Columbia Secondary metering ordinance (§ 27-95)
Chapter 27: Utilities · Article III. Water and Light System
In short: The city utility supplies the electric meter and socket, but the customer must furnish, install and maintain the meter loop (conduit, wire, fittings and mounting hardware). Residential customers who want a non-standard meter pay a nonrefundable $75 fee; nonresidential services can't get one.
Our plain-English summary, not the official text or legal advice. The ordinance below is what counts.
(a) The department shall furnish the electric meter and meter socket. The meter loop, including all conduit, wire, fittings, fasteners and other accessories required for mounting and connecting the meter shall be furnished, installed and maintained by the customer.
(b) If a residential customer requests that a non-standard electric meter be installed, the customer shall pay a nonrefundable fee of seventy-five dollars ($75.00) for the department to select, purchase, test and install the non-standard electric meter. Non-standard electric meters will not be installed for nonresidential services.
Official source: City of Columbia official Code of Ordinances (online): look up Sec. 27-95
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.