Madison, Wis., May 30, 2008—Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) today filed an application with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin to increase electric rates 6.99%. The request includes a 6% increase to cover rapidly rising fuel costs for electric generation and the remaining amount for expenses at the new Elm Road Generating Station.

If approved, the average residential electric bill would increase $4.78 a month.

MGE generates and distributes electricity to 136,000 customers in Dane County, Wis., and purchases and distributes natural gas to 140,000 customers in seven south-central and western Wisconsin counties. MGE's roots in the Madison area date back more than 150 years.