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<p style="font-weight:bold; display: inline; line-height:150%; font-size: 115%;">P.O. BOX 6015 <br />COLUMBIA, MO 65205</p></div>
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<p style="font-size: 150%; font-weight: bold;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</p>
<p style="font-size: 120%; margin-top: -5px; font-weight:bold;">September 3, 2025</p>
<p style="float:right; font-weight:bold; margin-bottom: 25px; font-size: 100%; text-align:right;">CONTACT: Matt Nestor
<br />Public Information Specialist
<br />City of Columbia Utilities
<br />573.874.7307
<br />Matthew.Nestor@CoMo.gov</p>
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<div style="font-size: 110%; line-height:150%;"><h1 style="clear:both; margin-top: 75px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 130%;">City Council approves 2% electric rate increase, to go into effect in October</h1>
<div class="content"><span style="padding-left: 50px;">(COLUMBIA, MO)</span> - <p style="display:inline;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">At the Sept. 2 City Council meeting, the Columbia City Council approved a rate increase for the City’s Electric Utility. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The 2% rate increase is projected to increase the Electric Utility’s revenue by $2.8 million, which would help the Electric Utility cover increased operation and maintenance expenses, maintain cash reserve levels and ensure adequate debt coverage.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The new rate structure will take effect with the first billing cycle in October.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The standard residential customer charge will increase from $22 per month to $22.44 per month. Usage rates are dependent on the customer’s rate class. For a breakdown of utility rates, please visit </span><a style="white-space:nowrap" href="http://como.gov/utilities/utility-rates"><span style="font-weight: 400;">CoMo.gov/utilities/utility-rates</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Customers can monitor their usage by signing up at </span><a style="white-space:nowrap" href="http://myutilitybill.como.gov"><span style="font-weight: 400;">MyUtilityBill.CoMo.gov</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">To encourage and promote energy conservation, City of Columbia Utilities has a suite of programs ranging from free energy assessments to rebates for installing energy efficient appliances. Electric Utility customers can find low-cost energy saving tips, information about efficiency programs and available rebates at </span><a style="white-space:nowrap" href="http://columbiapowerpartners.com"><span style="font-weight: 400;">ColumbiaPowerPartners.com</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For customers seeking assistance paying utility bills, the Utility Assistance Program is offered through Boone County Public Health & Human Services for eligible electric and water customers. For more information, call 573.817.6430 or visit </span><a style="white-space:nowrap" href="http://como.gov/health/human-services"><span style="font-weight: 400;">CoMo.gov/health/human-services</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. </span></p>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">Utility Assistance and home weatherization are also available through Central Missouri Community Action. CMCA can be contacted at </span><a style="white-space:nowrap" href="http://cmca.us"><span style="font-weight: 400;">CMCA.US</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> or 573.443.3500.</span></div>
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<div style="margin-top: 15px; margin-bottom: 20px; text-align:center;"><p>City of Columbia Vision<br>
<em>Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.</em></p>
<p>City of Columbia Mission<br>
<em>To serve the public equitably through democratic, transparent and efficient government.</em></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p>
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