City of Columbus

Meter Reading & Bill Calculation

Learn how to read your meter and calculate your bill.

And if you received a high bill, verify that the reading is accurate by taking your own reading; occasionally bills are estimated or a reading may have been keyed incorrectly when entered into the billing system. More on billed meter readings. 

• How to Read Your Electric Meter 
  
  
• How to Read Your Water Meter Meters are typically in the basement or a utility closet, usually where the furnace and hot water heater are located. There is a remote reading device attached outside of the home, usually on the same side of the house near the actual indoor meter. It is recommended you check these devices at least once each year, taking the reading from each unit to compare with one another; they should read the same.
  
  
• How to Meter Outdoor Water Usage using an Auxiliary Meters (brochure) - Save Money in Sewer Usage charges
   
  
• How to Calculate Your Water/Sewer Bill 2022 Manual Worksheet with step-by-step instructions. Worksheet based on 2020 Rates: 2021 Worksheet
  
  
• Calculate Your Water/Sewer Bill 2022 Interactive Worksheet. Select your city, number of days (usually about 90) and usage (average is about 10 CCF per person) and this worksheet will run the calculations for you.  2021 Rate Calculation