Utility bills can take a big bite out of your budget, especially when you’re living on a fixed income.
If you receive water or electric service from the City of Columbus, Ohio, you may qualify for a 30% discount on your water and power usage through the city’s utility discount program.
And if you’re 60 or older, you may qualify for additional savings through waived service charges.
Here’s how the program works and how to apply.
How Much Can You Save?
Columbus offers an income-qualified utility discount that helps eligible customers reduce their water and electricity costs.
Qualifying customers may receive:
- 30% off eligible water usage charges.
- 30% off eligible electric usage charges, if they receive electricity from Columbus Power.
- Additional service charge waivers for qualifying customers age 60 or older.
The 30% usage discount is not limited to seniors. Customers of any age may qualify if they meet the program’s requirements.
The additional service charge waiver is specifically available to eligible older customers.
For example, if you have $100 in qualifying water usage charges, a 30% discount could reduce those charges by $30. Other charges on your bill may still apply.
You can find the latest details on the City of Columbus Utility Discount Programs page.
Who Qualifies?
To qualify, you generally need an active Columbus water and/or electric utility account for your home in your name or your spouse’s name.
You must also meet at least one of the following requirements:
- Participate in an accepted assistance program, such as SNAP, Ohio Medicaid, HEAP, Ohio Works First, or qualifying public housing assistance.
- Have a household income below 200% of the federal poverty level, based on the city’s current income guidelines.
If you already participate in an accepted assistance program, you may qualify through that enrollment rather than having to meet the separate income table.
To request the additional senior service charge waiver, you must be 60 years old or older and provide proof of age.
What Are the Income Limits for 2026?
Columbus updates its income limits annually, generally in February.
The city’s published 2026 annual household income limits are:
| Household Size | Maximum Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $33,498 |
| 2 people | $44,380 |
| 3 people | $51,876 |
| 4 people | $65,524 |
| 5 people | $75,666 |
| 6 people | $84,426 |
| 7 people | $92,574 |
| 8 people | $105,046 |
| 9 or more | $124,482 |
The city considers income from household members over age 18 when determining eligibility.
If your income is close to the limit, check the latest guidelines before assuming you don’t qualify.
What Extra Discount Can Seniors Get?
If you’re 60 or older and qualify for the utility discount program, you may also be eligible to have certain service charges waived.
These are charges that may appear on your utility bill separately from the amount of water or electricity you actually use.
That means qualifying older customers could receive both the regular usage discount and additional savings on eligible service charges.
The waiver is not automatic for everyone age 60 or older. You must meet the program’s requirements and provide proof of your age.
When applying, make sure to ask about the senior service charge waiver so you don’t overlook a benefit you may qualify for.
How Do You Apply?
The City of Columbus accepts applications online and through paper forms.
To get started:
- Visit the Columbus Utility Discount Programs page.
- Complete the online application or download the current paper application.
- Provide proof of participation in a qualifying assistance program or the required household income documentation.
- If you’re 60 or older, include proof of age to request the senior service charge waiver.
- Submit your application using the instructions provided by the city.
A Spanish paper application is also available. Customers in certain multi-unit properties may need to use a separate application.
You can also visit the city’s customer service office if you need help understanding the program:
Columbus Water & Power Walk-In Payment Office
111 N. Front Street
Columbus, OH 43215
Published office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
This location is listed as a walk-in payment office, so confirm whether application assistance is available before visiting.
Do You Have to Renew Your Discount?
Yes. Columbus requires participants to renew their eligibility every two years.
Make sure to respond to renewal requests and provide any updated documentation the city requires.
You should also report changes that may affect your eligibility.
Relief Recap
Columbus utility customers who meet the program’s income or public assistance requirements may qualify for 30% off eligible water and electric usage charges.
The discount is available to qualifying customers of any age, but customers age 60 or older may receive additional savings through waived service charges.
You can qualify based on participation in certain assistance programs or by meeting the city’s household income guidelines.
If you’re struggling with utility bills, visit the City of Columbus Utility Discount Programs page to check your eligibility and apply.
And if you’re 60 or older, don’t forget to ask about the additional service charge waiver.
