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Utility advisory board backs 2026 rate package; city presents $8.6 billion capital plan and expanded affordability measures
Summary
The Utility Advisory Board recommended water +18%, sewer +8% and stormwater +2% for 2026; Columbus Water and Power tied the increases to an $8.6 billion 2026–31 capital plan including a multibillion-dollar Home Road water-plant project and recommended expanding low-income discounts and other assistance measures.
The Utility Advisory Board unanimously recommended that Columbus adopt a package of utility rate adjustments for 2026 that the Department of Water and Power says are necessary to fund an $8.6 billion capital-improvement plan and preserve system reliability as the region grows.
"Water, 18% increase. Sanitary sewer, 8% increase. Stormwater, 2% increase," Jason Coma, chair of the Utility Advisory Board, read to the Public Utilities and Sustainability Committee and said the combined effect would raise the average inside-city residential bill by about $10.50 per month (about $126 per year).
John (Deputy Director Lee) explained the…
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