After making key decisions and launching major infrastructure projects in 2025, City Utilities of Springfield, Mo., is entering 2026 ready to turn strategic plans into tangible value for customers, CU said on Feb. 23.
The utility’s newly released Annual Report highlights the progress made and steps that position the utility for an even stronger year ahead.
In 2025, CU began construction on three natural gas turbines at McCartney Generating Station, with completion anticipated in 2027. Once operational, the dual-fuel turbines will be capable of starting within five minutes, making them the most efficient and versatile generating assets in CU’s fleet.
In addition, two battery energy storage system projects are advancing and expected to come online in 2026. The zinc-based batteries are non-flammable, recyclable and domestically sourced. Together, the new turbines and battery projects will add 186 megawatts of local generation, enhancing reliability and helping CU meet evolving regulatory requirements. CU also reached a major milestone in water infrastructure with the completion of an 11-mile, 48-inch water transmission main connecting Fellows Lake to the Blackman Water Treatment Plant.
More than two decades in the making, the project was constructed in phases to minimize customer impact and leveraged grant funding to help manage costs. The new main provides a redundant supply line to help ensure safe, uninterrupted water service for years to come.
This investment, combined with additional water allocation from Stockton Lake, strengthens Springfield’s long-term water supply and positions the community to meet future growth needs, CU noted.
Beyond generation and water projects, CU continued significant system upgrades in 2025:
• 8.1 miles of aging natural gas main replaced with theassistanceof grant funding
• 8.3 miles of water main replaced
• 1,075 utility poles replaced
• 103 miles of tree trimming completed to protect power lines
"These investments enhance day-to-day reliability while reinforcing CU’s long-term commitment to maintaining the infrastructure that serves as the backbone of the community," it noted.
In fiscal year 2025, customers continued to benefit from electric rates 27% below the national average and 9% below the Missouri average. Natural gas rates remained 38% below the national average and 44% below the state average, demonstrating CU’s continued focus on delivering strong value.
