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☒
Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the quarterly period ended:
March 31,
2025
☐
Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from _______________ to _______________
Commission
File No.
Name of Registrant, State of Incorporation, Address
of Principal Executive Offices, and Telephone No.
IRS Employer
Identification No.
000-49965
MGE Energy, Inc.
(a
Wisconsin
Corporation)
133 South Blair Street
Madison
,
Wisconsin
53788
(
608
)
252-7000
| mgeenergy.com
39-2040501
000-1125
Madison Gas and Electric Company
(a
Wisconsin
Corporation)
133 South Blair Street
Madison
,
Wisconsin
53788
(
608
)
252-7000
| mge.com
39-0444025
Indicate by check mark whether the registrants (1) have filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrants were required to file such reports), and (2) have been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days:
MGE Energy, Inc.
Yes
☒ No ☐
Madison Gas and Electric Company
Yes
☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrants have submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrants were required to submit such files):
MGE Energy, Inc.
Yes
☒ No ☐
Madison Gas and Electric Company
Yes
☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large Accelerated Filer
Accelerated
Filer
Non-accelerated Filer
Smaller Reporting Company
Emerging Growth Company
MGE Energy, Inc.
☒
☐
☐
☐
☐
Madison Gas and Electric Company
☐
☐
☒
☐
☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrants have elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
MGE Energy, Inc.
☐
Madison Gas and Electric Company
☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrants are shell companies (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act):
MGE Energy, Inc.
Yes
☐
No ☒
Madison Gas and Electric Company
Yes
☐
No ☒
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $1 Par Value Per Share
MGEE
The
NASDAQ
Stock Market
Number of Shares Outstanding of Each Class of Common Stock as of April 30, 2025
MGE Energy, Inc.
Common stock, $1.00 par value,
36,539,422
shares outstanding.
Madison Gas and Electric Company
Common stock, $1.00 par value,
17,347,894
shares outstanding (all of which are owned beneficially and of record by MGE Energy, Inc.).
This combined Form 10-Q is being filed separately by MGE Energy, Inc. (MGE Energy) and Madison Gas and Electric Company (MGE). MGE is a wholly owned subsidiary of MGE Energy and represents a majority of its assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and operations. Thus, all information contained in this report relates to, and is filed by, MGE Energy. Information that is specifically identified in this report as relating solely to MGE Energy, such as its financial statements and information relating to its nonregulated business, does not relate to, and is not filed by, MGE. MGE makes no representation as to that information. The terms "we" and "our," as used in this report, refer to MGE Energy and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless otherwise indicated.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain matters discussed in this report include "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements that are not statements of historical facts are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on historical performance and current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about our future financial results, goals, plans, commitments, strategies and objectives, particularly related to future load growth, revenues, expenses, capital expenditures and rate recovery, financial resources, regulatory matters, and the scope and expense associated with future environmental regulation. Such statements involve inherent risks, assumptions and uncertainties, known or unknown, including internal or external factors that could delay, divert or change any of them, that are difficult to predict, may be beyond our control and could cause our future financial results, goals, plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the statements. Words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "could," "should," "intend," "will," "commit," "target," "plan," and other similar words, and words relating to goals, targets and projections, generally identify forward-looking statements. Both MGE Energy and MGE caution investors that these forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, expressed, or implied.
The factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements made by a registrant include (a) those factors discussed in the following sections of the registrants'
2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K
: Item 1A. Risk Factors; Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, as updated by Part I, Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in this report; and Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Footnote 16, as updated by Part I, Item 1. Financial Statements – Footnote 8 in this report; and (b) other factors discussed herein and in other filings made by that registrant with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this report. MGE Energy and MGE undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this report, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise, except as required by law.
Where to Find More Information
We file annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K and other information with the SEC. The SEC maintains an internet site at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.
MGE Energy maintains a website at mgeenergy.com, and MGE maintains a website at mge.com. Copies of the reports and other information that we file with the SEC may be obtained from our websites free of charge. Information contained on MGE Energy's and MGE's websites shall not be deemed incorporated into, or to be a part of, this report.
3
Definitions, Abbreviations, and Acronyms Used in the Text and Notes of this Report
Abbreviations, acronyms, and definitions used in the text and notes of this report are defined below.
MGE Energy and Subsidiaries:
CWDC
Central Wisconsin Development Corporation
MAGAEL
MAGAEL, LLC
MGE
Madison Gas and Electric Company
MGE Energy
MGE Energy, Inc.
