By Abdullahi Lukman
The Columbia City Council has approved the city’s 2026 Renewable Energy Plan, setting a new target of sourcing 40 per cent of its electricity from renewable energy by 2035 after falling short of its previous 25 per cent goal.
The plan estimates that renewable sources will account for 23.5 per cent of Columbia’s electricity portfolio in 2026, while the city aims to increase the share to 30 per cent by 2029 through new renewable energy projects, including power from the Green Belt Express wind transmission line.
City officials said the plan is designed to expand clean energy generation without immediately increasing costs for electricity consumers, although the utilities department expects to absorb higher renewable energy costs. The proposal also indicates departmental costs will not rise by more than three per cent.
The council also introduced proposals to increase utility rates, including a 10 per cent adjustment for water services and a six per cent increase for electricity.
If approved, the increases are expected to generate additional revenue for infrastructure maintenance, operational reliability and future improvements. A public hearing and vote on the proposals are scheduled for Aug. 3.
In a separate decision, the council approved the 2027 Capital Improvement Plan, which allocates about $52 million for infrastructure projects, including road and sidewalk upgrades, wastewater improvements, airport development, a new salt storage facility and the replacement of emergency
equipment.
Council members also authorised the replacement of the 120-year-old Bridge No. 9 on the MKT Trail at an estimated cost of $640,000. Construction is expected to be completed by early 2027.
Additionally, the council amended the city’s waste management code to specifically prohibit human waste and litter from unsheltered encampments near waterways.
The amendment was adopted to comply with requirements of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources under the city’s stormwater permit.
