Madison Gas and Electric
| Headquarters | Madison, Wisconsin, U.S. |
|---|---|
| Products | electricity, natural gas, green energy options |
| Website | www.mge.com |
Madison Gas and Electric Company (MGE) is the primary subsidiary of MGE Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq: MGEE). As a regulated utility, it primarily serves the Madison, Wisconsin metropolitan area with electricity, gas and green energy options.
History
Founding
The company's roots in the Madison area date back more than 150 years to its predecessor company, the Madison Gas Light and Coke Co., which was founded in 1855. The Madison Electric Light and Power Co. began delivering electric service in 1888. At the time, Madison had a population of 13,000.
In 1892, the Four Lakes Light and Power Co. bought Madison Electric Light and Power Co. and operated as Madison's electricity provider for the next four years.
In 1896, the Four Lakes Light and Power Company and the Madison City Gas Light and Coke Co. combined and incorporated to become Madison Gas and Electric Co.
The Madison Gas and Electric Company Powerhouse was built in 1902. In 1915, it was remodeled at a cost of $150,000. The building was designated a landmark by the Madison Landmarks Commission in 2002.
Recent changes
In 2001, the company formed a holding company named MGE Energy, Inc. and Madison Gas and Electric Co. became its main subsidiary.
Electricity
The company owns, operates and manages electric generating facilities and electric distribution facilities. The utility serves 146,000 electric customers, including the city of Madison and some suburban communities in Dane County.
Owned generating facilities:
- Blount Generating Station
- West Campus Cogeneration Facility
- Combustion turbines and solar units at Madison, Wisconsin
- Columbia Energy Center at Portage, Wisconsin
- Natural gas combustion turbine at Marinette, Wisconsin
- MGE's Rosiere Wind Farm in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin
- Top of Iowa Wind Farm in north-central Iowa
The company also has long-term electric purchase power agreements.
Natural gas
The company purchases natural gas and owns distribution facilities to serve its customers. The utility serves 152,000 natural gas customers throughout the city of Madison, some suburban communities in Dane County and six other Wisconsin counties.
Green energy options
MGE has a green energy program called Green Power Tomorrow. Customers have the option of purchasing renewable energy for their home and/or business. In addition, the company offers a solar energy buy-back program called Clean Power Partners.