The 2026 Renewable Energy Plan estimates that 23.5% of Columbia’s electric portfolio will come from existing renewable resources in 2026. There was a goal set for the city to provide 25% renewable energy, but that was not met.
The proposal also includes an suggested increase to providing 40% renewable energy by 2035, according to the plan. Matt Nestor, Public Information Specialist for the City of Columbia Utilities department, said the goal for 2029 is 30% renewable energy.
“I want to say through 2029 it will jump up to 30%,” Nestor said. “We’re always investigating, looking for ways to get renewable energy on our grid. We have a contract with our wind, which would be the Green Belt Express line, gets built, we’re looking at energy for Missouri in 2029. That’s going to be a nine to 10% increase, into our renewable portfolio.”