What does 150 MW mean?
As a rule-of-thumb, one megawatt (MW) meets the average electric demand of about a thousand households. (Peak demand, typically in summer, is roughly 50% higher than the average.) Therefore the proposed plant satisfies the average residential demand from about 150,000 households or the peak demand from about 100,000 households. Madison has about 90,000 households. But MGE/UW says MGE needs this power. According to MGEs own data for last summers peak season, their net capacity considerably exceeded their net demand: 812 MW of capacity versus 641 MW of demand. The share of that capacity provided by MGE-owned facilities (647 MW) also exceeded demand. MGE is pursuing additional sources as well. For example, it has an option to own 150 MW from the planned Oak Creek facility, which is currently undergoing review.
