Cg-5 Rates FAQ
What is demand?
Demand, or electric load, is measured in kilowatts. It is the average rate of energy consumption over a 15-minute period. Demand is used to measure how fast, on average, your business is consuming energy in a billing period. Customers on our Cg-5 rate have a maximum 15‑minute demand of 20 kW or less.
Energy use, or consumption, is measured in kilowatt-hours. It is the total amount of electricity used in a given period, regardless of how and when it was used.
Since electricity can't be stored in large quantities, the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity needs to have the capacity at all times to meet the demand of all customers at any given moment. Rates are, in part, determined by demand to reflect the cost of maintaining the level of service to meet the demand you need when you need it.
What happens of my demand goes over 20 kW?
Cg-5 customers will remain on that rate until their demand exceeds:
- 20 kW in at least four out of 12 months or
- 50 kW of demand at any time.
If either scenario occurs, these customers will be moved to our Commercial and Industrial Time-of-Use rate (Cg-4).
How will I be notified if my rate changes?
If your rate changes, your bill will include a notification indicating your new rate.
If I'm switched to the Cg-4 rate, how can I go back to the Cg-5 rate?
You will stay on the Cg-4 rate unless your demand consistently remains below 20 kW for 12 consecutive months. You would then be moved back to our Cg-5 rate.
Are there ways to control my energy use?
Reducing your energy consumption is a great way to lower your bills, improve comfort and reduce your impact on the environment. MGE can help you make informed energy decisions by providing unbiased information through our online educational library and expert staff.
MyMeter
An energy dashboard where business customers can view their electric and natural gas usage data and monitor energy use within a billing period. You can set performance targets to reduce your usage and demand costs.
Free energy assessments
MGE energy advisors will visit your business and then provide customized recommendations on how to lower your energy bills.
Energy-saving tips
Learn how to improve productivity and cut your utility bills with tips from MGE.
FOCUS ON ENERGY®
Focus on Energy provides businesses with expert information, resources and financial incentives to help them implement energy efficiency programs, upgrade equipment and lower their environmental impact.
I still have questions. Whom do I contact?
Additional electric rate information is available here.
If you have questions about the Cg-5 rate, email us at Business@mge.com or call 608-252‑7222 or 1‑866‑252‑7080 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.
