Statement of Madison Mayor Paul Soglin on Public Service Commission Decision on Madison Gas & Electric Rate Design

On behalf of residents of the City of Madison, I am disappointed in the Public Service Commission’s (PSC) approval of this request, especially in light of the strong public opposition to this application. Madison Gas & Electric’s (MG&E) approved rate design is contrary to the City’s interests and will undermine energy conservation efforts, energy efficiency investments, and the renewable energy investments in our community.

I hope that MGE is truly committed to meaningfully engaging with the community as it says it is, and that it will actually consider the interests of the community and its rate payers before going back to the PSC and proceeding down this dangerous path.

I hope MG&E puts the proceeds from this rate increase to good use, creating the healthiest and strongest utility possible. While we disagreed with MG&E about the rate increase, we all share a common goal with MG&E of having a strong locally owned utility, active and viable as a community leader.