The City of Columbia, Missouri, which runs its own electric utility, raised electric usage fees by 6% effective October 1, 2026. The customer charge did not change.
What changed
- Usage fees: up 6%.
- Customer charge: unchanged.
- Revenue: the city expects about $8.6 million more per year.
- Why: the city cites higher costs, including purchased capacity and energy, power production expenses and high-priority infrastructure projects.
- Power Cost Adjustment (PCA): the city set the maximum PCA at 20% of the residential first-tier rate beginning Oct. 1, 2026. The PCA is a monthly adjustment that reflects the true cost of power.
What this means for your bill
A 6% increase applies to the usage portion of your bill, not necessarily your total. The city has not published a single “typical bill” figure in the announcement. Use its Utility Rates Calculator with your account number for a personalized estimate.
Who is affected
Customers of the City of Columbia’s electric utility. The same announcement covers water (+10%), solid waste and sewer changes, which we don’t cover here.
If you have solar
The announcement does not mention net metering or solar compensation. Check the city’s rate schedules before assuming anything.
Sources:
Frequently asked questions
Did the fixed customer charge change in Columbia, MO?
No. The city says usage fees rise 6% but the customer charge will not change.
Can I estimate my new bill?
The city offers a Utility Rates Calculator that compares fiscal year 2027 bills with your current bill.
