The blackout cost Ohio manufacturers more than $1 billion, a new survey
shows.
Almost one-fifth of the state's manufacturers reported the power
failure would hurt their bottom line this year, and a similar number said
they lost production that could not be recovered.
"It is a surprising number because it's bigger than anything reported
to date," said Edward Hill, professor of urban affairs at Cleveland State
University.
The Ohio Manufacturers' Association released the estimate late
yesterday after surveying 275 members this week. The group estimated that
the blackout affected 60 percent of the state's 20,000 manufacturing
companies, costing each an average of $88,000.
"This billion-dollar loss will weaken any economic recovery in Ohio,"
said the association's David Hansen. "It sends a signal to investors that
there is more risk in investing in Ohio than in many other states."
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