This project is another step toward MGE’s industry-leading carbon reduction goals.
MADISON, Wis.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) has announced the 6-megawatt (MW) Strix Solar project in Fitchburg is operational. Two-thirds of the project serve all MGE electric customers with locally generated, carbon-free energy. The remaining two MW are expected to serve the company’s proposed Shared Solar – Strix program. Shared Solar – Strix is based on MGE’s original and fully subscribed community solar program, Shared Solar.
“With the recent completion of the Paris solar project and now Strix Solar, MGE continues to grow our use of renewable energy, which is one of MGE’s key strategies for achieving our science-based carbon reduction goals,” said Jeff Keebler, MGE Chairman, President and CEO. “By growing our use of cost-effective carbon-free energy and by working with customers to advance energy efficiency and electrification, we can achieve our sustainable energy goals.”
Located at the corner of Byrne and Syene roads, Strix Solar is expected to generate enough clean energy to power about 1,400 households annually. The solar array includes bifacial solar panels that produce energy from both sides as they track the sun throughout the day. The facility was developed for MGE by U.S.-based OneEnergy Renewables.
Shared Solar – Strix
This proposed new option is based on MGE’s original and fully subscribed community solar program, Shared Solar. If approved, Shared Solar – Strix would offer participants the option to pay a minimal up-front fee to subscribe to receive energy from the Strix array for six years as MGE works toward its goal of 80% reduced carbon emissions by 2030.
MGE residential and small business electric customers who choose to participate would receive carbon-free energy for up to 50% of their annual consumption and would lock in their energy rate for the six-year term of the agreement. A low-income alternative also is proposed for Shared Solar – Strix.
Learn more about joining the Shared Solar waiting list at mge.com/sharedsolar.
Working Toward Net-Zero Carbon Electricity
MGE is working to achieve deep decarbonization, consistent with global climate science, as quickly, responsibly and cost-effectively as we can. MGE already has reduced carbon emissions by about 40% since 2005, our baseline year, putting the company halfway to its 2030 goal.
By 2030, on behalf of all customers, MGE expects to deliver electricity with 80% fewer carbon emissions, and by 2050, we expect to deliver net-zero carbon electricity. Growing our use of cost-effective, carbon-free energy and working with customers to advance energy efficiency and the electrification of transportation are all key strategies for achieving targeted carbon reductions consistent with global climate science.
About MGE
MGE generates and distributes electricity to 163,000 customers in Dane County, Wis., and purchases and distributes natural gas to 176,000 customers in seven south-central and western Wisconsin counties. MGE’s parent company is MGE Energy, Inc. The company’s roots in the Madison area date back more than 150 years.
Contacts
Steve Schultz
Corporate Communications Manager
608-252-7219 | sbschultz@mge.com