Columbus Utility Rates Set to Rise by Up to 18% in 2026

Residents of Columbus, Ohio, are bracing for significant increases in utility bills starting January 1, 2026. The Columbus City Council has approved a new law that allows for adjustments in utility prices, primarily in response to the city’s growing population. Some households could see bills rise by as much as 18%, with overall estimates suggesting an average increase of approximately 12%.

According to Jon Lee, the Deputy Director of Water and Energy in Columbus, the adjustments are necessary to meet increasing demand. The anticipated increases will affect four main services: water, electricity, sanitation, and stormwater management. Specifically, water rates are set to rise by 18%, electricity by 13%, sanitation by 8%, and stormwater by 2%.

Financial Implications of the Rate Increases

The revenue generated from these rate adjustments is slated to support the construction of a new water plant, which is projected to cost around $2.3 billion. Lee emphasized the importance of this facility, stating, “We are right at the point where we are looking at our projections regarding capacity needs. Our plants have a limited capacity to supply water, based on a capacity rate, and therefore we will be able to serve that growing population by 2050 with the addition of this plant.”

This marks the first time in two decades that Columbus has implemented such a significant utility price increase. With the city experiencing rapid population growth, the approval of this law aims to ensure that public services can adequately meet future demands.

Potential Relief Measures for Residents

In light of the impending rate hikes, Columbus Power and Water is exploring options to mitigate the financial impact on residents. Lee mentioned that the discount offered to consumers has been increased from 25% to 30%, which could provide some relief for approximately 100,000 households. However, Councilman Christopher Wyche has questioned this figure, suggesting that the actual number of households benefiting may be significantly lower.

Wyche remains hopeful that adjustments to the utility assistance program will increase participation and help more residents manage their bills. Other states, including Wisconsin, have begun implementing assistance measures to support residents facing higher utility costs during the winter months.

As Columbus prepares for these changes, residents are encouraged to stay informed about the potential impacts on their utility bills and explore available assistance programs. The upcoming adjustments highlight the challenges cities face in balancing infrastructure needs with the financial realities for their citizens.