Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) generates and distributes electricity to nearly 136,000 customers. MGE owns generation units or purchases electricity through contracts and from the Midwest ISO energy market.

2007 Electricity Sources 

Generation

	West Campus Cogeneration Facility
	This 150-megawatt (MW) natural gas-fired facility provides electricity to MGE customers and steam heat and chilled-water air-conditioning to the UW-Madison campus. Through the efficiency of cogeneration and emission controls, it is one of the cleanest power plants in the Midwest. The facility, jointly owned by MGE and the State of Wisconsin, began operation in spring 2005. For more information
	Wind Farms
	MGE increased its wind energy capacity from 11 to 87 MWs in 2008. MGE owns two wind farms that have a combined capacity of 41 MWs: An 11-megawatt wind farm in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin, that began operation in 1999. A 30-megawatt wind farm in Kensett, Iowa, that went online in early 2008. In addition, MGE purchases 46 MW of wind capacity from two other midwestern wind farms.
	Columbia Energy Center
	MGE is part owner of the Columbia Energy Center near Portage, Wis., along with Wisconsin Public Service and Alliant Energy. Built in the early 1970s, the facility has two coal-fired units of about 500 MW each. Alliant Energy is the operating utility.
	Blount Generating Station
	MGE owns and operates the 190-MW Blount plant in central Madison. The original plant was built in 1902 and expanded several times. The plant currently operates on coal, natural gas and alternate fuels. Under MGE’s Energy 2015 plan, Blount is scheduled to discontinue burning coal at the end of 2011. The capacity will decrease by 90 MW. The remaining 100-MW capacity will be fueled by natural gas. For more information
	Oak Creek Power Plant
	MGE is a part owner of the Oak Creek Power Plant expansion, called the Elm Road Generating Station, along with We Energies and Wisconsin Public Power Inc. The two cleaner coal-fired generating units are under construction. The first unit is scheduled to come online in 2009 and the second in 2010. When completed, they will produce 1,230 MW. MGE will receive a total of 100 MW from the plant—50 MW from each unit. It is located in Oak Creek, Wis.
	Marinette Generator
	MGE owns and operates a natural gas-fired generator near Marinette, Wis. The 83-MW unit began operation in June 2000. MGE operates the plant from its headquarters in Madison. Wisconsin Public Service performs on-site maintenance under contract.
	Combustion Turbines
	MGE’s electric system includes five combustion turbines located at three Madison-area substations. These units are used to provide system reliability, especially in times of heavy electric use.
	Backup Generation
	MGE owns and operates 55 backup generators located at business customers’ sites. The total capacity of these units is 44 MW. Customers pay a monthly fee to have this generation available if power is interrupted. MGE also can use these units to boost system reliability during an electrical emergency.
	Purchased Power
	MGE buys power from other utilities through contracts and from the Midwest ISO energy market. The power is delivered over the transmission lines that serve our area.