Thought Leadership: Powering the Next Era of Growth in Ohio and Kentucky

For generations, Ohio and Kentucky have been defined by what they make, move and build. Today, that legacy is evolving as new industries evaluate the region for advanced manufacturing, logistics, life sciences, data centers and other large-scale investments. These opportunities bring the potential for jobs, tax base growth and long-term community vitality—but they also require something fundamental: dependable energy infrastructure that is planned, permitted and built with the future in mind.

Duke Energy’s role is to help ensure the communities we serve are ready for that moment. We are not simply reacting to growth after it arrives; we are working with local leaders, state and regional economic development organizations, site selectors and customers to understand what is coming and what infrastructure will be needed to support it. That means looking years ahead, identifying constraints, strengthening the grid and aligning energy solutions with the goals of each community.

Preparing Competitive Sites for Investment

One of the clearest concrete examples is Duke Energy’s site readiness work. Through this program, we help communities evaluate high-potential industrial properties, identify development barriers and make sites more competitive for companies considering new or expanded operations. Since the program began, dozens of sites across southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky have been assessed, helping communities better understand the infrastructure, utility, transportation and planning requirements that drive successful economic development.

That work matters because site selection is increasingly competitive. Companies are moving quickly, and communities that can demonstrate readiness — available land, clear timelines, infrastructure plans and strong partnerships—are better positioned to win. Duke Energy brings the energy perspective to that conversation, helping local partners understand how power availability, grid capacity, service requirements and project timelines factor into investment decisions.

Strengthening the Grid for Large-Load Growth

Across the country, electricity demand is rising rapidly as industries electrify operations, supply chains reshore and technology-driven businesses require more power. Large-load projects — including advanced manufacturing, data centers and other energy-intensive facilities —can bring significant investment and jobs, but they also require careful planning to protect reliability and affordability for all customers.

When a prospective large-load customer expresses interest in locating in Duke Energy’s service territory, our teams conduct technical studies to understand the grid impacts, identify needed upgrades such as substations or transmission facilities, and determine the cost and timeline required to serve that customer. In Ohio, many projects also must move through regional planning processes designed to ensure grid stability. This disciplined approach helps match economic development opportunities with the infrastructure needed to support them responsibly.

Equally important, Duke Energy is focused on ensuring that growth pays its fair share. Large-load customers should bear the costs directly associated with serving their projects so residential and small business customers are not subsidizing new development. That principle is essential to maintaining public trust as the region competes for major investments.

Modernizing Infrastructure With Communities in Mind

Duke Energy is also advancing grid investments that improve reliability, resiliency and flexibility across the Ohio and Kentucky service area. These projects may include upgrades to transmission and distribution systems, new substations, equipment modernization and targeted investments that improve the system’s ability to serve both existing customers and future growth. The work is often complex and highly local, requiring coordination with communities, customers, regulators and regional planning organizations. A prime example is our current work to rebuild the West End Substation in conjunction with the Brent Spence Bridge companion project.

Infrastructure projects also require trust and effective stakeholder communication throughout. While Duke Energy does not control local land-use or zoning decisions, we respect the important role local governments play in determining how and where development occurs. Our responsibility is to provide technical expertise, engage early and transparently, and work with developers and community leaders to support outcomes that reflect local priorities.

Partnerships That Deliver Results

The region’s recent momentum reflects the strength of collaboration. Duke Energy works closely with organizations such as REDI Cincinnati, BE NKY Growth Partnership, local governments, port authorities, chambers and developers to align energy planning with broader economic development strategy. That partnership model has helped attract hundreds of millions of dollars in capital investment and thousands of jobs across Ohio and Kentucky, while also positioning additional sites for future growth.

It also reflects a powerful reality: no single organization can deliver regional growth alone. Utilities, economic development organizations, elected officials, regulators, developers and community stakeholders each have a role to play. Duke Energy’s value is bringing energy expertise to the table early—so communities in the Tri-State can compete with confidence and companies can make informed decisions about where to invest.