MGE: Meeting ‘Energy 2015’ goals early

Madison, Wis.– Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) will meet major goals of its Energy 2015 plan ahead of schedule. When announced in early 2006, Energy 2015 detailed the company’s plan to ensure a dependable, affordable and environmentally responsible energy supply through the year 2015. The plan was based on feedback from customers. Customer conservation and participation in the green pricing program was a major part of the plan’s success.

Energy 2015 progress through 2009:

1. More renewable energy – MGE increased capacity of its renewable resources nearly 12 times, from 11 megawatts (MW) to 138 MWs. Nearly 10% of MGE’s customers have volunteered to participate in green pricing, one of the highest rates in the country. The U.S. Department of Energy in 2009 recognized MGE’s Green Power Tomorrow Program by selecting it for the Green Power Program of the Year Award.

2. Increased energy efficiency and conservation – Energy efficiency programs and conservation by customers have saved 423,000 megawatt-hours of electricity since 2005—enough power to supply the UW-Madison for a year. On average, electric use per customer is 6% less today than five years ago. We credit residential and business customers with not only meeting but exceeding our Energy 2015 goal. They have demonstrated a strong commitment to energy conservation and efficiency, and we are pleased to support their efforts with our programs and education.

3. Discontinue burning coal at Blount Street Generating Station in 2011 – This month, MGE took an additional step to greatly reduce the use of coal in downtown Madison by making natural gas the primary fuel at the plant. The company is still on track to discontinue coal use completely by the end of 2011.

4. Secure replacement base load energy – In February 2010, MGE began receiving energy from a new, cleaner coal facility in Oak Creek, Wis. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art emissions controls. MGE’s ownership totals 100 MWs.

MGE generates and distributes electricity to 138,000 customers in Dane County, Wis., and purchases and distributes natural gas to 142,000 customers in seven south-central and western Wisconsin counties. MGE’s parent company is MGE Energy (Nasdaq: MGEE). The company’s roots in the Madison area date back more than 150 years.

CONTACT

Stephen R. Kraus

Manager – Media Relations

Madison Gas and Electric Co.

608-252-7907

E-mail address: skraus@mge.com