MGE to Expand Investment at Badger Hollow Solar Farm

Our utility subsidiary, Madison Gas and Electric (MGE), announced in early August plans to purchase another 50 megawatts (MW) of the Badger Hollow Solar Farm in Iowa County.

"This addition of cost-effective solar energy will help MGE reach our goal of net-zero carbon electricity by the year 2050 while also helping us to manage long-term costs to our customers," said Jeff Keebler, MGE chairman, president and CEO. "This is yet another step in our active transition toward greater use of cleaner energy sources to serve our community."

MGE and We Energies filed a joint application with regulators to partner in acquiring the remaining 150 megawatts (MW) of Badger Hollow. If regulators approve the acquisition, this phase of the Badger Hollow Solar Farm would begin generating electricity in 2021.

Badger Hollow Solar Farm

In May, MGE and Wisconsin Public Service (WPS), a subsidiary of WEC Energy Group, received regulatory approval to own a combined total of 150 MW at Badger Hollow. MGE will own 50 MW, and WPS will own 100 MW of this first phase of the project. Commercial operation of this phase is expected by the end of 2020.

Badger Hollow will be located in southwestern Wisconsin near the villages of Montfort and Cobb, about 12 miles west of Dodgeville. The 300-MW project is being developed by Chicago-based Invenergy, North America's largest privately held renewable energy company.

Targeting net-zero by 2050

MGE's 100-MW share of Badger Hollow will serve about 33,000 typical households with clean, carbon-free electricity. MGE is targeting net-zero carbon electricity for our customers by the year 2050. We're working toward our goal by decarbonizing our electric generation, engaging customers in energy efficiency and electrifying transportation, all of which are considered key strategies for reducing carbon emissions.