Madison Group Demands More Transparency From Local Utility

RePower Madison Opposed MG&E's Bid To Raise Fixed Rates On Electric Bills

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RePower Madison, a clean energy group affiliated with the local chapter of the Sierra Club, is pressuring a Madison utility to talk to citizens about its future energy plans.

Members of RePower delivered a petition with 750 signatures to Madison Gas and Electric headquarters on Monday. The petition asks the utility to include the public in future energy plans. RePower also wants an independent moderator for a community discussion and for the utility to commit to using more renewable energy by the year 2025.

“We’re open to various means of getting there,” said Don Ferber, a volunteer with the Sierra Club and a member of RePower Madison. “But you really need to move towards a clean energy future because climate change is going to cost us all.”

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MG&E officials say a community conversation will take place, but details are still being worked out.

“We made a commitment and we will live up to that commitment and those conversations will take place,” said MG&E spokesman Steve Schultz.

RePower opposed the Public Service Commission’s recently approved changes, which increased fixed charges for MG&E customers but lowered costs as more energy is used. The group says this discourages conservation.