Madison, Wis., Oct. 3, 2007—Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) renewed its Environmental Cooperative Agreement (ECA) with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) that pledges continuous environmental improvements through superior environmental performance. The ECA applies primarily to MGE's Blount Generating Station in downtown Madison.

In 2002, MGE became one of the first Wisconsin companies to sign an ECA. The agreement commits the company to higher environmental standards than required by regulation. It also adds flexibility in monitoring and reporting, saving MGE and the WDNR time and money while ensuring ample regulatory oversight.

Some of the successful programs now in place as a result of the ECA are:

• ISO 14001 certification. Blount became the first power plant in the state to obtain this international standard for controlling and improving environmental performance.

• Boiler combustion improvements. Improved combustion in MGE's largest boiler has increased the ability to burn more alternative fuels and lower nitrogen oxide levels under most conditions.

• Ash reuse. Byproducts of coal production, fly ash and bottom ash previously sent to landfills are now recycled.

• Biodiesel fleet use. Using biodiesel fuel in more than 100 trucks and off-road equipment units reduced air emissions and reliance on imported oil.

MGE will continue its voluntary programs in the new, five-year commitment. Included in the 2007-2012 plan will be a continuation of the Community Environmental Advisory Group (CEAG). The CEAG, along with the WDNR, provides MGE guidance on implementation of the agreement. The group consists of representatives from the Blount neighborhood, local business and environmental groups, the WDNR as well as elected officials.

This fall, MGE and the WDNR are expected to begin the process of amending the ECA that will further strengthen MGE's commitment to superior environmental performance through additional voluntary commitments.

MGE generates and distributes electricity to nearly 135,000 customers in Dane County, Wis., and purchases and distributes natural gas to more than 138,000 customers in seven south-central and western Wisconsin counties. MGE's roots in the Madison area date back more than 150 years.