Missouri is full of rich natural history. The beautiful and ancient Ozarks rock the landscape from St. Louis on down the Mississippi river. But is anything being done to protect this beguiling scenery? Not much unfortunately, at least not in the form of renewable energy incentives. On the bright side, the Missouri legislature has taken some first steps. In 2007, the legislature passed a renewable energy standard, under Senate Bill 54, that requires 11% of the state's energy to come from clean sources by 2020. There is, however, very little incentive for consumers to get involved in the movement. The state does offer an Energy Loan Program, but it applies only to schools and local governments. Here is what homeowners can expect so far from the state of Missouri:
NET METERING
It is not the most progressive net metering program in the world, but it is something. Like its neighbor Kentucky, Missouri is showing the first signs of embracing renewable energy. The state has excellent solar potential, so let's hope the legislature gets even more involved.
One thing the renewable energy standard has done is encourage utilities to beef up their own energy efficiency incentives. Columbia Power & Light offers a rebate for solar electric and hot water systems and a Super Saver Loan program for solar water and space heat.
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