Electric Utility
About Electric
Electricity is generated at a power station or power plant from fossil fuels or renewable resources. Approximately 90% of Columbia’s energy comes from sources outside the city. Once the power is generated, it has to be moved to where it is going to be used. Large amounts of power are transferred with electric transmission lines which feed into substations where transformers step down the power to lower voltages. From there, power is delivered to individual electric customers by distribution system.
Columbia Water & Light is responsible for construction and maintenance of transmission lines, substations and distribution lines. Our crews are available around the clock to repair unexpected problems as quickly as possible.
Distribution & outages
Distribution & outages
The electric transmission network delivers electricity to Columbia’s grid from outside suppliers. Columbia Water & Light is in the control area of the Midcontinent System Operator (MISO). MISO is an independent system operator that controls the flow of electricity in northern part of the Midwest.
- See opens in a new windowFacilities Connection Requirementsopens PDF file for Transmission and Generation Interconnections.
Power outages and restoration of service
Columbia Water & Light’s top priority is to provide reliable electric service. Unfortunately, there are times when high winds, ice, squirrels, birds, etc., can cause interruptions with our electric system. When problems occur, Columbia Water & Light makes every effort to restore your power as soon as possible. For more questions related to power outages and restoration, see the FAQ.
Outage map
View the City’s outage map.
Back-up generator installation
If you have electrical equipment in your home that you feel you cannot be without during power outages and you’re considering purchasing a generator, take a few moments to think about safety. For more information, please visit the generator installation page.
Meter reading
Meters are highly accurate instruments that are similar to an odometer on your car. One way to monitor your consumption is to read your meter and check it daily or weekly. If you read your meter at the same time each day, subtract the present reading from the previous day’s reading to determine the number of kilowatt-hours used in one day. Reading your meter often, along with careful observation of the weather and appliances being used, can help you manage energy consumption and evaluate the effectiveness of appliances. For more information, visit the meter reading page.
Electric rates
Electric rates
View electric rates on the Utility Rates page.
Billing periods
Your meter is read once a month by a Columbia Water & Light employee. Due to weekends, holidays or the length of the month, the total days between each meter reading may vary. It’s possible for your monthly usage to increase or decrease from the previous billing period even though your average daily use remains the same. If there is a billing error, it will be handled in the normal procedure, with a credit adjustment on your next bill. E-mail a Customer Service Representative at UCS@CoMo.gov or call 573.874.7380opens phone dialer. If there is a question about electric or water usage, the meter will be re-read. If you would like to lower your electric usage, request a free energy audit online or call 573.874.2489opens phone dialer.
Estimated bills
On occasion, events beyond the utility’s control may force your home’s electric usage for a month’s billing cycle to be estimated. Locked gates, threatening dogs, covered or blocked meters and dangerous weather conditions can make it impossible for meter readers to reach your electric meter. Bills are estimated in mass when weather conditions cause a safety hazard for meter readers. As you build or landscape your home, think about how a Columbia Water & Light Meter Reader is going to access your meter. If you are fencing in your yard, is your meter inside or outside a locked gate? Does the landscaping next to your house allow room for someone to get to your meter to read it?
Calculating your energy consumption
Meters are highly accurate instruments that are similar to an odometer on your car. One way to monitor your consumption is to read your meter and check it daily or weekly. If you read your meter at the same time each day, subtract the present reading from the previous day’s reading to determine the number of kilowatt-hours used in one day. By reading your meter at the same time each day, you will get an exact total of the electricity you have used. By noting high consumption activities, such as air conditioning in the summer, you will know where you are spending your energy dollars. Reading your meter often, along with careful observation of the weather and appliances being used, can help you manage energy consumption and evaluate the effectiveness of appliances.
Requesting a mechanical meter
A residential customer can request to have a mechanical analog meter installed but they are costly to read and maintain. Since mechanical meters are no longer domestically manufactured, there is a $75 fee to cover the costs of purchasing and refurbishing an old analog meter. A monthly fee of $5 will be charged to manually read the meter. A customer can switch back to a standard meter at any time and the $5 monthly charge will be discontinued. To request a non-standard mechanical meter, contact the City of Columbia Utility Customer Service by calling 573.874.2489opens phone dialer or drop by their office at 701 E. Broadway. You will need to sign an agreement for this service.
