Columbia Extension of distribution system ordinance (§ 27-88)
Chapter 27: Utilities · Article III. Water and Light System
In short: Anyone needing a power line extension must request it in writing from the director. Extensions in residential subdivisions go underground (perimeter major feeders excepted), as do most others. Inside city limits, the requester installs or pays for trenching and conduit; the department provides conduit materials and installs the rest.
Our plain-English summary, not the official text or legal advice. The ordinance below is what counts.
(a) Any person or parties desiring electric service at a location which will require an extension of the distribution system shall make written request to the director for such extension.
(b) All extensions of the distribution system made within the boundaries of residential subdivisions, except major feeders installed along the perimeter of residential subdivisions, shall be made underground.
(c) All extensions of the distribution system not made within the boundaries of residential subdivisions shall be made underground, except when, in the judgment of the director, soil conditions, type of terrain, voltage class or capacity of circuit, or other conditions make underground extensions impractical or unfeasible.
(d) The person or parties desiring an extension of the distribution system shall provide right-of-way within the subdivision as required by the department for such extension.
(e) The cost of an underground extension in the city limits shall be shared by the department and the person or parties requesting the extension. The person or parties requesting the extension shall install or pay for the installation of the trenching and conduit system. Materials for the conduit system will be provided by the department. Where joint trenching with other utilities is done, the department will coordinate the work and reimburse the person or parties requesting the extension and doing the work the appropriate share of the joint trench cost sharing. The cost of the trenching will be based on the cost received by the department from its trenching contractor and will be updated annually. The department shall install the remainder of the electric system at its cost.
(f) The cost of overhead extensions in the city limits or to serve customers in the city limits shall be borne by the department.
(g) For extensions outside the city limits, the person or parties requesting such extension shall bear that portion of the costs required, in the judgment of the director, to make the extension economically feasible.
Official source: City of Columbia official Code of Ordinances (online): look up Sec. 27-88
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.