MGE takes responsibility for the environment

Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) takes its responsibility seriously to protect the environment while providing reliable service to 137,000 natural gas and 136,000 electric customers in south-central and western Wisconsin. The regulated utility is headquartered in Madison, the state capital.

Construction waste
MGE partnered with WasteCap Wisconsin and met its goal to recycle 75% of construction waste when the company built a new 150-megawatt natural gas power plant on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. The West Campus Cogeneration Facility began commercial operation in 2005.

Recycling at the construction site saved 2,000 tons of concrete, metal, wood, cardboard, paper and plastic and $103,000 by cutting landfill fees and selling recovered materials. MGE received the Governor's Award for Excellence in Environmental Performance for its construction recycling effort.

Recycling programs
As a community energy company, MGE made a commitment more than 20 years ago to reduce and reuse as many products as possible. The company sells scrap wire, iron and other metals for reuse, recycles large amounts of paper and uses recycled paper for its publications. In 2005, MGE recycled 335 tons of scrap iron, aluminum, copper, paper, lead and other material.

Biodiesel fuel
MGE uses B20 biodiesel fuel for 100 trucks and equipment in its fleet. Biodiesel is a clean-burning alternative fuel produced from domestic, renewable resources. It is biodegradable, nontoxic and essentially free of sulfur and aromatics. The utility used about 15,000 gallons of biodiesel last year.

Wind, solar, conservation, renewables
A wind farm, solar panels, energy efficiency and power from landfill gas and plant by-products also play roles in MGE's commitment to preserve the environment. Learn more at http://www.mge.com/environment.

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