Access to utility data
Columbia Water & Light does not know what customers are doing with the electricity supplied; only the amount used. Employees transfer usage data once a month directly from the handheld reader device through the City of Columbia’s secured computer network to the billing system. Columbia Water & Light does not sell utility usage data. According to the Missouri Sunshine laws, usage data could be requested and a fee assessed in order to facilitate the request. In order for this situation to change, the State of Missouri would have to change the Sunshine Laws to exempt utility data.
Ongoing projects
Ongoing projects
Electric production
Electric production
Electricity generation is the process of generating electric power from sources of primary energy. For electric utilities, it is the first process in the delivery of electricity to consumers. The other processes as transmission, distribution, energy storage and recovery using pumped-storage methods are normally carried out by the electric power industry. Electricity is most often generated at a power station by electromechanical generators, primarily driven by heat engines fueled by combustion or nuclear fission but also by other means such as the kinetic energy of flowing water and wind.
Outside energy suppliers:
Location | Fuel Type | Capacity (MW) |
---|---|---|
Sikeston | Coal | 66.0 |
Iatan II | Coal | 20.0 |
Prairie State | Coal | 50.0 |
Crystal Lake | Wind | 37.5 |
Bluegrass Ridge | Wind | 6.3 |
Jefferson City Landfill | Landfill Gas | 3.2 |
Truman Solar | Solar | 10.0 |
Local energy suppliers:
Location | Fuel type | Capacity (MW) |
---|---|---|
Municipal Power Plant | Natural Gas | 47.5 |
Columbia Energy Center | Natural Gas | 144.0 |
Landfill Gas Plant | Landfill Gas | 3.2 |
Bernadette Solar | Solar | 0.3 |
Net Metering | Solar | 4.0 |
Total energy supply: 392.0
Coal combustion
For more information on coal combustion and the plant closure, see the Coal Combustion page.
Renewable energy
Renewable energy
In November 2004, Columbians approved a renewable energy ordinance for the city’s power supply portfolio. The ordinance mandates Columbia Water & Light purchase increasing levels of energy from renewable resources. Each year, the utility is required to submit a plan outlining compliance with the ordinance. The Water & Light Advisory Board and the Environment and Energy Commission review the 2024 Renewable Energy Plan Draftopens PDF file before it goes to the Columbia City Council for a public hearing.
Renewable energy portfolio
Columbia city ordinance requires Water & Light to generate or purchase electricity generated from eligible renewable energy sources at the following levels:
- 5% of electric retail sales by December 31, 2012
- 15% of electric retail sales by December 31, 2017
- 25% of electric retail sales by December 31, 2022
- 30% of electric retail sales by December 31, 2028
The cost of the renewable energy mandated in the ordinance must not increase electric rates more than 3% higher than the electric rates attributed to the cost of electricity generated from 100% non-renewable sources. See the opens in a new windowCity of Columbia Code of Ordinances for the full text of the mandate.
NOTE: The renewable energy ordinance was revised by the Columbia City Council on January 6, 2014. The percentage of required renewable energy increased from 10% to 15% by 2018, from 15% to 25% by 2023 and set a new goal of 30% by 2029.
- 2024 Renewable Energy Plan draftopens PDF file
- 2023 Renewable Energy Planopens PDF file
- 2022 Renewable Energy Planopens PDF file
- opens in a new window2021 Renewable Energy Planopens PDF file
- 2020 Renewable Energy Reportopens PDF file
- 2019 Renewable Energy Reportopens PDF file
References
Engineering
Engineering
Integrated Electric Resource and Master Plan
The Integrated Electric Resource and Master Plan Task Force was established in 2018 to assist the City of Columbia in the Electric Utility’s planning process in conjunction with the preparation of a study conducted by Siemens, a consultant for the City.
The purposes of the Integrated Electric Resource and Master Plan include a review of service and usage forecasts and a determination of the costs of expanding Water & Light’s transmission and distribution system.
The Integrated Electric Resource and Master Plan Task Force, a citizen-led committee, hosted a public meeting to discuss the Integrated Electric Resource and Master Plan reports and the task force’s recommendations to the City Council.
