Environmental

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As your community energy company, MGE recognizes its responsibility to preserve and protect the environment while serving our communities with safe, reliable, affordable and sustainable energy. We are proactive and forward-thinking in our stewardship and promote sustainability with our partners, suppliers and employees as we work together to build a cleaner, smarter future. 

 

A message from the Director of Safety, Sustainability and Environmental Affairs 

Our commitment to environmental stewardship goes beyond regulatory compliance. Our team in Safety, Sustainability and Environmental Affairs takes a proactive approach to advancing the culture and continual improvement of environmental, safety and sustainability practices throughout our organization. Safety and sustainability are top priorities at MGE. This report highlights how we focus on our sustainability goals and our performance. 

Our Environmental and Sustainability Policy
In pursuit of our mission and in support of our commitment to those we serve, MGE: 

• Complies with all environmental laws, regulations, permit requirements and other corporate environmental commitments and exceeds compliance as demonstrated by the commitments in this policy. 
• Seeks environment-friendly options and waste minimization when considering sources of supply, material and contractors. 
• Considers the environmental impacts of applicable company activities and seeks sustainable, cost-effective ways to reduce adverse environmental impacts and risk. 
• Sets corporate goals and objectives and fosters a culture of continuous improvement in environmental and employee safety performance. 
• Educates employees about MGE’s environmental responsibilities and policy and communicates and reinforces environmental values throughout the company. 
• Provides regular updates on environmental and sustainability initiatives and performance to MGE’s Board of Directors to advance oversight and transparency of company operations. 
• Explores opportunities to advance new, cost-effective technologies for the benefit of all and to reduce the community’s collective environmental footprint. 
• Partners with community stakeholders to promote environmental education, energy efficiency and conservation. 
• Communicates openly and honestly with the public regarding MGE’s environmental policy and performance. 
• Contributes to the well-being of its communities through charitable and corporate giving and the service and volunteerism of employees. 

 

Highlights 

• In January 2022, MGE announced plans to reduce carbon at least 80% by 2030 as we work toward achieving net-zero carbon electricity by 2050. MGE already has reduced carbon emissions 27% since 2005, our baseline. 
• In 2021, MGE took another step toward our goal of net-zero carbon electricity by announcing plans to eliminate coal-fired generation from our portfolio by the end of 2035. By the end of 2030, MGE expects coal to be used only as a backup fuel at the Elm Road Generating Station, which plans to transition to natural gas.  
• We are in our third year of our expanded Green Tier contract with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Our five-year contract coincides with the recent expansion of our Environmental Management System (EMS) and covers operations across the company. Our Sustainability Steering Team sets our EMS goals annually, which are informed by our Environmental and Sustainability Policy and MGE’s operational environmental impacts.  
• Since 2015, MGE has announced an estimated $700 million in clean energy projects, which are expected to increase MGE’s owned renewable capacity by more than nine times when completed. 

This report includes forward-looking statements and estimates of future performance that may differ from actual results because of uncertainties and risks encountered in day-to-day business. 

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Decarbonization goals and strategies Clean energy Energy efficiency and conservation  Electrification of transportation Modern grid  Natural resources and biodiversity Sustainability benchmarking and performance  Transparency and disclosure