MG&E proposes better rates to promote renewables
As part of its ongoing rate case, Madison Gas & Electric filed several tariff rates last Friday proposing changes to its renewable energy program.
First, MGE proposes to lower the premium for purchased renewable electricity from 2.66 cents/kWh to one penny/kWh. The minimum block size, currently at 150 kWh/month, may change.
MGE is also proposing an experimental PV tariff to take effect January 1, 2008. The buyback rate will be set at $0.25/kWh, available through a 10-year contract with the utility. The offer is extended to all customers who (1) are purchasing renewable energy through the utility’s voluntary program and (2) have installed or will have installed qualifying systems after March 6, 2007. The minimum installation size is 1 kW and the maximum is 10 kW (DC). Two utility meters are required. While the tariff sheet specifies a ceiling of 150 kW, MGE has told me that the ceiling will likely be raised, depending on the level of subscription growth in its voluntary renewable energy program. Under this tariff, all renewable energy and air emissions credits become property of the utility.
Apart from the 25 cent/kWh rate, MGE’s tariff appears to be identical to We Energies’ PV buyback tariff.
