MGE's Saratoga Wind Farm Delivering Clean Energy

Madison Gas and Electric's (MGE) new 66-megawatt Saratoga Wind Farm is fully operational and delivering sustainable, carbon-free energy. The $112 million wind farm came online in February.

Consisting of 33 wind turbines, Saratoga is located about 200 miles west of Madison in Howard County, Iowa. This site was chosen for its strong winds and proximity to existing transmission infrastructure. Saratoga can generate enough emissions-free energy to power about 47,000 households.

"Saratoga is serving MGE customers with cost-effective, clean electricity while adding new, more efficient wind technology to our energy supply mix," Chairman, President and CEO Jeff Keebler said. "MGE remains committed to driving carbon out of our energy supply mix and to reaching our carbon reduction goals. Saratoga – and our other proposed renewable energy projects – are steps in our ongoing transition toward a more sustainable energy future."

Deep decarbonization: 80% by 2050

Under MGE's Energy 2030 framework, the Company has pledged to reduce carbon emissions at least 40% from 2005 levels by 2030. Beyond 2030, MGE is targeting at least an 80% reduction in carbon emissions from 2005 levels by 2050.

"We have said since establishing these goals that if we can go further faster by working with our customers, we will," Keebler said.

Since announcing Energy 2030, MGE has developed projects that will increase the Company's owned renewable capacity by more than 500 percent. The company is seeking regulatory approval to add 100 megawatts of solar energy to its energy mix. MGE continues to actively evaluate other potential wind and solar generation sites as part of its ongoing transition toward greater use of renewable resources.