Columbia Renewable energy standard ordinance (§ 27-106)

(a) The city shall generate or purchase electricity generated from eligible renewable energy sources at the following levels:

(1) Two (2) percent of electric retail usage (kWhs) by December 31, 2007;

(2) Five (5) percent of electric retail usage (kWhs) by December 31, 2012;

(3) Fifteen (15) percent of electric retail usage (kWhs) by December 31, 2017;

(4) Twenty-five (25) percent of electric retail usage (kWhs) by December 31, 2022; and

(5) Thirty (30) percent of electric retail usage (kWhs) by December 31, 2028.

(b) This renewable energy shall be added up to these kilowatt hour levels only to the extent that it is possible without increasing electric rates more than three (3) percent higher than the electric rates that would otherwise be attributable to the cost of continuing to generate or purchase electricity generated from one hundred (100) percent non-renewable sources (including coal, natural gas, nuclear energy and other non-renewable sources).

(c) Eligible renewable energy generation may be provided by wind power, solar energy, bio-energy sources or other renewable sources which meet the environmental criteria approved by the city council after review by the environment and energy commission and the water and light advisory board. Electricity produced from on-site renewable energy systems owned by Columbia Water and Light customers ("net metering") may be included within the calculation of the levels required in subsection (a).

(d) Renewable energy generation sources located within Missouri may receive preferential consideration in the selection process.

(e) Each year prior to February 1, the water and light department shall publicly release a renewable energy plan detailing a proposal for how the city would comply with this section during the following year. The plan will explain the city's due diligence in pursuing renewable energy opportunities and detail all cost assumptions and related utility rate calculations, except with regard to confidential information that may be withheld pursuant to state law. The plan will then be reviewed by the environment and energy commission and water and light advisory board and submitted to the city council for approval following a public hearing.