MGE Announces Expansion of Shared Solar Program

Our regulated utility, Madison Gas and Electric (MGE), is filing with state regulators plans to expand its popular Shared Solar program with a second, large-scale solar installation in the City of Middleton.

The 5-megawatt (MW) solar project will be built in partnership with the City of Middleton at the Middleton Municipal Airport, also known as Morey Field. The proposed expansion gives residential and business customers throughout MGE's electric service territory the option of powering their home or business with locally generated solar energy. Subscribers to the voluntary program can purchase up to half of their annual electricity use through the Shared Solar program.

"This project builds on the success of our first Shared Solar project," said MGE Chairman, President and CEO Jeff Keebler. "It also advances the City of Middleton's and MGE's clean energy goals. We look forward to working with our customers and the City of Middleton in growing our Shared Solar program with this new, large-scale project."

Renewable Energy Rider

A 1 MW share of the 5-MW solar array will serve the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District under MGE's Renewable Energy Rider (RER). A 0.5-MW share will serve the City of Middleton under a separate RER agreement.

Under MGE's RER, the company is able to partner with a large energy user to tailor a renewable energy solution to meet that customer's energy needs. The model advances shared sustainability goals and grows clean energy in the community.

Construction of the array is expected to begin this summer with production expected in fall. This proposal follows MGE's first Shared Solar project, a 500-kilowatt array that came online in January 2017 fully subscribed.

MGE continues to work actively with developers to pursue other potential solar generation sites. The company is targeting at least a 40% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030. Longer-term, MGE is working toward carbon reductions of at least 80% by 2050.