Back-up Power

Back Up Power for Distributed Generation

Interested in this program? Send us an e-mail or call (573) 874-7325.

What is Distributed Generation?

Columbia Water and Light's Distributed Generation program provides a unique opportunity to partner with Columbia Water and Light in electric generation. This program involves the installation of a diesel powered generator at a customer’s facility. The generator serves as an extra source of power for the utility during periods of peak demand and a back-up emergency generator for the customer during a power outage.

Who is eligible?

Columbia Water and Light industrial customers with electric loads generally over 750 Kilowatts. Customer eligibility is determined by the City of Columbia.

Who owns the equipment?

The generator equipment is owned and operated by Columbia Water and Light, including all maintenance and fuel costs. The customer’s participation involves providing a building site suitable for the generator and switchgear, and signing a lease agreement (usually for seven years) with Columbia Water and Light. There is a monthly fee for the back-up generator service on the customer’s utility bill.

How much does it cost?

The monthly fee for the Distributed Generation project is figured after Columbia Water and Light’s staff determines the cost of the equipment and the value of the electricity that it will produce. Columbia Water and Light strives to keep costs at a minimum for the customer. The monthly fees paid for the back-up generator are well below the cost of self-ownership of such equipment.

How do you get a Distributed Generation project started?

A customer interested in considering the Distribution Generation program at their facility can sign a non-binding letter of intent stating their interest in participating in the project. Upon receiving the letter Columbia Water and Light will develop preliminary engineering plans for the project with an estimate of the expected costs. A formal lease agreement that states the monthly charge will be presented to the customer. Upon agreement and signature of the lease agreement Columbia Water and Light will begin the process of planning, bidding and constructing the Distributed Generation project.