MADISON, Wis. — Madison Gas and Electric has partnered with the City and Madison Metropolitan School District on a solar project that would increase renewable energy use by nearly 20%.
MGE filed an application with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin on Wednesday for approval.
If the agreement is approved, the 8-megawatt solar array in Madison would provide a local source of clean energy. The project is estimated to cost more than $15 million.
“We have partnered with the City of Madison and the school district on a number of projects over the years,” said Jeff Keebler, MGE Chairman, President and CEO. “Another 8 megawatts of locally generated, cost-effective, carbon-free energy on our electric grid will help MGE achieve our goal of net-zero carbon electricity for all customers by 2050.”
The solar array would be made up of roughly 28,000 solar panels and cover more than 50 acres of land north of the Rodefeld Landfill in southeast Madison.
Under Renewable Energy Rider agreements with MGE, the City will take 5 MW of the output, while MMSD will take 3 MW.
“We cannot do this alone, and we thank the City of Madison and MGE for their partnership, and for the opportunity to come together to work collaboratively in achieving a common goal, to mitigate climate change and ensure a healthier environment for our students and community,” said MMSD Superintendent Dr. Carlton D. Jenkins.
Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway said the City is also working to have 100% of municipal operations on renewable energy by 2030.
If approved, the solar array would begin generating electricity by the end of next year.
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