The City provides income-based discount programs for those who meet the requirements and even payment arrangements. Other agencies have emergency funding available for a limited time to those having difficulty paying their utility bills. Listed on this page are other ways consumers can reduce their utility bills and become more environmentally responsible.
Columbus CARES Act Utility Bill Assistance Program
Emergency funding is available to eligible City of Columbus residential water, sewer, stormwater and power customers who are having difficulty paying their utility bills. This expanded program offers a one-time credit of up to $750 towards an eligible water/sewer/stormwater bill and/or up to $500 towards an eligible City of Columbus electric bill. Apply online or
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Low Income/Pandemic Payment Relief Program for Power
A Low Income/Pandemic Payment Relief Program for City of Columbus Power customers offers a one-time credit of up to $500 annually to go towards an eligible residential electric bill. Emergency funding is available for a limited time to those having difficulty paying their electric bills or at the point of disconnection. Apply online .
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Request a Special Payment Plan for Your City Utility Bill
Now you can apply directly online to request a Special Payment Plan (SPP) on your City utility bills. You may request an extension of one to three months on your current charges.
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Utility Discount Programs
Customers who participate in assistance programs such as Heap, Medicaid, SNAP & public housing may be eligible for a discount on their water/sewer bills.
Seniors age 60 and older with limited income may qualify for additional programs. Now you can apply directly online.
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Other Agencies for Financial Assistance
We encourage customers to contact other organizations that may offer financial assistance for utilities.
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Sustainable Steps
Sign up today! Help Sustainable Steps perform 30,000 home energy audits to help save energy and money in your home. Sustainable Steps is the City's innovative and ambitious climate action plan to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
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High Bills and Outdoor Seasonal Watering
A high water bill can signal a problem such as a leak, or be the result of seasonal, outdoor water usage (watering the lawn or garden, washing the car, etc). The resources below should help you establish what is average, determine the cause of a high bill and reduce your water usage.
Request Toilet Dye Strips
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Meter Outdoor Water Use, Reduce Sewer Charges
Those using large amounts of water not entering the sewer system (outdoor watering, irrigation systems) could save by installing an auxiliary meter system.
The system must be purchased, installed and maintained privately.
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Meter Reading & Bill Calculation
It is recommended you check the meter and remote reader at least once a year, taking the reading from each device to compare with one another.
Learn how to find and read your meter and calculate bills. This is especially useful if you receive an unusually high or low bill. Also, learn where the shut-off valve is; you may need this in an emergency if you have a water leak.
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Join GreenSpot
Looking for more ways to save money and go green for the environment? GreenSpot has over 40 different ideas of how to green up your home.
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Home Conservation Tips
Conservation practices provide savings for your wallet while protecting the environment.
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Get Your Garden in Full Bloom with Com-Til
Com-Til is a dark, rich compost that will break up tough clay soil, add valuable organic matter, provide both macro and micro nutrients, help retain moisture and provide a decorative mulch. The product is made from residual bio-solids from the City of Columbus wastewater treatment plants, yard waste and wood chips.
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What You Can Do to Be More Green
Simple things you can do in your own home or neighborhood to protect our environment and green your world. You may just save a little green in your wallet too by learning about GreenSpot and Columbia Gas energy efficiency programs.
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