MGE Works to Advance Electric Buses

Madison Gas and Electric (MGE), our regulated utility, is partnering with City of Madison's Metro Transit (Metro) to help to electrify 50% of the City's bus fleet by 2035. The City is seeking federal funding to expand and improve its bus service sustainably.

MGE submitted a letter of support as part of the City's federal grant application, indicating how the company will collaborate with Metro to advance these clean energy technologies in the community.

"MGE shares the goal of a cleaner energy future with our customers and the communities we serve," said Jeff Keebler, MGE President and CEO. "Deployment of zero emission buses will play an important role in reaching our shared goal of reducing carbon emissions."

MGE's commitment

In support of the electrification of the City's bus fleet, MGE will partner with Metro on infrastructure critical to a new satellite bus facility and electric buses, pledging nearly $4 million in support over five years for the new facility.

That funding, subject to regulatory approval, includes the following:

  • Up to $900,000 for charging infrastructure to serve all of Metro's electric bus fleet.
  • $1.5 million for optional on-site, back-up power. This will enhance reliability, ensuring availability of the electric buses during severe weather.
  • $1.5 million for an optional rooftop photovoltaic (PV) solar system at the bus facility. This system would be used to power Metro operations at the site.

MGE would install, own and maintain these services.

Partnering for a cleaner future

Earlier this year, MGE also submitted a letter of support for Metro's grant application under the Low-No Emission Vehicle Program, which resulted in $1.3 million in federal funding for the purchase of Metro's first three all-electric buses.

As part of this ongoing collaboration, MGE will provide:

  • 100% of the required local matching funds for charging infrastructure.
  • Continued in-kind support and expertise to address technological issues and facilitate cost effective and efficient use of energy.

Energy 2030

MGE already has reduced carbon emissions by 21% since 2005. Under its Energy 2030 framework, working with customers such as the City of Madison, MGE is targeting a 40% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 from 2005 levels.