Open house to provide update on power plant

Madison Gas and Electric Co. and UW–Madison plan an informational open house Tuesday, Jan. 7, to update the public on the status of an MGE power plant to be located on campus.

The natural gas-fired cogeneration plant would be one of the cleanest and most efficient power plants in the state. In addition to producing 150 megawatts of electricity for the Madison area, the plant will also produce steam for heating and chilled water for air-conditioning buildings on the UW–Madison campus.

The proposed site is on 4.5 acres just north of the existing UW heating plant on the corner of Walnut Street and Herrick Drive. The site had been set aside for a power plant in UW–Madison’s master plan.

The Wisconsin Public Service Commission is currently reviewing the project. If approved, the plant would go online about 18 to 24 months after construction begins.

The informational open house will occur at the Best Western InnTowner, 2424 University Ave., from 4-8 p.m.

New and updated information on the project will be available, and MGE and UW–Madison officials will be on hand to answer questions.