Council Pub. Utilities & Sustainability and Finance & Governance Cmtes: Utility Rate & Capital Plan

The City of Columbus Public Utilities & Sustainability and Finance & Governance Committees held a joint hearing on November 13, 2026, on Columbus Water and Power’s six-year capital improvement plan and proposed 2027 utility rates. The department presented 536 planned projects across water, wastewater, power, and stormwater, including a $5.3 billion water plan and a $3.28 billion water reclamation plan. Major projects include the approximately $2.5 billion Home Road water plant and transmission line project, with construction expected to begin in 2027 and completion estimated for 2033. The department cited a projected $2.6 billion financing gap and said it is evaluating revenue bonds, short-term financing, and federal WIFIA loans alongside state financing. No contracts were awarded and Council took no vote at this hearing.

The Utility Advisory Board voted to recommend 2027 rate adjustments of 18% for water, 4% for sanitary sewer, and 2% for stormwater, which the board estimated would add about $10.29 per month to an average inside-city residential bill. The proposals also include residential electric rate adjustments, no commercial electric increase for 2027, and a new surcharge for high-demand commercial water customers. The department discussed expanding its low-income and senior discount program to 35%, along with other affordability measures. The chair said the ordinance package would receive its first reading at the next Council meeting; no Council approval occurred during this hearing.