Columbus Light & Water (CL&W) was incorporated in 1939 and is a Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) distributor. Electric, water and sewer system is provided to over 12,000 customers including 9,500 residential electrical customers and 10,500 water and sewer customers. CL&W has a five person utility board. The CL&W board is responsible for setting policy, approving the budget and approving payments. Board is appointed by city council. CL&W strives to provide the most reliable power at the lowest possible rates.

CL&W delivers utility services through two delivery points with approximately 451 miles of line and 29 customers per mile.

Over ten thousand customers are served through two water plants and eight deep water wells which are capable of producing fourteen (14) million gallons each day.

Wastewater is collected and treated at Columbus Light and Water Department's Reynolds R. Ridgley Wastewater Treatment Plant. The plant's capacity can treat ten million gallons per day and has additional temporary storage facilities.

In addition to providing utility services to the citizens of Columbus, Columbus Light and Water provides potable water and wastewater treatment service to Columbus Air Force Base. Columbus Light and Water distributes treated wastewater and collects processed water from Caledonia Generating, LLC.