Powering Growth Across Northwest Ohio & Northeast Indiana
Paulding Putnam supports business growth by delivering reliable, cost-effective electric service and working alongside local partners to strengthen our regional economy. We serve Paulding, Putnam, Van Wert, and Allen counties in Ohio, along with Adams and Allen counties in Indiana.
We are committed to helping existing businesses expand while actively attracting new industry to our service area.
Start the conversation:
- View available sites
- Explore data center information
- Contact our team
Our Mission
Our economic development efforts focus on 2 priorities: supporting the success of current businesses and attracting new investment to our communities.
Paulding Putnam employees work directly with local officials, economic development organizations, and industry leaders to assist with expansions, site development, and new business recruitment.
Available Industrial Sites & Parks
Paulding Putnam works with local communities to promote and prepare sites for business development across our service territory.
What you’ll find:
- Shovel-ready industrial sites
- Expandable acreage for large-scale projects
- Access to reliable electric infrastructure
- Proximity to major transportation routes
We actively support site readiness through funding, infrastructure coordination, and partnerships with local development organizations.
Ohio
Indiana
Ohio
Indiana
Why Partner With Paulding Putnam
Reliable, Scalable Power
As a locally controlled electric cooperative, we deliver dependable service with the capacity to support industrial operations and large-load users.
Ready for Growth
We work with businesses early in the process to ensure infrastructure is in place for both immediate needs and long-term expansion.
Local Decision-Making
Our team lives and works in the communities we serve. That means faster response times and practical solutions—not layers of corporate approvals.
Financial Support & Incentives
We offer access to:
- Revolving Loan Fund financing
- USDA-supported programs
- Energy efficiency rebates
These tools help reduce upfront costs and support long-term success.
The goal of the Paulding Putnam Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) is to help future community and business expansion efforts, creating or retaining jobs in NW Ohio and NE Indiana. Nonprofit entities, including local villages and cities within our service territory, are eligible to apply for a low-interest loan. The loans are provided through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Rural Economic Development Loan & Grant Program.
Financing is available to purchase land, buildings, manufacturing equipment, office and work equipment, and for infrastructure improvements. Ineligible RLF projects include: refinancing of existing debt, or payment to business owners/partners; purchase of an existing business (unless it also includes growth and expansion); projects without any supplemental financing; investments; general improvement loans for normal replacements (unrelated to expansion/ creation); agricultural production cost (ie, cultivation, production, harvesting); general purpose vehicles; working capital; individual residential construction projects; conflict of interest; etc. The minimum loan is $5,000; the maximum depends on the amount of available RLF funds at the time of the request. The project must have a minimum of 10% of equity infusion.
Other requirements apply. Contact Us for more information.
Commercial & Industrial Lighting Rebates
Revamping your lighting can be a relatively inexpensive change that earns you savings over the long haul, and we make the initial expense easier to absorb with incentives when you replace specific high-energy use bulbs, ballasts, or fixtures with specific low-energy use items. Participating members who meet the requirements of this program are eligible to receive a rebate that may not exceed 50% of the total project cost, up to a total maximum of $15,000.
Pre-approval is required. Learn more on our Rebates Page or contact Energy Services Coordinator Peter Niagu.
USDA Loans & Grants
Paulding Putnam Electric sponsors several low-interest loans and grants through USDA Rural Economic Development. We also offer economic development community assistance grants, including for site certification. Please call for details or see the next drop-down menu on the Revolving Loan Fund.
Data Center Opportunities
Powering the Next Generation of Digital Infrastructure
Paulding Putnam is positioned to support data center development with available land, scalable electric capacity, and expanding fiber infrastructure.
Advantages include:
- Reliable, high-capacity electric service
- Rural locations with development flexibility
- Ongoing investment in broadband and infrastructure
Data Centers: Fact vs. Fiction
Myth: Rural areas can’t support large-scale data infrastructure
Fact: With proper planning and investment, rural electric systems can reliably support high-demand operations.
Myth: Data centers don’t benefit local communities
Fact: They contribute to the tax base, support infrastructure improvements, and create economic ripple effects.
Myth: Electric cooperatives aren’t equipped for large loads
Fact: Co-ops regularly serve industrial and high-demand users with reliable, scalable power solutions.
Financing & Incentives for Growth
Paulding Putnam provides tools to help businesses invest, expand, and succeed.
Programs include:
- Revolving Loan Fund for business development
- USDA Rural Economic Development Loans & Grants
- Energy efficiency rebates to reduce operating costs
We work with each project to identify the right combination of resources.
Regional Advantages
- Strategic location: Access to major highways and regional transportation routes across Ohio and Indiana.
- Available workforce: A strong regional labor base with experience in manufacturing, agriculture, and logistics.
- Cost of doing business: Lower land and operating costs compared to urban markets.
- Room to grow: Rural flexibility with space for expansion and long-term planning.
Proven Investment in Our Communities
Paulding Putnam actively invests in the region through:
- Industrial park development support
- Site readiness funding
- Infrastructure expansion
- Partnerships with local economic development organizations
We don’t just promote growth, we help make it happen.
Let’s Talk About Your Project
Whether you’re expanding, relocating, or exploring options, Paulding Putnam is ready to help.
Contact:
Peter Niagu, CKAE Business Development and Key Accounts Coordinator
Office: (800) 686-2357