# Columbia, Missouri Raises Electric Usage Fees 6% Starting October 1, 2026

> The City of Columbia's electric utility raised usage fees 6% on Oct. 1, 2026. The customer charge did not change, and the power cost adjustment cap was updated.

- URL: https://solarexaminer.com/posts/columbia-missouri-electric-rates-october-2026/
- Site: Solar Examiner (https://solarexaminer.com/)
- Category: News
- Published: 2026-10-02
- Last verified: 2026-10-02
- Author: SolarExaminer Editorial Team


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](https://www.como.gov/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:
- [City of Columbia, "Utility rate adjustments go into effect in October," published Sep 29, 2026](https://www.como.gov/city-source/october-2026/utility-rate-adjustments-october-2026/)

## 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.


Image credit: Photo by American Public Power Association on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/man-standing-on-bucket-beside-gray-current-post-at-daytime-hp1-hMaMBrU?utm_source=solarexaminer&utm_medium=referral)