MGE Power
MGE Power, LLC
MGE Power Elm Road
MGE Power Elm Road, LLC
MGE Power West Campus
MGE Power West Campus, LLC
MGE Services
MGE Services, LLC
MGE State Energy Services
MGE State Energy Services, LLC
MGE Transco
MGE Transco Investment, LLC
MGEE Transco
MGEE Transco, LLC
North Mendota
North Mendota Energy & Technology Park, LLC
Other Defined Terms:
2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K
MGE Energy's and MGE's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024
Federal Implementation Plan, an air quality plan developed by the EPA to help states or tribes attain and/or maintain the NAAQS for criteria air pollutants
FTR
Financial Transmission Rights
GHG
Greenhouse gas
Heating degree days (HDD)
Measure of the extent to which the average daily temperature is below 65 degrees Fahrenheit, which is considered an indicator of possible increased demand for energy to provide heating
High Noon
High Noon Solar Project
IRS
Internal Revenue Service
Koshkonong
Koshkonkong Solar Energy Center
kWh
Kilowatt-hour, a measure of electric energy produced
MISO
Midcontinent Independent System Operator (a regional transmission organization)
MW
Megawatt, a measure of electric energy generating capacity
MWh
Megawatt-hour, a measure of electric energy produced
NAAQS
National Ambient Air Quality Standards
Nasdaq
The Nasdaq Stock Market
NO
x
Nitrogen oxide
Paris
Paris Solar and Battery Park
PGA
Purchased Gas Adjustment clause, a regulatory mechanism used to reconcile natural gas costs recovered in rates to actual costs
PM
Particulate Matter
PSCW
Public Service Commission of Wisconsin
4
ROE
Return on equity
SEC
Securities and Exchange Commission
SO
2
Sulfur dioxide
Stock Plan
Direct Stock Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment Plan of MGE Energy
Sunnyside
Sunnyside Solar and Battery Project
Therm
Measure of quantity of heat used to measure gas supply
UFLPA
Uyghur Forced Labor Protection Act
VIE
Variable Interest Entity
WCCF
West Campus Cogeneration Facility
WDNR
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
West Riverside
West Riverside Energy Center in Beloit, Wisconsin
Working capital
Current assets less current liabilities
WPDES
Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
WRO
Withhold Release Order
XBRL
eXtensible Business Reporting Language
5
Item 1. Financi
al Statements.
MGE E
nergy, Inc.
Consolidated Statements
of Income (unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2025
2024
Operating Revenues:
Electric revenues
$
125,489
$
116,167
Gas revenues
93,481
75,169
Total Operating Revenues
218,970
191,336
Operating Expenses:
Fuel for electric generation
17,569
12,704
Purchased power
4,378
9,442
Cost of gas sold
53,964
41,877
Other operations and maintenance
56,559
53,974
Depreciation and amortization
27,678
26,600
Other general taxes
5,957
5,994
Total Operating Expenses
166,105
150,591
Operating Income
52,865
40,745
Other income, net
2,604
3,881
Interest expense, net
(
7,581
)
(
8,004
)
Income before income taxes
47,888
36,622
Income tax provision
(
6,296
)
(
2,808
)
Net Income
$
41,592
$
33,814
Earnings Per Share of Common Stock
Basic
$
1.14
$
0.93
Diluted
$
1.14
$
0.93
Dividends per share of common stock
$
0.450
$
0.428
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding
Basic
36,511
36,171
Diluted
36,539
36,189
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the above unaudited consolidated financial statements.
6
MGE Energy, Inc.
Consolidated Statements
of Cash Flows (unaudited)
(In thousands)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2025
2024
Operating Activities:
Net income
$
41,592
$
33,814
Items not affecting cash:
Depreciation and amortization
27,678
26,600
Deferred income taxes
1,344
(
521
)
Provision for doubtful receivables
2,200
2,200
Employee benefit plan (credit) cost
(
1,181
)
77
Equity earnings in investments
(
3,181
)
(
2,746
)
Other items
832
939
Changes in working capital items:
Current assets
15,343
18,417
Accounts payable
(
16,485
)
(
13,072
)
Other current liabilities
5,472
(
106
)
Dividends from investments
3,287
2,106
Cash contributions to pension and other postretirement plans
(
1,914
)
(
1,825
)
Other noncurrent items, net
2,875
(
68
)
Cash Provided by Operating Activities
77,862
65,815
Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures
(
47,653
)
(
44,771
)
Capital contributions to investments
(
2,540
)
(
1,381
)
Other
(
399
)
(
274
)
Cash Used for Investing Activities
(
50,592
)
(
46,426
)
Financing Activities:
Issuance of common stock, net
3,279
—
Cash dividends paid on common stock
(
16,428
)
(
15,460
)
Repayments of long-term debt
(
1,308
)
(
1,274
)
Proceeds from short-term debt
—
3,000
Other
(
650
)
(
554
)
Cash Used for Financing Activities
(
15,107
)
(
14,288
)
Change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
12,163
5,101
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period
24,496
15,026
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period
$
36,659
$
20,127
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Significant noncash investing activities:
Accrued capital expenditures
$
9,802
$
6,514
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the above unaudited consolidated financial statements.
7
MGE Energy, Inc.
Consolidated Balance
Sheets (unaudited)
(In thousands)
March 31,
December 31,
ASSETS
2025
2024
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
35,307
$
21,302
Accounts receivable, less reserves of $
8,416
and $
6,905
, respectively
53,083
51,277
Other accounts receivable, less reserves of $
2,129
and $
2,124
, respectively
7,024
10,067
Unbilled revenues
30,481
35,833
Materials and supplies, at average cost
36,576
36,187
Fuel for electric generation, at average cost
12,651
11,521
Stored natural gas, at average cost
12,497
19,937
Prepaid taxes
14,128
18,390
Regulatory assets - current
8,030
8,522
Other current assets
12,569
14,229
Total Current Assets
222,346
227,265
Regulatory assets
38,312
36,764
Pension benefit asset
135,224
132,264
Other deferred assets and other
27,136
26,285
Property, Plant, and Equipment:
Property, plant, and equipment, net
2,213,857
2,149,138
Construction work in progress
84,215
138,208
Total Property, Plant, and Equipment
2,298,072
2,287,346
Investments
120,287
118,035
Total Assets
$
2,841,377
$
2,827,959
LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION
Current Liabilities:
Long-term debt due within one year
$
5,321
$
5,285
Accounts payable
48,016
77,466
Accrued interest and taxes
15,537
11,558
Accrued payroll related items
13,169
15,870
Regulatory liabilities - current
18,738
7,966
Other current liabilities
6,736
7,418
Total Current Liabilities
107,517
125,563
Other Credits:
Deferred income taxes
320,048
316,397
Investment tax credit - deferred
44,512
44,988
Regulatory liabilities
161,951
163,336
Accrued pension and other postretirement benefits
50,285
50,155
Asset retirement obligations
71,995
69,132
Other deferred liabilities and other
63,664
64,553
Total Other Credits
712,455
708,561
Capitalization:
Common shareholders' equity
1,258,913
1,230,138
Long-term debt
762,492
763,697
Total Capitalization
2,021,405
1,993,835
Commitments and contingencies (see Footnote 8)
Total Liabilities and Capitalization
$
2,841,377
$
2,827,959
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the above unaudited consolidated financial statements.
8
MGE Energy, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of C
ommon Equity (unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Accumulated
Additional
Other
Common Stock
Paid-in
Retained
Comprehensive
Shares
Value
Capital
Earnings
Income/(Loss)
Total
Three Months Ended March 31, 2024
Beginning Balance
36,163
$
36,163
$
396,750
$
707,160
$
—
$
1,140,073
Net income
33,814
33,814
Common stock dividends declared
($
0.428
per share)
(
15,460
)
(
15,460
)
Equity-based compensation plans and other
13
13
343
356
Ending Balance - March 31, 2024
36,176
$
36,176
$
397,093
$
725,514
$
—
$
1,158,783
Three Months Ended March 31, 2025
Beginning Balance
36,490
$
36,490
$
429,515
$
764,133
$
—
$
1,230,138
Net income
41,592
41,592
Common stock dividends declared
($
0.450
per share)
(
16,428
)
(
16,428
)
Direct Stock Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment Plan
36
36
3,243
3,279
Equity-based compensation plans and other
11
11
321
332
Ending Balance - March 31, 2025
36,537
$
36,537
$
433,079
$
789,297
$
—
$
1,258,913
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the above unaudited consolidated financial statements.
9
Madison Gas a
nd Electric Company
Consolidated Stateme
nts of Income (unaudited)
(In thousands)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2025
2024
Operating Revenues:
Electric revenues
$
125,489
$
116,167
Gas revenues
93,481
75,169
Total Operating Revenues
218,970
191,336
Operating Expenses:
Fuel for electric generation
17,569
12,704
Purchased power
4,378
9,442
Cost of gas sold
53,964
41,877
Other operations and maintenance
56,262
53,560
Depreciation and amortization
27,678
26,600
Other general taxes
5,957
5,994
Total Operating Expenses
165,808
150,177
Operating Income
53,162
41,159
Other income, net
(
384
)
1,108
Interest expense, net
(
7,635
)
(
8,076
)
Income before income taxes
45,143
34,191
Income tax provision
(
5,340
)
(
1,991
)
Net Income
$
39,803
$
32,200
Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling
Interest, net of tax
(
5,599
)
(
5,597
)
Net Income Attributable to MGE
$
34,204
$
26,603
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the above unaudited consolidated financial statements.
10
Madison Gas and Electric Company
Consolidated Statements
of Cash Flows (unaudited)
(In thousands)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2025
2024
Operating Activities:
Net income
$
39,803
$
32,200
Items not affecting cash:
Depreciation and amortization
27,678
26,600
Deferred income taxes
982
(
784
)
Provision for doubtful receivables
2,200
2,200
Employee benefit plan (credit) cost
(
1,181
)
77
Other items
1,158
1,203
Changes in working capital items:
Current assets
15,369
17,746
Accounts payable
(
16,498
)
(
13,069
)
Other current liabilities
4,882
1,778
Cash contributions to pension and other postretirement plans
(
1,914
)
(
1,825
)
Other noncurrent items, net
1,475
(
1,092
)
Cash Provided by Operating Activities
73,954
65,034
Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures
(
47,653
)
(
44,771
)
Other
(
396
)
(
421
)
Cash Used for Investing Activities
(
48,049
)
(
45,192
)
Financing Activities:
Cash dividends paid to parent by MGE
(
13,500
)
(
14,000
)
Distributions to parent from noncontrolling interest
(
4,000
)
(
4,000
)
Repayments of long-term debt
(
1,308
)
(
1,274
)
Proceeds from short-term debt
—
3,000
Other
(
650
)
(
554
)
Cash Used for Financing Activities
(
19,458
)
(
16,828
)
Change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
6,447
3,014
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period
20,059
6,705
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period
$
26,506
$
9,719
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Significant noncash investing activities:
Accrued capital expenditures
$
9,802
$
6,514
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the above unaudited consolidated financial statements.
11
Madison Gas and Electric Company
Consolidated Balan
ce Sheets (unaudited)
(In thousands)
March 31,
December 31,
ASSETS
2025
2024
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
25,154
$
16,865
Accounts receivable, less reserves of $
8,416
and $
6,905
, respectively
53,083
51,277
Other accounts receivable, less reserves of $
2,129
and $
2,124
, respectively
7,019
10,063
Unbilled revenues
30,481
35,833
Materials and supplies, at average cost
36,576
36,187
Fuel for electric generation, at average cost
12,651
11,521
Stored natural gas, at average cost
12,497
19,937
Prepaid taxes
14,100
18,359
Regulatory assets - current
8,030
8,522
Other current assets
13,051
14,740
Total Current Assets
212,642
223,304
Regulatory assets
38,312
36,764
Pension benefit asset
135,224
132,264
Other deferred assets and other
26,560
25,690
Property, Plant, and Equipment:
Property, plant, and equipment, net
2,213,885
2,149,165
Construction work in progress
84,215
138,208
Total Property, Plant, and Equipment
2,298,100
2,287,373
Total Assets
$
2,710,838
$
2,705,395
LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION
Current Liabilities:
Long-term debt due within one year
$
5,321
$
5,285
Accounts payable
47,989
77,453
Accrued interest and taxes
15,255
11,866
Accrued payroll related items
13,169
15,870
Regulatory liabilities - current
18,738
7,966
Other current liabilities
6,735
7,418
Total Current Liabilities
107,207
125,858
Other Credits:
Deferred income taxes
284,252
280,961
Investment tax credit - deferred
44,512
44,988
Regulatory liabilities
161,951
163,336
Accrued pension and other postretirement benefits
50,285
50,155
Asset retirement obligations
71,995
69,132
Other deferred liabilities and other
66,036
67,463
Total Other Credits
679,031
676,035
Capitalization:
Common shareholder's equity
1,010,123
989,419
Noncontrolling interest
151,985
150,386
Total Equity
1,162,108
1,139,805
Long-term debt
762,492
763,697
Total Capitalization
1,924,600
1,903,502
Commitments and contingencies (see Footnote 8)
Total Liabilities and Capitalization
$
2,710,838
$
2,705,395
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the above unaudited consolidated financial statements.
12
Madison Gas and Electric Company
Consolidated Statement
s of Equity (unaudited)
(In thousands)
Accumulated
Additional
Other
Non-
Common Stock
Paid-in
Retained
Comprehensive
Controlling
Shares
Value
Capital
Earnings
Income/(Loss)
Interest
Total
Three Months Ended March 31, 2024
Beginning balance
17,348
$
17,348
$
252,917
$
633,460
$
—
$
149,531
$
1,053,256
Net income
26,603
5,597
32,200
Cash dividends paid to parent by MGE
(
14,000
)
(
14,000
)
Distributions to parent from
noncontrolling interest
(
4,000
)
(
4,000
)
Ending Balance - March 31, 2024
17,348
$
17,348
$
252,917
$
646,063
$
—
$
151,128
$
1,067,456
Three Months Ended March 31, 2025
Beginning balance
17,348
$
17,348
$
283,667
$
688,404
$
—
$
150,386
$
1,139,805
Net income
34,204
5,599
39,803
Cash dividends paid to parent by MGE
(
13,500
)
(
13,500
)
Distributions to parent from
noncontrolling interest
(
4,000
)
(
4,000
)
Ending Balance - March 31, 2025
17,348
$
17,348
$
283,667
$
709,108
$
—
$
151,985
$
1,162,108
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the above unaudited consolidated financial statements.
13
MGE Energy, Inc., and Madi
son Gas and Electric Company
Notes to Conso
lidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
March 31, 2025
1.
Summary of Significa
nt Accounting Policies – MGE Energy and MGE.
a.
Basis of Presentation.
This report is a combined report of MGE Energy and MGE. References in this report to "MGE Energy" are to MGE Energy, Inc. and its subsidiaries. References in this report to "MGE" are to Madison Gas and Electric Company.
MGE Power Elm Road and MGE Power West Campus own electric generating assets and lease those assets to MGE. Both entities are variable interest entities (VIE) under applicable authoritative accounting guidance. MGE is considered the primary beneficiary of these entities as a result of contractual agreements. As a result, MGE has consolidated MGE Power Elm Road and MGE Power West Campus in its financial reports.
See Footnote 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of MGE Energy's and MGE's
2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K (the
2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K
).
The accompanying consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2025, and during the three months ended March 31, 2025, as applicable, are unaudited but include all adjustments that MGE Energy and MGE management consider necessary for a fair statement of their respective financial statements. All adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature except as otherwise disclosed. The year-end consolidated balance sheet information was derived from the audited balance sheet appearing in the
2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K
but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These notes should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto located on pages 53 through 99 of the
2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K
.
b.
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash.
The following table presents the components of total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash on the consolidated balance sheets.
MGE Energy
MGE
March 31,
December 31,
March 31,
December 31,
(In thousands)
2025
2024
2025
2024
Cash and cash equivalents
$
35,307
$
21,302
$
25,154
$
16,865
Restricted cash
659
1,113
659
1,113
Receivable - margin account
693
2,081
693
2,081
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
$
36,659
$
24,496
$
26,506
$
20,059
Cash Equivalents
All highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents.
Restricted Cash
MGE has certain cash accounts that are restricted to uses other than current operations and designated for a specific purpose. MGE's restricted cash accounts include cash held by trustees for certain employee benefits and cash deposits held by third parties. These are included in "Other current assets" on the consolidated balance sheets.
Receivable – Margin Account
Cash amounts held by counterparties as margin collateral for certain financial transactions are recorded as Receivable – margin account in "Other current assets" on the consolidated balance sheets. The costs being hedged are fuel for electric generation, purchased power, and cost of gas sold.
14
c.
Property, Plant, and Equipment.
Columbia.
An asset that will be retired in the near future and substantially in advance of its previously expected retirement date is subject to abandonment accounting. In the second quarter of 2021, the operator of Columbia received approval from Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) to retire Columbia Units 1 and 2. The co-owners intend to retire Unit 1 and Unit 2 by the end of 2029. Final timing and retirement dates continue to be evaluated and depend upon operational and regulatory considerations, capacity needs and availability, and other factors impacting one or more of the Columbia co-owners. As of March 31, 2025, early retirement of Columbia Unit 1 and 2 was probable.
Our ownership share of Columbia assets was classified as plant to be retired within "Property, plant, and equipment, net" on the consolidated balance sheets contained in the 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Assets for Columbia Unit 1 and Unit 2 are currently included in rate base, and MGE continues to depreciate them on a straight-line basis using the composite depreciation rates approved by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) that include retirement dates of 2029 for both Units.
If it becomes probable that regulators will disallow full recovery or a return on the remaining net book value of a generating unit that is either abandoned or probable of being abandoned, an impairment loss would be required. An impairment loss would be recorded to the extent that the remaining net book value of the generating unit exceeds the present value of the amount expected to be recovered from ratepayers.
No
impairment was recorded as of
March 31, 2025
.
2.
New Ac
counti
ng Standards - MGE Energy and MGE.
In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued authoritative guidance within the codification's Income Taxes topic, which expanded the disclosure requirements over effective tax rate reconciliations and income taxes paid. For public business entities, the authoritative guidance is effective for annual disclosures for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. MGE has adopted the standard as of the effective date. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on MGE Energy's and MGE's financial statements.
In November 2024, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued authoritative guidance within the codification's Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income topic, which added disclosure requirements for the disaggregation of certain income statement expenses. The authoritative guidance will become effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2027. MGE will adopt the standard as of the effective date. The adoption of this standard will not have a material impact on MGE Energy's and MGE's financial statements.
3.
Investme
nt in ATC and ATC Holdco - MGE Energy and MGE.
ATC owns and operates electric transmission facilities primarily in Wisconsin. MGE received an interest in ATC when it, like other Wisconsin electric utilities, contributed its electric transmission facilities to ATC, as required by Wisconsin law. That interest is presently held by MGE Transco, a subsidiary of MGE Energy. ATC Holdco was formed by several members of ATC, including MGE Energy, to pursue electric transmission development and investments outside of Wisconsin. The ownership interest in ATC Holdco is held by MGEE Transco, a subsidiary of MGE Energy.
MGE Transco and MGEE Transco have accounted for their investments in ATC and ATC Holdco, respectively, under the equity method of accounting.
Equity earnings from investments are recorded as "Other income" on the consolidated statements of income of MGE Energy.
MGE Transco recorded the following amounts related to its investment in ATC:
Three Months Ended
March 31,
(In thousands)
2025
2024
Equity earnings from investment in ATC
$
2,990
$
2,722
Dividends received from ATC
3,287
2,106
Capital contributions to ATC
2,492
715
15
In April 2025,
MGE Transco made a $
2.7
million capital contribution to ATC.
ATC's summarized financial data is as follows:
Three Months Ended
March 31,
(In thousands)
2025
2024
Operating revenues
$
234,929
$
211,928
Operating expenses
(
116,745
)
(
104,842
)
Other income, net
83
187
Interest expense, net
(
39,193
)
(
35,418
)
Earnings before members' income taxes
$
79,074
$
71,855
MGE receives transmission and other related services from ATC. During the three months ended March 31, 2025, and 2024, MGE recorded $
10.2
million and $
9.1
million, respectively, for transmission service. MGE also provides a variety of operational, maintenance, and project management work for ATC, which is reimbursed by ATC. As of March 31, 2025, and December 31, 2024, MGE had a receivable due from ATC of $
0.4
million and $
2.0
million, respectively. The receivable is primarily related to transmission interconnection activities at Paris and Darien solar generation sites. MGE will be reimbursed for these costs after the new generation assets are placed into service.
4.
Taxes - MGE E
nergy and MGE.
Effective Tax Rate.
The consolidated income tax provision differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income before income taxes, as follows:
MGE Energy
MGE
Three Months Ended March 31,
2025
2024
2025
2024
Statutory federal income tax rate
21.0
%
21.0
%
21.0
%
21.0
%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit
6.2
6.2
6.2
6.2
Amortized investment tax credits
(
1.4
)
(
2.2
)
(
1.5
)
(
2.4
)
Credit for electricity from renewable energy
(
9.6
)
(
10.2
)
(
10.5
)
(
11.2
)
AFUDC equity, net
(
0.6
)
(
0.6
)
(
0.7
)
(
0.7
)
Amortization of utility excess deferred tax - tax reform
(a)
(
2.6
)
(
6.2
)
(
2.8
)
(
6.7
)
Other, net, individually insignificant
0.1
(
0.3
)
0.1
(
0.4
)
Effective income tax rate
13.1
%
7.7
%
11.8
%
5.8
%
(a)
Included are impacts of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017 for the regulated utility for excess deferred taxes recognized using a normalization method of accounting in recognition of IRS rules that restrict the rate at which the excess deferred taxes may be returned to utility customers. For both the
three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, MGE recognized $
0.9
million. For the three months ended March 31, 2024
, MGE recognized $
1.0
million
of deferred taxes not restricted by IRS normalization rules.
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 allows the transfer of certain tax credits to third parties in exchange for cash. In 2024, MGE sold transfer eligible tax credits generated in 2023 and 2024. MGE elects to account for the transferred tax credits under the scope of ASC 740. The sale of tax credits is presented in the operating activities section of the consolidated statements of cash flows consistent with the presentation of cash taxes paid. MGE includes any expected proceeds from the transfer of tax credits in the evaluation of realizability of deferred tax assets related to tax credits and records a valuation allowance for the difference between the tax value of the credits and the expected proceeds. The PSCW approved the deferral by MGE of any differential between tax credit transfer proceeds and the tax value of credits reflected in rates to its next rate case filing.
5.
Pensi
on and Other Postretirement Plans - MGE Energy and MGE.
MGE maintains qualified and nonqualified pension plans, health care, and life insurance benefits and defined contribution 401(k) benefit plans for its employees and retirees.
The components of net periodic benefit cost, other than the service cost component, are recorded in "
Other income, net
" on the consolidated statements of income. The service cost component is recorded in "Other operations and maintenance" on the consolidated statements of income. MGE has regulatory treatment and recognizes regulatory assets or liabilities for timing differences between when net periodic benefit costs are recovered and when costs are recognized.
16
The following table presents the components of net periodic benefit costs recognized.
Three Months Ended
March 31,
(In thousands)
2025
2024
Pension Benefits
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost
$
651
$
759
Interest cost
4,256
4,244
Expected return on assets
(
7,261
)
(
7,151
)
Amortization of:
Actuarial loss
48
116
Net periodic benefit (credit) cost
$
(
2,306
)
$
(
2,032
)
Postretirement Benefits
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost
$
183
$
211
Interest cost
760
797
Expected return on assets
(
724
)
(
691
)
Amortization of:
Transition obligation
1
1
Prior service credit
—
(
4
)
Actuarial gain
(
148
)
(
77
)
Net periodic benefit cost
$
72
$
237
As approved by the PSCW, MGE is allowed to defer differences between actual employee benefit plan costs and costs reflected in current rates. The deferred costs may be recovered or refunded in MGE's next rate filing. During the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, MGE recovered $
0.6
million and $
1.4
million, respectively, of pension and other postretirement costs previously deferred. These costs have not been reflected in the table above.
6.
Equity and Fi
nancing Arrangements - MGE Energy.
a.
Common Stock.
MGE Energy sells shares of its common stock through its Direct Stock Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the Stock Plan). Those shares may be newly issued shares or shares that are purchased in the open market by an independent agent for participants in the Stock Plan. Sales of newly issued shares under the Stock Plan are covered by a shelf registration statement that MGE Energy filed with the SEC.
During the
three months ended March 31, 2025, MGE Energy issued
approximately
35,774
shares of common stock under the Stock Plan. The net proceeds from these issuances were approximately $
3.3
million, which were used for general corporate purposes.
b.
Dilutive Shares Calculation.
As of March 31, 2025,
28,246
shares were included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share related to nonvested equity awards. See
Footnote 7
for additional information on share-based compensation awards.
7.
Share-Based C
ompensation - MGE Energy and MGE.
During both the three months ended March 31, 2025, and 2024
, MGE recorded $
1.2
million in compensation expense related to share-based compensation awards.
In the first quarter of 2025, MGE distributed cash payments of $
2.0
million and
11,213
shares of common stock related to awards that were granted in 2022 under the 2021 Incentive Plan.
In March 2025, MGE granted
18,136
performance units and
26,398
restricted stock units under the 2021 Incentive Plan to eligible employees and non-employee directors.
17
MGE recognizes share-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. Awards classified as equity awards are measured based on their grant-date fair value. Awards classified as liability awards are recorded at fair value each reporting period. The performance units can be paid out in cash, shares of common stock, or a combination of cash and stock and are classified as a liability award. The restricted stock units will be paid out in shares of common stock, and therefore are classified as equity awards.
8.
Commitmen
ts and Contingencies
- MGE Energy and MGE.
a.
Environmental.
In February 2021, MGE and the other co-owners of Columbia announced plans to retire Units 1 and 2 at that facility. Effects of the environmental compliance requirements discussed below will depend upon the final Columbia retirement dates approved and required compliance dates of applicable regulations in effect.
MGE Energy and MGE are subject to frequently changing local, state, and federal regulations concerning air quality, water quality, land use, threatened and endangered species, hazardous materials handling, and solid waste disposal. These regulations affect the manner in which operations are conducted, the costs of operations, as well as capital and operating expenditures. Several of these environmental rules are subject to legal challenges, reconsideration and/or other uncertainties. Regulatory initiatives, proposed rules, and court challenges to adopted rules could potentially have a material effect on capital expenditures and operating costs. Management believes compliance costs will be recovered in future rates based on previous treatment of environmental compliance projects.
