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Columbia council accepts 2025 Renewable Energy Plan, urges further study of future contracts
Summary
The City Council voted to accept the Columbia Water & Light 2025 Renewable Energy Plan after staff described current renewable purchases, projected shortfalls and the financial trade-offs of future power purchase agreements. Council and public speakers urged faster renewable procurement while staff warned of transmission and market risks.
Columbia accepted its 2025 Renewable Energy Plan on Aug. 4, 2025, after a staff presentation detailing last year’s renewable generation, the costs of renewables versus nonrenewables and the constraints posed by transmission and existing long‑term contracts. The Water & Light Advisory Board recommended adoption and staff said the city will continue to evaluate solar offers and refine the ordinance that governs future renewable purchases.
The plan shows the utility supplied about 22.82% of its 2024 electricity from renewable sources, below the city’s 25% target for that year, with landfill‑gas upgrades contributing to the increase from 2023. Erin Keyes, Utilities Director, told the council that under current contracts Columbia expects roughly 23.9% renewable supply in 2025, and that the city holds an agreement for about 35 megawatts from a wind facility contingent on a transmission buildout.
The nut graf: council accepted the report as the annual accounting of renewable supply and costs, but the hearing underscored a split between advocates pressing for more aggressive procurement to meet climate targets…
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