Construction Service Manual
Rules, Regulations and Policy relating to Installation and Extension of Water and Electric Facilities
Facilities Connection Requirements
This document outlines the requirements for generation, transmission, and end-use facilities of customers to be connected to the Columbia Water & Light Department (CWLD) electric system. Its purpose is to promote safety of people and equipment, compatibility between customer facilities and CWLD facilities, and maintenance of reliability of the regional electric system when a customer requests an interconnection with CWLD. It complies with the requirements of the NERC Standard FAC-001 and FAC-002.
Water Main Construction Specification
This document is provided for developers constructing water mains within the City of Columbia’s water territory. The official, signed copy is on file with the Columbia Water & Light Engineering Division and might include updates that have not been posted on the web site yet. The web document is only meant as a reference.
Contacts
Search:
Activity & Recreation Center (ARC)
Phone: 573.874.7700opens phone dialer
Address:
1701 W. Ash St.
Columbia, MO 65203
Public Health & Human Services
Phone: 573.817.6441opens phone dialer
Alternate Phone: 573.874.7781opens phone dialer
Fax: 573.874.7756opens phone dialer
Email: Health@CoMo.gov
Address:
1005 W. Worley St
Columbia, Missouri 65203
Title: Mayor
Term Expires: April 2025
Phone: 573.874.7222opens phone dialer
Email: Mayor@CoMo.gov
Address:
City of Columbia, Missouri
701 E Broadway
P.O. Box 6015
Columbia, Missouri, 65205
Title: Ward 1 Council Member
Term Expires: April 2026
Phone: 573.864.7222opens phone dialer
Email: CityClerk@CoMo.gov
Address:
City of Columbia, Missouri
701 E Broadway
P.O. Box 6015
Columbia, Missouri, 65205
Title: Ward 2 Council Member
Term Expires: April 2027
Phone: 573.823.2274opens phone dialer
Email: Ward2@CoMo.gov
Address:
City of Columbia, Missouri
701 E Broadway
P.O. Box 6015
Columbia, Missouri, 65205
Title: Ward 3 Council Member
Term Expires: April 2025
Phone: 573.864.4976opens phone dialer
Email: Ward3@CoMo.gov
Address:
City of Columbia, Missouri
701 E Broadway
P.O. Box 6015
Columbia, Missouri, 65205
Title: Ward 4 Council Member
Term Expires: April 2025
Phone: 573.999.0897opens phone dialer
Email: Ward4@CoMo.gov
Address:
City of Columbia, Missouri
701 E Broadway
P.O. Box 6015
Columbia, Missouri, 65205
Title: Ward 5 Council Member
Term Expires: April 2026
Phone: 573.864.4972opens phone dialer
Email: Ward5@CoMo.gov
Address:
City of Columbia, Missouri
701 E Broadway
P.O. Box 6015
Columbia, Missouri, 65205
Title: Ward 6 Council Member
Term Expires: April 2024
Phone: 573.864.4971opens phone dialer
Email: Ward6@CoMo.gov
Address:
City of Columbia, Missouri
701 E Broadway
P.O. Box 6015
Columbia, Missouri, 65205
Phone: 573.874.2489opens phone dialer
Email: OCA@CoMo.gov
Address:
1 South 7th Street
P. O. Box 6015
Columbia, MO 65205
Phone: 573.874.2489opens phone dialer
Email: Planning@CoMo.gov
Address:
701 E Broadway
Columbia, Missouri 65201
Title: Engagement and Public Communications Manager
Phone: 573.874.7438opens phone dialer
Email: Sydney.Olsen@CoMo.gov
Address:
600 Big Bear Boulevard, Columbia, MO 65202
Address:
2300 E. Walnut Street
Columbia, MO
Address:
100 N Old 63
Address:
N William St
Columbia, MO
Address:
1905 Hillcrest Dr.
Parks and Recreation Department General Office (a.k.a. Gentry Building)
Phone: 573.874.7460opens phone dialer
Fax: 573.874.7640opens phone dialer
Email: ParksAndRec@CoMo.gov
Address:
1 South 7th Street
P. O. Box 6015
Columbia, MO 65205
Phone: 573.874.6259opens phone dialer
Fax: 573.442.8828opens phone dialer
Email: HumanRights@CoMo.gov
Address:
701 E. Broadway, 2nd Floor
P.O. Box 6015
Columbia, MO 65205
Address:
2900 East Nifong Boulevard
Columbia, MO 65201
Title: Constituent Services and Legislative Affairs Administrator
Phone: 573.874.7646opens phone dialer
Email: Stacey.Weidemann@CoMo.gov
Address:
