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Electricity generated using clean, renewable energy sources is called green power.

If you want to "go green"

• Start with energy efficiency.  Reducing your energy use eliminates the need to generate the power in the first place.  It costs less and pays back faster than investing in your own renewable energy system.  You can save as much electricity substituting one $3 compact fluorescent lightbulb as spending $500 on a solar PV panel. Visit Saving Energy for information and ideas.

• Buy green power.   You can offset the carbon dioxide emissions generated from your home electricity use for about $7.50 per month.  Visit Green Power Tomorrow for more information or sign up today.
  
• Investigate a renewable energy system.  Evaluate your site for orientation and obstructions: 
• Wind turbines need adequate wind speeds.
• Solar systems need clear access to southern orientation. Too many trees or neighboring buildings can be a problem.
• Various building and safety codes apply.
  

For information about site assessments, consultations, contractors and to learn about potential financial assistance, visit Focus on Energy’s Renewable Energy or call 1-800-762-7077.

• Receive payment for the clean energy you generate.  MGE will pay you for the electricity you contribute to the power grid.  Visit Renewable Energy Rates for more information.

Greening our electricity grid
While better for the environment, utility green power systems are considerably more expensive to build and do not generate as much electricity per dollar of investment as conventional plants. Yet, we believe the time is right to improve our environmental footprint and increase our use of green energy.

Energy 2015 plan
MGE has committed to reducing our environmental footprint by:

• Eliminating coal as fuel in our Blount Generating Station by the end of 2011.
• Increasing our green power electricity sources.
• Encouraging our customers to become more energy efficient through our Power Tomorrow initiative.

Required vs. voluntary renewable energy
All Wisconsin electric utilities are required to use renewable resources in their fuel mix.  By 2015, an average of 10% of the electricity generated statewide must come from renewable energy.  MGE has exceeded that goal. We have more than 12% renewable energy in our fuel mix in 2009.

MGE customers have asked us to do more.  We responded with Green Power Tomorrow (GPT).  GPT allows customers the choice to pay more for clean energy to offset the carbon dioxide generated by their electricity use. Early in 2008, MGE tripled the available green power for this purpose.

Where MGE green power comes from

MGE's renewable resources

Resources for renewable energy
Midwest Renewable Energy Association
Focus on Energy Renewable Info Library
Focus on Energy Solar Resources
U.S. Dept. of Energy - Consumer's Guide to Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

For more information about MGE services
Clean Power Partners
Customer-Owned (Parallel) Generation
Green Power Tomorrow: Frequently Asked Questions [PDF - 117 KB]
Renewable Energy Rates