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Columbus staff propose 2025 water, sewer, storm and power rate increases with expanded low‑income discounts
Summary
Department of Public Utilities outlined recommended 2025 rate changes — water +7%, sewer +6%, storm +1% (aggregate ~6% bill impact) — and proposed raising low‑income discounts from 20% to 25% and eligibility from 150% to 200% of federal poverty level; advocates urged stronger public engagement before final passage.
City utility staff and an advisory board told the Public Utilities and Sustainability Committee that proposed 2025 rate adjustments are necessary to fund operations, meet regulatory requirements and support a multibillion‑dollar capital program.
Jason Coma, chair of the Sewer Water Advisory Board, summarized the board's October recommendations: water rates +7%, sanitary sewer +6% and stormwater +1% for 2025. He said the combined impact on the average residential customer is about 6.06%, or roughly $13.67 more per quarter (about $54.67 per year). The board also recommended continuing the clean‑river surcharge and increasing water and sewer low‑income commodity discounts from 20% to 25% while raising eligibility from 150% to 200% of the federal poverty level.
John Lee, deputy director of…
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