902 Range Line St.
Phone: 573.442.6131opens phone dialer
Address:
2104 Hillcrest Drive,
Columbia, MO 65201
Albert-Oakland Family Aquatic Center
Phone: 573.474.5331opens phone dialer
Alternate Phone: 573.874.7460opens phone dialer
Phone: 573.817.5015opens phone dialer
Address:
5001 E Meyer Industrial Drive, Columbia, MO 65203
Douglass Family Aquatic Center
Phone: 573.442.5019opens phone dialer
Alternate Phone: 573.874.7460opens phone dialer
Title: Information Center Supervisor
Phone: 573.874.7418opens phone dialer
Email: Kerri.Seversen@CoMo.gov
Address:
1201 Paquin St.
Phone: 573.874.7378opens phone dialer
Fax: 573.874.7761opens phone dialer
Email: Business.license@CoMo.Gov
Address:
PO Box 6015, Columbia, MO, 65205
Phone: 573.874.7201opens phone dialer
Fax: 573.875.3159opens phone dialer
Address:
1507 Bus. Loop 70W
Columbia, MO 65202
Phone: 573.474.7878opens phone dialer
Alternate Phone: 573.874.7460opens phone dialer
Title: Community Recreation Manager
Phone: 573.874.6378opens phone dialer
Email: Camren.Cross@CoMo.gov
Phone: 573.874.7244opens phone dialer
Fax: 573.874.7760opens phone dialer
Email: Darcie.Clark@CoMo.gov
Address:
500 E Walnut, Suite 108
Address:
2002 Grindstone Pkwy.
Stephens Lake Beach (Unguarded) and Spraygrounds
Address:
100 Old 63 N.
Molly Thomas Bowden Neighborhood Policing Center
Address:
1204 International Drive,
Columbia, MO 65202
Phone: 573.874.7384opens phone dialer
Fax: 573.874.7757opens phone dialer
Email: Health@CoMo.gov
Address:
1005 W. Worley St.
Phone: 573.874.2489opens phone dialer
Alternate Phone: 573.441.5574opens phone dialer
Email: Info@CoMo.gov
Address:
300 S Providence Rd
Columbia, MO 65203
Title: Parks and Recreation
Phone: 573.874.7460opens phone dialer
Email: ParksandRec@CoMo.gov
Address:
1 South 7th Street
P. O. Box 6015
Columbia, MO 65205
Title: Lieutenant, Professional Standards
Phone: 573.874.7652opens phone dialer
Email: Clinton.Sinclair@CoMo.gov
Title: Assistant City Manager
Phone: 573.874.2489opens phone dialer
Email: Carol.Rhodes@CoMo.gov
Address:
City Hall, Second Floor
701 E Broadway
P.O. Box 6015
Columbia, Missouri, 65203
Phone: 573.817.5024opens phone dialer
Email: DisabilityServices@CoMo.gov
Address:
City of Columbia, Law Department
ADA Coordinator
701 East Broadway, 2nd Floor
P.O. Box 6015
Columbia, MO 65205
Title: IT Director
Phone: 573.874.7500opens phone dialer
Email: Cityit1@CoMo.gov
Address:
701 E Broadway
Columbia, Missouri 65201
Address:
1900 Blue Ridge Road
Phone: 573.874.2489opens phone dialer
Email: Cityclerk@CoMo.gov
Address:
701 E Broadway
Columbia MO, 65202
Phone: 573.874.6338opens phone dialer
Email: Cmo@CoMo.gov
Address:
City Hall, Second Floor
701 E Broadway
P.O. Box 6015
Columbia, Missouri 65205
Phone: 573.874.7249opens phone dialer
Alternate Phone: 573.874.7356opens phone dialer
Fax: 573.874.7597opens phone dialer
Email: Health@CoMo.gov
Prevention, Disease Intervention & Case Management
Phone: 573.874.7408opens phone dialer
Alternate Phone: 833.402.1458opens phone dialer
Email: SexualHealth@CoMo.gov
Title: Assistant Chief, North Patrol
Phone: 573.874.7407opens phone dialer
Email: Jeremiah.Hunter@CoMo.gov
Title: Assistant Chief, Investigative Operations Support
Email: Lance.Bolinger@CoMo.gov
Phone: 573.817.6430opens phone dialer
Email: HumanServices@CoMo.gov
Address:
