In 2008 Missouri voters replaced the state’s voluntary renewable and energy efficiency goals with a mandatory renewable electricity standard (RES). The new mandate requires all investor owned utilities to generate 15 percent of their capacity from renewable energy by 2021. Municipal utilities and electric cooperatives are exempt.
Qualifying sources include: solar; wind; small hydropower; biogas from agricultural operations, landfills and wastewater treatment plants; pyrolysis and thermal depolymerization of waste materials; various forms of biomass; fuel cells using hydrogen from renewable resources; and other renewable-energy resources approved by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Eligible hydropower facilities must have a capacity of 10 megawatts (MW) or less.
Energy efficiency programs do not count toward the mandate.
The law sets a graduated compliance schedule beginning with 2 percent from 2011-2013 and rising to 15 percent in 2021 and beyond.
The mandate also contains a solar carve out requiring utilities to produce 0.3 percent of retail sales from solar.
Utilities may buy and sell renewable energy credits (RECs) to comply with the mandate. RECs may be used up to three years after generation for compliance. Utilities may also purchase solar renewable energy credits (SRECs) to meet the solar requirement. In-state renewable generation receives a 1.25 multiplier.
Customer-sited solar systems qualify for rebates based on capacity.
Utilities that do not meet compliance must pay a penalty at least twice the market value of RECs or SRECs.
Source: Database for State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency