Comments from the Chairman and CEO
Wind farm site being prepped for turbine construction
Construction activities are underway at the future site of the Red Barn Wind Farm in Grant County. Our utility subsidiary, Madison Gas and Electric (MGE), will purchase a 10% share of the 92-megawatt (MW) project when it’s complete.
Minnesota-based ALLETE Clean Energy is constructing the wind farm, which will consist of 28 turbines over about 12,000 acres. The land hosting the turbines will be leased from local landowners, who may continue to use it for farming or grazing. MGE’s share of the project is expected to generate enough energy to power about 4,000 households.
The company’s investment in the Red Barn Wind Farm is one of several renewable energy projects in various stages of development.
- The second phase of the Badger Hollow Solar Farm in Iowa County is expected to begin serving MGE customers in the first half of next year. MGE will own 50 MW of the second phase. MGE’s first 50 MW of the project came online late last year.
- MGE received approval to purchase a share of the Paris Solar-Battery Park, which also is under construction. MGE will own 20 MW of solar and 11 MW of battery storage from the 200-MW solar and 110-MW battery storage facility being built in Kenosha County.
- MGE is seeking approval to purchase 10% shares of two other solar and battery storage projects, the 325-MW Darien Solar Energy Center to be built in Walworth County and the 465-MW Koshkonong Solar Energy Center to be built in Dane County.
These projects will help to grow the company’s use of cost-effective and efficient clean energy to serve all customers as MGE works toward its industry-leading goals to reduce carbon at least 80% by 2030 (from 2005 levels) and achieve net-zero carbon electricity by 2050. MGE expects to invest in additional renewable generation beyond what is currently planned.
One year of O’Brien Solar Fields
The O’Brien Solar Fields project features pollinator-friendly plants to provide habitat for bees and butterflies.
This spring marked one year in operation for MGE’s O’Brien Solar Fields, currently the largest solar project in Dane County. The 20-MW project has generated more than 36,000 megawatt-hours of energy in its first year of operation—that’s enough carbon-free electricity to power more than 10,000 electric vehicles for a year.
The 160-acre solar project just outside of Madison features pollinator plantings to grow habitat for dwindling monarch and honeybee populations. MGE owns the solar array and leases the land from the O’Brien family.
Built under MGE’s Renewable Energy Rider (RER) program, the project serves several large customers with carbon-free energy. The RER program was designed to meet the needs of large customers who want a renewable energy solution. RER customers pay costs associated with the generation facility and any distribution service costs. The innovative model developed by MGE grows locally generated clean energy. The O’Brien project is one of four local solar projects serving RER customers.
MGE Energy reports second-quarter earnings
In August, MGE Energy reported GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) earnings for the second quarter of 2022 were $21.8 million, or $0.60 cents per share, compared to $22.9 million, or $0.63 cents per share, for the same period last year.
During the second quarter of 2022, electric net income decreased $1.1 million compared to the second quarter of 2021. Timing of 2021 depreciation and other operations and maintenance costs contributed to higher electric earnings in the second quarter of 2021. Depreciation and operations and maintenance costs increased during the remainder of 2021 after significant capital projects were completed, including a new customer information system and the first phase of the Badger Hollow Solar Farm.
Gas net income in the second quarter of 2022 remained relatively flat compared to the second quarter of 2021.
Board of Directors adopts statement on human rights
As your community energy company, MGE recognizes its impact on human rights and embraces the protection of human rights as a fundamental value. In June, MGE Energy’s Board of Directors adopted a statement on human rights, which outlines the company’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion; safe and healthy working conditions; and fair labor and worker rights. The statement also outlines expectations for vendors, suppliers and partners as well as guidance for MGE employees.
“MGE is committed to respecting and advancing human rights for our employees, our customers and the broader community,” said MGE Chairman, President and CEO Jeff Keebler. “We are committed to conducting our business in accordance with this statement as we meet our core obligation to serve our communities with safe, reliable, affordable and sustainable energy.”
The statement was developed through a collaborative effort of employees from across the company. It is consistent with guidelines and standards set forth in United States human rights laws and applicable international human rights principles.
See the full statement.
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