Ohio’s electricity demand may be surging, as a growing number of massive data centers operated by tech giants like Amazon, Facebook, Google, and Microsoft commit to Ohio. The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) will hold a public hearing 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 3 to gather input on how AEP will collect the costs of serving these data centers.

Here is a statement from Ohio Consumers’ Counsel Maureen Willis, Agency Director of the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel:

“While business growth in Ohio is welcome, these data centers, along with cryptocurrency mining operations, consume vast amounts of energy while contributing relatively few local jobs. Residential utility customers, who already pay steep transmission and distribution costs, shouldn’t have to subsidize these investments to benefit corporate giants.”

The five PUCO Commissioners will have to decide on the course to take: to protect Ohio consumers from shouldering these additional costs or to prioritize the interests of global tech giants.

OCC is encouraging AEP consumers to attend the hearing or submit comments online. See details below.

In person:

“First Day at Old First,” hosted by Old First Presbyterian Church
Wednesday, January 1, 12noon-3pm, Old First Presbyterian Church, 1101 Bryden Rd.

Come hear what’s happening with Old First as a community and arts gathering space, a Third Place. Share hopes and ideas with neighbors, artists and community. New Year’s Day brunch from 12noon to 3pm. Donations appreciated. Live music and art!

Hosted by Old First Presbyterian Church

Our poet laureate MIMI GERMAN leads off GREEP Zoom #205 with two beautiful short poems.

Our deep dive into public waste fluoridation with DOUG CRAGOE, followed by LYNN FEINERMAN, MYLA RESON, DR. RUTH STRAUSS and DR. NANCY NIPARKO.

We'll revisit at a future date the life-and-death complexities of this vital issue.

JOHN FITZGERALD then gives us a thorough analysis of the petition demanding that the Congress deal with the 3d section of the 14th Amendment.

That law stipulates that someone who has participated in insurrection against the government of the United States.

Fitzgerald explains that Congress has the power to decide whether a candidate can actually become a President or member of Congress.

Two Supreme Courts (Colorado & Maine) & three Congressional Committees have branded Donald Trump an insurrectionist, leaving Congress the option to disqualify him from office.

MIKE HERSH emphasizes the non-partisan nature of the Constitution.

LORI GRACE adds her support to the effort to have the Congress deal with this astonishing political football.

Tuesday, December 31, 12:30-2:30pm
Can’t Believe It’s Vegan, 584 W. Schrock Rd., Westerville, Ohio

Finish off 2024 with lunch at Can’t Believe it’s Vegan in Westerville.

The Westerville Chamber recognized Can’t Believe It’s Vegan as Small Business of the Year!

Voted best vegan restaurant in town!

Indulge your taste buds and visit with friends, on the last day of the year.

Here is Can’t Believe it’s Vegan website: CBIV.

Those first-timers attending this event will receive a free copy of The 30-Day Vegan Challenge by Colleen Patrick-Goudreau!

We look forward to spending some time with you before we enter into 2025.

Hosted by Columbus Vegan Meetup.

Facebook Event