Backup Generation
Note: MGE's Backup Generation Service is available to new customers on a limited basis.
What it is
MGE offers businesses the option of having on-site electric generation. If power to your facility is interrupted, a diesel generator will automatically switch on. The generator will carry your entire electric service until power from MGE's system is restored.
Customers pay a monthly fee for this service based on their maximum annual demand.
How you benefit
On-site backup generation increases the reliability of your electric service. It also:
- Reduces sales or productivity losses from power outages.
- Eliminates expenses and concerns about owning, maintaining and operating your own generators.
- Eliminates lengthy commitments; you may sign up for as little as five years.
How it works
In a distribution outage, the generator will automatically switch on. You will have a brief outage while the generator starts up—typically not more than 30 seconds. Once normal system power is restored, the generator will synchronize with MGE's system and shut down without disrupting your service.
If MGE needs additional emergency generating capacity, your generator will be remotely started by our system operators. This will not disrupt your service.
Generation equipment
This service is available on a limited basis as diesel generators in the program become available and can be matched with appropriately sized customer loads. The largest units will require an area of about 40 ft X 8 ft.
MGE will own, operate and maintain the generator and associated equipment needed to bring the service into your facility. Any environmental permits will be issued to MGE as the equipment owner and operator.
What it costs
Customers are responsible for the cost of site preparation, concrete pad, building permits and a monthly service charge. The service charge is based on your maximum annual kilowatt (kW) demand for electricity. The charge is $0.06575 per kW per day.
The service charge is fixed for the initial contract term of five years—or longer if you prefer. After the initial term, you may renew annually or end your backup generation service.
Who can participate
Your business must have a monthly demand of at least 75 kW to participate. In addition, you must be able to locate a generator set on your property.
Why MGE offers it
This service meets two key needs by providing:
- Affordable backup generation for customers with higher-than-average needs for service reliability.
- Additional generation capacity for MGE to call upon to meet system load requirements that benefits all customers.
For more information
Contact MGE
Customer-Owned (Parallel) Generation
Backup Generation Service tariff [41 kB PDF]
