It’s hard to believe the 2021 Winter Storm Uri polar vortex was almost five years ago. What’s harder to believe is that it will take another 10 years for Liberty Utilities in southwest Missouri to pay off the $200 million tab for the natural gas it burned during that single storm. Similar stories played out throughout the central United States in the storm's aftermath. Enough time has passed, and the data shows that utility investments in renewable energy can limit the shock of volatile natural gas and coal prices.

Rural electric cooperative members’ bills are on the rise throughout the state . The volatile costs of coal and gas aren’t helping, but renewable energy could help limit excessive rate increases because the sun and wind are both free. The price of electricity from ren

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