Connecting to our Grid
Please review our Customer-Owned Generation page before making a decision to invest in an electric generation system—like solar. If you decide to move forward with your own system, follow these steps to start the process to connect to MGE's electric grid.
1. Complete, sign and send the following:
- Application—Effective August 1, 2024, any application to connect to MGE's electric grid must use the newly approved 6031 Application form (Wisconsin Standard Distributed Generation Application Form). Any Interconnection Agreements must use the correct version of Form 6029/6030 with an effective date of 05/01/24, as denoted in the top left corner of the agreement under the State Seal. Please use the forms at the links provided below.
- Line diagram of your system.
- Proof of insurance certificate.
- Minimum application review fee
- Effective August 1, 2024, any Interconnection Application submitted to MGE will be subject to the Application Review and Commissioning fees based on the specified category and kilowatts (kW) as detailed in the tables below.
- Along with your initial application, you will be required to pay a minimum application fee, as defined in the associated table, based on your Category.
- At this time, MGE is only accepting physical checks. The project installation address must be included and clearly indicated on the check in the memo line. If it is not included, the check will be returned to you for the required information.
- Each installation address is considered a single request. Multiple installations cannot be combined into one check and will need to be paid per individual application.
- Application materials must be submitted electronically through mgeDGAdmin@mge.com or via U.S. mail.
| Table 119.08-1 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Export Capacity | Application Review Fee | Engineering Review Fee | Distribution Systems Study Fee | Commissioning Fee |
| 1 | 20 kW or less | $150 (1-8 kW) $300 (9-20 kW) | Cost based | Cost based | $150 |
| 2 | Greater than 20 kW to 200 kW | $300 + $10/kW | Cost based | Cost based | $250 |
| 3 | Greater than 200 kW to 1 MW | $2,000 + $2/kW | Cost based | Cost based | $1,000 |
| 4 | Greater than 1 MW to 15 MW | $4,000 + $0.50/kW | Cost based | Cost based | $2.500 |
| Minimum Application Review Fees | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Export Capacity | Minimum Application Review Fee |
| 1 | 1-8 kW | $150 |
| 1 | 9-20 kW | $300 |
| 2 | Greater than 20 kW to 200 kW | $300 |
| 3 | Greater than 200 kW to 1 MW | $2,000 |
| 4 | Greater than 1 MW to 15 MW | $4,000 |
2. It is highly recommended that you also sign and send, but do not fill out, the Standard Interconnection Agreement. Sending this early will help to expedite the process.
- Standard Interconnection Agreement for projects up to 20 kW (Form 6029)
- Standard Interconnection Agreement for projects over 20 kW (Form 6030)
3. Once your application and other supporting documents have been approved, order and install your equipment.
4. Have your system inspected and approved by your municipality's electrical inspector.
5. MGE will call you to schedule an appointment for inspection, testing and interconnection after we receive the permit from the inspector. NOTE: If your system is residential and photovoltaic (PV) only, then we will need photos of the completed system instead of scheduling an appointment. Photos can be submitted at any time after the system has been installed and should contain the following:
- Photos of each inverter installed in order to confirm they are UL1741 rated and that their sizes match the interconnection application and drawing. If using microinverters, these photos are not necessary.
- A single photo including both the disconnect switch and the meter socket to verify the location of the disconnect switch. If the meter is inside, then show the disconnect switch next to mast/LB entering the house.
- A single photo of the inside of the disconnect switch in order to confirm if the blade is fused or solid.
6. Once the electrical permit has been received, the associated Commissioning fees and any other remaining fees have been paid (see Table 119.08-1) by check, and we have either commissioned your system in person or approved the submitted photos of your system, you will receive an official email authorizing you to begin operation of your system.
- Any remaining fees after payment of your initial minimum Application Review Fee will be detailed in the standard Application Approval email sent to you when your application materials have been approved.
- At this time, MGE is only accepting physical checks. The project installation address must be included and clearly indicated on the check in the memo line. If it is not included, the check will be returned to you for the required information.
- Each installation address is considered a single request. Multiple installations cannot be combined into one check and will need to be paid per individual application.
Electric rates
The credits you are eligible to receive depend on the size of your system:
- Parallel Generation (Pg-1) rate for large systems over 100 kW.
- Net Metering (Pg-2) rate for systems 100 kW and under.
- Direct Connect (DC-1) rate for PV systems connected directly to the grid.
- Parallel Generation Buyback Rates applicable to DC-1, Pg-1 and Pg-2 Net Seller customers.
Contact information
We can receive materials via email or standard mail. If you have questions about the application or installation process, rates or systems, please contact us.
Email: mgeDGAdmin@mge.com
Phone: 608-252-4783
Mail: Administrative Support, Madison Gas and Electric, PO Box 1231, Madison, WI 53701-1231
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