Columbia Availability of service ordinance (§ 27-87)
Chapter 27: Utilities · Article III. Water and Light System
In short: Electric service is available anywhere in city limits the utility's lines reach or can be extended to. Single-phase 120/240 volt service up to 100 kilowatts is available to any customer. Three-phase service goes to businesses and industry in commercial zones, or to others using motors over 10 horsepower or expected to exceed 100 kilowatts of demand. Service for space heating may be refused if the building isn't built and insulated to Electric Heating Association standards.
Our plain-English summary, not the official text or legal advice. The ordinance below is what counts.
(a) Electric service shall be available at any location within the city limits as herein provided and provided the department's distribution system is within the area or can be extended to the area as herein provided in section 27-88 of this chapter.
(b) Single-phase service at 120/240 volts up to one hundred (100) kilowatts shall be available to any customer, except that the department may provide grounded wye service at 120/208 volts in areas where such existing secondary voltage is established.
(c) Three-phase service shall be available to any business or commercial establishment or industry whose premises is located within an area zoned by the city for business, commercial or industrial use, and shall be available to customers in other areas who utilize electric motors larger than ten (10) horsepower or customers who, in the opinion of the director, will have a maximum electric demand above one hundred
(100) kilowatts. Three-phase service will not be provided to residential trailers, one-family dwellings, twofamily dwellings, multiple-family dwellings, apartment buildings or any other buildings located in areas zoned for residential use, except as provided above.
(d)
Electric service for space heating may be refused to any customer whose premises is not constructed and insulated in accordance with the latest recommendations and standards of the Electric Heating Association.
Official source: City of Columbia official Code of Ordinances (online): look up Sec. 27-87
Text from Supplement 139 (September 3, 2026).
Last checked November 1, 2026. The city's official copy controls; this page is a reading copy, not legal advice.