffman said the policy is not primarily a tax measure or social agenda item but a focused response to state energy constraints and private sector demand for reliable power.

Huffman also pointed to Ohio’s geographic position and other advantages — water resources and a low flat income tax rate — as complementary factors that, together with the new generation rules, make the state attractive for large energy users.

He said he had met with Chairman Holmes about “future additions” to the policy, signaling lawmakers may consider related follow‑up legislation, and characterized the moment as “a very exciting time in Ohio.”

The interview did not include technical details of HB15’s implementation, specific permitting requirements, or projected timelines for any announced projects; those details were not specified in the program.