1005 W. Worley St.
Columbia, MO 65203
Phone: 573.442.8303opens phone dialer
Address:
500 E Walnut St
Columbia, MO 65201
Phone: 573.874.7346opens phone dialer
Email: Health@CoMo.gov
Address:
1005 W. Worley St.
Columbia, MO 65203
Phone: 573.874.7391opens phone dialer
Alternate Phone: 573.874.7450opens phone dialer
Fax: 573.874.7446opens phone dialer
Email: Fire@CoMo.gov
Address:
201 Orr St
Columbia, MO 65201
Title: Public Health Planning Manager
Phone: 573.874.6331opens phone dialer
Email: Michelle.Shikles@CoMo.gov
Household Hazardous Waste Collection
Phone: 573.874.2489opens phone dialer
Email: Cc_forms@CoMo.gov
Address:
1313 Lakeview
Columbia, MO 65201
Phone: 573.874.7500opens phone dialer
Email: Cityit1@CoMo.gov
Address:
701 E Broadway
Columbia, Missouri 65201
Parkside Drive Yard Waste Drop-off Center
Phone: 573.874.2489opens phone dialer
Address:
Parkside Drive
Phone: 573.874.7223opens phone dialer
Fax: 573.442.8828opens phone dialer
Address:
701 E. Broadway, 2nd Floor
P.O. Box 6015
Columbia, MO 65205
Phone: 573.874.7230opens phone dialer
Fax: 573.874.7531opens phone dialer
Email: MunicipalCourt@CoMo.gov
Address:
600 E. Broadway
Columbia, MO 65203
Title: Prevention and Investigation Manager
Phone: 573.817.6402opens phone dialer
Email: Tracey.Bathe@CoMo.gov
Office of Neighborhood Services
Phone: 573.817.5050opens phone dialer
Alternate Phone: 573.874.7339opens phone dialer
Email: Neighborhood@CoMo.gov
Address:
701 Broadway
Columbia, MO, 65201
Title: Senior Administrative Supervisor (Administration)
Phone: 573.874.7347opens phone dialer
Email: Dana.Vaughn@CoMo.gov
Phone: 573.874.7652opens phone dialer
Email: Policepio@CoMo.gov
Address:
600 E. Walnut Street
Columbia, MO 65201
Title: Administrative Supervisor (Clinical Services)
Phone: 573.874.7357opens phone dialer
Email: Janet.Dutton@CoMo.gov
Capen Park Yard Waste Drop-off Center
Phone: 573.874.2489opens phone dialer
Address:
1600 Capen Park Dr, Columbia, MO 65201
Phone: 573.874.2489opens phone dialer
Email: Pubw@CoMo.gov
Address:
701 E Broadway
Columbia, Missouri 65201
Title: Creative Services and Marketing Manager
Phone: 573.874.7330opens phone dialer
Email: Brian.Adkisson@CoMo.gov
Title: Public Information Specialist
Address:
400 N Providence Rd
Columbia, MO 65203
Phone: 573.874.7380opens phone dialer
Email: UCS@CoMo.gov
Address:
City of Columbia, Utility Customer Service, PO Box 6015, Columbia, MO, 65205
Phone: 573.874.7499opens phone dialer
Fax: 573.874.7546opens phone dialer
Email: Volunteer@CoMo.gov
Address:
P.O. Box 6015
Columbia, MO 65205
Title: Transload Operations Supervisor
Phone: 573.441.5561opens phone dialer
Email: David.Dick@CoMo.gov
Title: Accounts Payable Contact Vendors M-Z
Phone: 573.874.7692opens phone dialer
Email: Accountspayable@CoMo.gov
Title: Recreation Services Manager
Phone: 573.874.7572opens phone dialer
Email: Erika.Coffman@CoMo.gov
Central Missouri Humane Society
Phone: 573.443.7387opens phone dialer
Address:
