Columbus overhauls industrial utility billing, advances OWDA-backed capital projects

Columbus overhauls industrial utility billing, advances OWDA-backed capital projectsThe Columbus City Council has unanimously approved a measure to streamline billing for industrial users' sampling and inspections, coinciding with the implementation of new department-wide utility billing software.

Ordinance 2265-2026 replaces static rate tables with a simplified calculation for industrial sampling, laboratory analysis, and inspection charges.

The council advanced over $4.6 million in water and wastewater capital contracts contingent on Ohio Water Development Authority (OWDA) loan approvals.

First readings were held on ordinances to establish peak rates for high-volume industrial users and expand the city's Lead Service Line Replacement Program.

The Columbus City Council unanimously passed legislation on September 14 to modernize how the city's Department of Public Utilities bills industrial users for compliance and monitoring activities. Introduced by the Public Utilities and Sustainability Committee, Ordinance 2265-2026 amends the municipal code to streamline industrial billing charges related to sampling, laboratory analysis, and inspections. According to the committee chair, the update removes outdated code references and transitions the city away from a static rate table. Instead, industrial charges will now be determined using a simplified calculation. The regulatory update is being rolled out in conjunction with the implementation of new department-wide billing software for Columbus Water & Power. The move signals a broader focus by the city on industrial water consumption and billing; the council's agenda also included the first reading of a separate ordinance that would require the utility director to establish peak rates and fees for large-load, high-volume industrial and manufacturing users. In addition to the billing overhaul, the council's agenda advanced several significant water and wastewater capital contracts, which are contingent on loan approvals from the Ohio Water Development Authority (OWDA). These include: - A $2,393,600 construction contract with Claypool Electric, Inc. for a Hazardous Gas Monitors Replacement project, funded through the Sanitary Revolving Loan Fund. - A $1,400,533 contract modification with Evans Mechwart Hambleton & Tilton for construction administration and inspection services. - A $495,975 professional engineering contract with Arcadis U.S., Inc. for the Towers Court Storm Sewer Improvement project. - Up to $1.33 million across multiple contract modifications with Ascension Construction Solutions for professional construction management services at wastewater treatment facilities. The council also authorized a first reading of an ordinance to expand the city's Lead Service Line Replacement Program into contract community areas and allow the utility to disconnect vacant buildings from the water system.