Renewable Energy Rider an Option for Large Customers
Madison Gas and Electric's (MGE) Renewable Energy Rider (RER) gives the utility the ability to partner with a large customer seeking a renewable energy solution. Under an RER, MGE partners with a large energy user to tailor a renewable energy solution to meet that customer’s specific energy needs. RER customers are responsible for costs associated with the renewable generation facility and any distribution costs to deliver energy to the customer.
MGE Energy Chairman, President and CEO Jeff Keebler addresses the audience at the groundbreaking for Morey Field Solar in Middleton in October 2019.
The RER is designed to meet the needs and goals of companies that support or have signed on to the Corporate Renewable Energy Buyer's Principles, a collaboration facilitated by the World Resources Institute and the World Wildlife Fund. The innovative model also grows clean energy in our community.
In early December, MGE filed an
application with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) for approval of an RER agreement with Dane County on a 9-megawatt (MW) solar array near the Dane County Regional Airport. MGE will own the solar infrastructure, lease the land from Dane County and sell the energy to the County. If approved, this will be the largest solar project in Dane County. Construction is expected to begin this year with the solar array generating electricity by the end of the year.
MGE also has reached agreements with the City of Madison and the Madison Metropolitan School District on separate rider agreements. If the agreements receive regulatory approval, the energy will come from a 7-MW solar array. The City will use 5 MWs from the project for its operations. The school district will take the remaining 2 MWs.
Last summer, the PSCW approved MGE’s first two RERs. One is with the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District for a 1-MW share of the solar array under construction at Morey Field in Middleton. The other is with the City of Middleton for a 0.5-MW share of the same solar array.
The Morey Field Solar project, which also will be part of MGE’s Shared Solar program, is expected to be operational this year.