Electric Division

Source of Electric Power

The majority of Columbia's electricity comes from electric producers outside of Columbia.

• Sikeston 30.9%,
• MISO market 29.7%,
• Iatan II 14.9%,
• Prairie State 8.7%,
• Columbia Power Plant 4.7%,
• Nearman 3.7%,
• Crystal Lake wind 3.05%,
• Jefferson City landfill gas 1.82,
• Columbia landfill gas 1.29%,
• Bluegrass Ridge wind 1.26%,
• solar 0.02%.

Local Resources & Percentages of Energy Supplied:

Columbia Municipal Power Plant (coal, waste wood, natural gas or oil) produces 4% to 7%

Columbia Energy Center (natural gas) generates during periods of peak electric consumption

Landfill Gas Plant (landfill gas) produces a little more than 1%

Photovoltaic (solar) produces less than 1%

 

Renewable Energy Standard

Columbia city ordinance requires Water and Light to generate or purchase electricity generated from eligible renewable energy sources at the following levels:

• 2% of electric retail sales by December 31, 2007
• 5% of electric retail sales by December 31, 2012
• 10% of electric retail sales by December 31, 2017
• 15% of electric retail sales by December 31, 2022

There is a cost cap in the ordinance. Renewable energy costs can not raise rates more than 3% over the cost of traditional sources.

In 2012, Columbia had almost 8% of the electric portfolio generated by renewable resources. For more details, see the Renewable Energy Report

Transmission & Distribution

Proposed Transmission Line Project Information: Sign up for e-mail project updates.

The electric transmission network delivers electricity to Columbia's grid from outside suppliers. Columbia Water and Light is in the control area of the Midcontinent System Operator (MISO). MISO is an independent system operator that controls the flow of electricity in northern part of the Midwest. Electricity is delivered to the customer through the distribution system.

Columbia Water & Light is responsible for construction and maintenance of transmission lines, substations and distribution lines. Water & Light crews are available around the clock to repair unexpected problems as quickly as possible

In 2007, 2009, 2011 and 2013 the utility received the RP3 award from the American Public Power Association. This award recognizes utilities that demonstrate proficiency in four key disciplines: reliability, safety, training and system improvement.  Criteria within each category are based on sound business practices and represent a utility-wide commitment to safe and reliable delivery of electricity.

Download the Columbia Water & Light electric service territory map in a .pdf file.

Constructing a new building? see the Facilities Connection Requirements for the electric system