Wisconsin economic benefits
Wisconsin's economy is growing. New people and new businesses mean more electricity is needed. Also, people are using more electrical appliances and devices than ever before.

Wisconsin is a net importer of electricity. We buy more electricity from other states than we generate in-state. Wisconsin-based wind power helps meet our growing demand and keeps our energy dollars here.

Environmental benefits
Wind power is better for the environment than electricity generated from nonrenewable sources. Generating electricity by burning fuel (coal, natural gas, diesel, biomass) affects air and water quality by creating emissions like carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.

In 2005, MGE's wind farm generated enough electricity to offset:

• 19,250 tons of carbon dioxide, the same as a 3,800-acre forest will remove in a year.
• 150 tons of sulfur dioxide (an acid rain gas).
• 60 tons of nitrogen oxides.

Wind power saves natural resources. Our wind farm avoids burning the equivalent of 12,400 tons of coal. (This is enough coal to fill a train 1.2 miles long.)

Farmers and communities hosting the wind farm benefit

• MGE's wind farm is compatible with agricultural use. Very little land is taken out of production for access roads and turbines.
• Land lease payments to host landowners equal $25,000 to $30,000 per year.
• Wisconsin-shared revenue program payments to host county total $1.5 million over 30 years.
• Wisconsin-shared revenue program payments to host townships total $725,000 over 30 years.