Work session leads to discussing rate change to lower water bills, increase electric rates

Ryan Shiner
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Columbia Water and Light discussed changing the water rate during a budget meeting on Wednesday.
The rate increase would increase revenue 12% — or $3.6 million — in fiscal year 2026 that should also lower prices for near two-thirds of residential water customers.
The change would increase the base rate of meters smaller than an inch by 25 cents, while 1-inch meters would see a $5.62 increase. The proposed changes would also get rid of summer and non-summer tiered usage and implement the same rate year-round.
The city is also considering raising electric rates by up to 2.4% on Oct. 1.