616 Big Bear Blvd.
Columbia, MO 65202
Title: Railroad Operations
Phone: 573.441.5564opens phone dialer
Alternate Phone: 573.864.2171opens phone dialer
Email: Matthew.Sabath@CoMo.gov
Title: Park Planning & Development Superintendent
Phone: 573.874.7203opens phone dialer
Email: Mike.snyder@CoMo.gov
Title: City Manager
Phone: 573.874.2489opens phone dialer
Email: Cmo@CoMo.gov
Address:
City Hall, Second Floor
701 E Broadway
P.O. Box 6015
Columbia, Missouri, 65203
Address:
400 N. Providence Rd.
Title: Assistant City Manager
Email: Matt.unrein@CoMo.gov
Address:
City Hall, Second Floor
701 E. Broadway
P.O. Box 6015
Columbia, Missouri, 65203
Phone: 573.874.7229opens phone dialer
Fax: 573.874.7533opens phone dialer
Email: CityProsecutor@CoMo.gov
Address:
600 E. Broadway
P. O. Box 6015
Columbia, MO 65205-6015
Title: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Administrator, LGBTQ+ Liaison
Phone: 573.289.5975opens phone dialer
Email: D'andre.thompson@CoMo.gov
Gans Creek Cross Country Course
Address:
3350 E. Gans Road
Title: Public Information Specialist
Phone: 425.209.6344opens phone dialer
Email: Christian.Tabak@CoMo.gov
Title: Entrepreneurship Coordinator
Phone: 573.441.5546opens phone dialer
Alternate Phone: 573.268.5596opens phone dialer
Email: Jay.Sparks@CoMo.gov
Phone: 573.874.2489opens phone dialer
Email: Cc_forms@CoMo.gov
Address:
701 E. Broadway
P.O. Box 6015
Columbia, MO 65205
Phone: 573.874.7239opens phone dialer
Email: Planning@CoMo.gov
Address:
701 Broadway
Columbia, MO, 65201
Title: Environmental Education Coordinator
Phone: 573.817.6447opens phone dialer
Email: Michael.heimos@CoMo.gov
Title: Environmental Program Coordinator
Phone: 573.441.5513opens phone dialer
Email: Kevin.carpenter@CoMo.gov
Convention & Visitors Bureau – Special Events
Phone: 573.817.5052opens phone dialer
Email: Specialevents@CoMo.gov
Address:
300 S. Providence Road, Columbia, MO 65203
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Administrator
Title: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Administrator
Phone: 573.874.6259opens phone dialer
Email: HumanRights@CoMo.gov
Phone: 573.874.7488opens phone dialer
Email: HumanServices@CoMo.gov
Address:
1005 W. Worley St.
Columbia, MO 65203
Title: Environmental Health Supervisor
Phone: 573.874.7382opens phone dialer
Email: Chrystal.Smart@CoMo.gov
Phone: 573.817.6430opens phone dialer
Email: SocialServices@CoMo.gov
Address:
1005 W. Worley St.
Columbia, MO 65203
Address:
1615 Business Loop 70 W
Columbia, MO 65202
Address:
3350 Waco Rd
Columbia, MO 65202
Title: Assistant Chief, South Patrol
Phone: 573.874.7607opens phone dialer
Email: Mark.Fitzgerald@CoMo.gov
Phone: 573.442.5019opens phone dialer
Alternate Phone: 573.874.7460opens phone dialer
Address:
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial at Battle Garden
800 W. Stadium Blvd.
Columbia, MO 65203
Title: Parks and Recreation Director
Phone: 573.874.6398opens phone dialer
Email: Gabe.Huffington@CoMo.gov
Phone: 573.874.7474opens phone dialer
Email: Bldg-inspection@CoMo.gov
Address:
701 E Broadway
Columbia, MO, 65201
Address:
Grissum Building, 1313 Lakeview Ave.
Address:
2104 Hillcrest Drive
Press Releases
4/8/2024 – City of Columbia Water & Light recognized as a Reliable Public Power Provider
3/18/2024 – City of Columbia Utilities to resume utility disconnects
2/26/2024 – City of Columbia Water & Light earns Water Fluoridation Quality Award
2/23/2024 – City of Columbia to resume residential curbside recycling collection March 18
2/23/2024 – Road closure scheduled on Garth Avenue beginning Feb. 26