Utility officials approve MGE rate hike

The Wisconsin Public Service Commission approved a rate hike for Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) that would result in the average household paying $7.50 more for electricity and gas, according to a Wisconsin State Journal report. The 5.2% rate increase for electricity and 2.2% increase for gas is driven by the company’s investments in an Iowa County solar farm, new billing software, and improvements for gas distribution. While MGE customers will pay slightly more for the electricity, the utility will lower the flat monthly fees that disproportionately affect those who use the least energy.