Mayor's Office

The City of Madison and Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) have long been partners in ensuring quality services for the Madison community, from working shoulder to shoulder to get things up and running again after severe weather to our shared commitment to climate action. Both our organizations have ambitious goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The City of Madison is committed to reaching 100% renewable energy and net-zero carbon emissions for City operations by 2030 and community-wide by 2050. MGE has committed to reducing carbon at least 80% by 2030, while working toward net-zero carbon electricity by 2050. We know that working together will help us achieve these goals faster and more efficiently.

In 2017, the City of Madison and MGE began collaborating on shared energy goals through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), setting up a framework that has led to numerous positive outcomes for the Madison community and our environment. To highlight just a few of our achievements, we have partnered to:

• Expand solar energy: Hermsdorf Solar Fields was constructed through a partnership between the City of Madison, Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) and Madison Gas and Electric through their Renewable Energy Rider program. This 8 MW utility-scale solar array provides clean, renewable electricity that powers city facilities and local schools. The City of Madison and the Sustainable Madison Committee have lent our support for the Badger Hollow Solar Farm, Two Creeks Solar and Koshkonong Solar Energy Center – MEG’s utility-scale solar projects that provide energy to Madison homes and businesses.
• Electrify transportation: MGE has been a key partner in transitioning the City’s fleet vehicles and Metro buses, preparing for an all-electric Bus Rapid Transit System and partnering with the Parking Utility to provide public charging for EV’s in City parking ramps. EV charging infrastructure is a key ingredient for a low-carbon future.
• Test Innovative Technologies: We are working together with Slipstream and MGE on a grid-interactive efficient buildings pilot project. This project focuses on demonstrating how we can reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions across the building sector while transitioning to a cleaner electric grid. Check out this press release to learn more.

I’m pleased to share that the City of Madison and MGE have renewed this MOU and our commitment to collaborating for the benefit of our community and our climate. I want to thank MGE for their continued partnership.