Columbus, surrounding suburbs to see utility bills increase in 2025
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Residents of Columbus and some neighboring suburbs will see an increase in their utility bills at the start of the new year.
At a Nov. 25 meeting, Columbus City Council approved increases to water and electric rates for 2025. Columbus residents and suburban customers of the city’s water system – including Dublin, New Albany, Hilliard, Bexley and Gahanna – will see an increase beginning on Jan 1.
Water bills for Columbus residents will increase by $13.67 per quarter, or about $55 annually. Neighboring municipalities who use the city’s system will experience a larger increase, at an extra $15.59 to $24.79 quarterly, or about $62 to $99 yearly, according to the council.
Customers of the city’s Division of Power can expect an increase of $5.85 to $8.90 in their monthly electric bill, which amounts to about $70 to $107 each year.
City council pointed to regional growth, upcoming regulatory requirements and improvement projects -- such as a new water plant being built along the Scioto River in Delaware County -- as reasons for the increases.
To offset the rising costs, the council also voted to expand the city’s utility discount program, which offers assistance to low-income households. Those who qualify for the program will receive a 25% discount on their water and power bill, as well as a one-time bill credit of $65 for their water bill and $55 for their power bill. Those aged 60 and older who qualify will also have their monthly service charges waived.
"We know our residents are taking on the bulk of the burden when it comes to our regional growth," said councilmember and chair of public utilities Christopher Wyche. “While these increases are necessary, we took every measure possible to alleviate some of the cost on our residents.”
In order to be eligible, residents must earn 200% or less of the federal poverty level or provide proof of participation in SNAP, Ohio Medicaid, Low Income Energy Assistance, Ohio Works First, or Public Housing Benefits.
Residents can visit the city’s website to learn more and sign up for the discount program.