08/13/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/13/2025 14:43
P.O. BOX 6015
COLUMBIA, MO 65205
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 13, 2025
CONTACT: Matt Nestor
Public Information Specialist
City of Columbia Utilities
573.874.7307
[email protected]
As part of the City of Columbia Fiscal Year 2026 budget, City of Columbia Utilities is proposing an electric rate increase that will impact all customers.
Residents will have the opportunity to provide input on the budget and the prospective electric rate changes during the Aug. 18 City Council meeting. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 701 East Broadway.
The Electric Utility is proposing a 2% increase in the customer charge and usage rates. The residential customer charge will go from $22 per month to $22.44 per month. Usage rates are dependent on the customer's rate class.
The proposed 2% increase is based on the Consumer Price Index percentage change for the 12-month period ending July 2025.
City staff and the Water & Light Advisory Board designed the proposed rates to implement a revenue increase to cover increased operation and maintenance expenses, including employee compensation, maintain cash reserve levels and ensure adequate debt coverage.
If approved by the City Council, the electric rate increases would go into effect beginning with the first billing cycle in October 2025.
|
Proposed residential rates |
||
|
Summer Usage |
Current |
Proposed |
|
First 300 kWh |
8.89 cents per kWh |
9.07 cents per kWh |
|
Next 450 kWh |
10.89 cents per kWh |
11.11 cents per kWh |
|
Next 1,250 kWh |
12.89 cents per kWh |
13.15 cents per kWh |
|
All remaining kWh |
14.89 cents per kWh |
15.19 cents per kWh |
|
Non-Summer Usage |
Current |
Proposed |
|
First 300 kWh |
8.89 cents per kWh |
9.07 cents per kWh |
|
Next 450 kWh |
10.89 cents per kWh |
11.11 cents per kWh |
|
All remaining kWh |
12.00 cents per kWh |
12.24 cents per kWh |
A more detailed breakdown of the residential charges can be found at BeHeard.CoMo.gov.
For a full breakdown of residential and commercial electric rates, please refer to the Utility Rates web page. Customers can monitor their usage by signing up at MyUtilityBill.CoMo.gov.
Members of the public may attend any open meeting. For requests for accommodations related to disability, please call 573.874.CITY (2489) or email [email protected]. In order to assist staff in making the appropriate arrangements for your accommodation, please make your request as far in advance of the posted meeting date as possible.
City of Columbia Vision
Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.
City of Columbia Mission
To serve the public equitably through democratic, transparent and efficient government.
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