Renewable Energy
Reaching 100% Renewable for City Operations
The City of Madison is working diligently to reduce carbon emissions from our municipal operations, setting an ambitious goal to achieve 100% renewable energy usage for City operations by 2030. This commitment reflects Madison’s dedication to sustainability, innovation, and community collaboration. In 2023, 82% of the electricity used by the City came from renewable sources. That’s a 7% increase since 2020, when 75% of electricity used for City operations came from renewable sources. This progress is the result of strategic staff initiatives, grant funding, and forward-thinking projects.
Overall Energy Usage: 44.3 GWh of Electricity in 2023
In 2023, the City of Madison used 44.3 GWh of electricity to power its buildings, provide essential services, and charge its electric vehicle fleet. In 2020, the City of Madison used 47.2 GWh of electricity. Overall, the City’s electricity usage has decreased slightly.
In 2023, the largest electrical consumers were the Water Utility (41%), the Parks Department (7%), and Metro Transit (6%). All City departments play a vital role in delivering essential services to the community and are committed to adopting sustainable practices to ensure their operations remain efficient, resilient, and environmentally responsible. One example of this leadership is the city’s LED streetlight conversion, replacing outdated lighting with energy-efficient LEDs, each of which uses 50% less energy than a traditional streetlight. In 2024, Traffic Engineering replaced over 700 traditional streetlights with LED upgrades, reducing electricity usage, carbon emissions, and energy costs.
Utility Renewable Mix – 24% (10.4 GWh)
Approximately 24% of electricity provided by MGE came from renewable sources in 2023. MGE is committed to reducing carbon emissions by 80% by 2030 and achieving net-zero carbon electricity by 2050. MGE’s renewable energy portfolio has expanded in recent years, with several solar and wind projects coming online. Additional projects are in development, including another 95 MW of solar capacity in 2024. However, coal and natural gas still provide a majority of MGE’s power generation. The City and the broader community will benefit significantly from the eventual elimination of these fossil fuels. Learn more at MGE’s website: MGE Sustainability Report.
A very small portion of the City’s electrical use comes from Alliant Energy. Alliant’s portfolio includes a comparable percentage of renewables to MGE.
Behind-the-Meter Solar – 3% (1.4 GWh)
The City of Madison has embraced solar energy as a cornerstone of its renewable energy strategy. Solar panels have been installed at 39 sites throughout the city since 2008, including libraries, fire stations, community centers, and other municipal properties. In 2023, these panels provided 3% of the City’s total electricity usage. This share is expected to grow significantly, as the City surpassed 2 MW of installed capacity in 2024 and plans to reach 10 MW of behind-the-meter solar capacity by 2030.
Much of this installation work was completed by the City’s GreenPower Program. In 2016, the City of Madison started a new program to train underemployed and unemployed residents from underrepresented communities to prepare them for jobs in the solar industry or the trades. Trainees work alongside electricians from the City’s engineering division to install PV on city facilities and aid in energy efficiency upgrades at city facilities. Participants are also guided in life skills, which can aid in obtaining a permanent job after the training concludes. Participants have gone on to gain electrical apprenticeships and become certified journeymen, and some have been hired by the City.
Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) – 34% (14.9 GWh)
In 2017, the City of Madison partnered with sustainability-focused organizations to help develop the Butter Solar Project, which was, at the time, the largest solar project in the state. Led by OneEnergy Renewables, the project included 32 MW of solar capacity across 10 locations feeding into 13 municipal utilities in three states. In exchange for a $1.4 million investment, Madison receives approximately 14 GWh of renewable energy credits (RECs) annually, contributing to its 2030 goal. All five projects supported by the City provide solar energy within Wisconsin.
Renewable Energy Rider (RER) Project – 22% (9.6 GWh)
In 2022, the City of Madison and Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) began receiving power from the 8 MW Hermsdorf Solar Fields. This solar array, built and operated by MGE, supplies 5 MW to the City and 3 MW to MMSD. MGE’s Renewable Energy Rider (RER) program enables Madison to enter into an agreement for dedicated renewable energy projects, with costs covering generation facilities and energy distribution. The City has since expanded its RER portfolio to increase the share of renewable energy in its electricity mix.
Remaining Fossil Fuel Mix – 18% (8.0 GWh)
The City of Madison remains committed to eliminating the remaining 18% of its energy usage that comes from fossil fuels. To tackle this, the City is actively improving energy efficiency and reducing electricity consumption across all departments through initiatives like building retrofits, advanced energy management systems, and ensuring future buildings meet LEED silver standards or higher. Rooftop solar installations continue to grow, with a target of 10 MW of behind-the-meter capacity by 2030. Further collaborations with MGE and other local institutions will enhance our renewable energy portfolio, ensuring access to shared renewable resources for our entire community. Through these efforts, Madison is steadily advancing toward its goal of 100% renewable energy by 2030.
How can I be part of the solution?
Supporting Energy Efficiency in your Home
You can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by improving the energy efficiency of your home. Simple actions like upgrading to Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, installing high-efficiency showerheads, or sealing drafts with door sweeps and pipe insulation can significantly lower energy consumption and utility bills. Check out this list of tips to get started.
There are several programs in Madison that offer energy efficiency and home improvement benefits to income-qualified households in both single-family and multifamily homes. Check out our webpage for more details.
The Efficiency Navigator Program provides free upgrades, such as insulation and efficient HVAC systems, to small and medium multi-family housing, provided rents remain affordable for at least five years. Project Home operates weatherization and home repair services for eligible residents, including insulating attics and walls or replacing inefficient appliances in qualifying multifamily buildings. Additionally, Project Home offers low-cost home repair and accessibility modifications for income-eligible homeowners in Madison.
Supporting Solar Across the Community - MadiSUN
Would you like to switch to renewable energy and help Madison achieve its sustainability goals? MadiSUN, the City of Madison’s initiative, promotes the adoption of solar energy for homes, businesses, and nonprofits. Administered by RENEW Wisconsin, a local nonprofit, the program has already supported the development of over 3 MW of solar energy in our community. Visit the MadiSUN website to learn more about going solar.
