City council supports renewable energy goals

The Independence City Council unanimously supported a resolution that contain an aggressive renewable energy agenda, calls for a rate study and curtail ceasing burning coal at the city-owned Missouri City and Blue Valley power plants in 2016.

The Missouri City plant would stop production; Blue Valley would be converted over to natural gas. Both plants are among the oldest in the region and mostly used on a seasonal basis to meet peak demand during the summer.

The resolution, sponsored by City Councilmember Scott Roberson, follows extensive discussion on energy issues in the community and is largely consistent with a 2011 master plan for Independence Power & Light.

Here's a summary of the resolution. Read The Examiner story about the City Council action.

The resolution received editorial support from the Kansas City Star op-ed writer Yael Abouhalkah, who wrote:

"The Independence City Council today (July 21) should move full speed ahead to promote the use of renewable energy in the city and reduce reliance on coal-fired power plants to produce electricity for its residents.

Elected officials have a welcome opportunity to show leadership on these issues because the city owns and operates Independence Power & Light.

Contrary to popular rumors, electricity rates will not soar if the city chooses this path. And eventually ending coal-fired production at old plants will reduce pollution in this region, a benefit for many."

The resolution and its adoption represents a significant policy direction for IP&L which is one of the largest municipal power operations in the U.S.

The Missouri Beyond Coal Campaign issued this media release following passage of the city council resolution.