Two Missouri communities advance in national energy competition

Two Missouri communities - Columbia and Bates County - are among 52 communities that are quarterfinalists in Georgetown University Energy Prize and have a chance to win the $5 million prize.

The prize challenges small- to mid-size towns, cities and counties to rethink their energy use and implement creative strategies to increase efficiency.

Columbia is working on energy efficiency organizing competition between neighborhoods, schools and public building to reduce energy consumption.

Bates County submitted its new solar farm which is located in Butler, Mo.

The prize was formally launched in April 2014.

Participating communities were asked to develop a long-term energy efficiency plan and to demonstrate initial effectiveness and sustainability over a two-year period.

Communities will be judged in part on their ability to:

• Spur innovative approaches for communities to decrease their per-capita energy usage;
• Highlight best practices for communities working with utilities, businesses, and their local governments to create and implement inventive plans for sustained energy efficiency;
• Educate the public and engage students in energy efficiency issues including methods, benefits, and the environmental costs of the full fuel cycle;

Learn more about the prize and communities still in the running for the $5 million prize.