These initiatives, proposed rules, and court challenges include:
•
The United States Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) promulgated water Effluent Limitations Guidelines (ELG) and standards for steam electric power plants that focus on the reduction of metals and other pollutants in wastewater from new and existing power plants.
With the closure of the wet pond system in 2023 (as described in further detail in the CCR section below), Columbia complies with ELG requirements. With the installation of additional wastewater treatment equipment completed in 2023, the Elm Road Units comply with ELG requirements.
In May 2024, the EPA finalized the ELG rule that further regulates the wastewater discharges associated with coal-fired power plants. The rule focuses on wastewater discharges from flue gas desulfurization and bottom ash transport water. The rule includes a reduction in requirements for plants that have already installed pollution controls based on previous versions of the rule, and for plants that will be retiring or switching to natural gas by certain dates. Pollution control prevention equipment was installed under previous versions of the rule and the planned fuel switching to natural gas. MGE and the operator of the Elm Road Units currently are evaluating operational options and costs for Elm Road to be in compliance with the requirements of the rule.
•
The EPA's cooling water intake rule requires cooling water intake structures at electric power plants to meet best technology available (BTA) standards to reduce the mortality from entrainment (drawing aquatic life into a plant's cooling system) and impingement (trapping aquatic life on screens of cooling water intake structures).
Blount received its most recent Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) permit from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) in October 2023. Blount's latest WPDES permit assumes that the plant meets BTA standards for entrainment for the duration of this permit which expires in 2028. The WDNR included a requirement to conduct an optimization study to demonstrate compliance with impingement BTA standards in the latest permit that needs to be completed by January 2028. Once the WDNR determines the impingement requirements at Blount, MGE will be able to determine any compliance costs of meeting Blount's permit requirements.
Intakes at Columbia are subject to this rule. The Columbia operator timely submitted its renewal application. BTA improvements required by the renewal permit will be coordinated with the owners' plan to retire both units by the end of 2029. MGE will continue to work with Columbia's operator to evaluate regulatory requirements in light of the planned retirement. MGE does not expect this rule to have a material effect on Columbia.
18
•
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) new source performance standards and emission guidelines established under the Clean Air Act for states to use in developing plans to control GHG emissions from fossil fuel-fired electric generating units, including existing and proposed regulations governing existing, new, or modified fossil-fuel generating units.
In May 2024, the EPA published its final performance standards and emission guidelines under Section 111(b) of the Clean Air Act for carbon dioxide emissions from new combustion turbines and existing fossil-fuel fired boilers used to produce electricity. The final rule grants some emissions flexibility for existing coal-fired units that retire and/or fuel switch by certain dates. For existing natural gas boiler units, the final rule establishes a process where states must submit plans to the EPA for establishing standards. States will have two years from the publication date of these rules to submit plans to the EPA for review and approval. The EPA has indicated that it is separately developing performance standards and emission guidelines for GHG emissions from existing natural gas-fired combustion turbines. Preliminary evaluation of the final ruling shows that MGE meets the requirements for our gas-fired boilers at Blount. Furthermore, MGE will meet the requirements for the coal-fired units at Columbia through planned unit retirements and the Elm Road Units through its transition to natural gas. MGE will monitor for any upcoming rulemaking planned for gas-fired combustion turbines.
•
The EPA's rule to regulate ambient levels of ozone through the 2015 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).
The Elm Road Units are located in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, a nonattainment area for the 2015 Ozone NAAQS. At this time, the operator of the Elm Road Units does not expect that the 2015 Ozone NAAQS or the Milwaukee County nonattainment designation will have a direct material effect on the Elm Road Units.
•
The EPA's rule to regulate Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5).
In March 2024, the EPA published a final rule to lower the average annual PM2.5 NAAQS from 12 ug/m3 to 9 ug/m3 effective May 2024. The new annual PM2.5 NAAQS could impact Milwaukee County, where our Elm Road units are located, if the county is determined to be in nonattainment. A nonattainment designation would require the State of Wisconsin to develop a plan to get into attainment, which would likely include additional limitations for new and modified plants in the county. In February 2025, Wisconsin's Governor Evers submitted a state-wide attainment recommendation to the EPA.
The final impact of this rule will not be known until the EPA determines the attainment status of Wisconsin counties, and the State of Wisconsin develops an attainment implementation plan for any areas not in attainment. MGE will continue to follow the rule's developments.
•
Rules regulating nitrogen oxide (NO
x
) and sulfur dioxide (SO
2
) emissions, including the Cross State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) and Clean Air Visibility Rule.
The EPA's CSAPR and its progeny are a suite of interstate air pollution transport rules designed to reduce ozone and PM2.5 ambient air levels in areas that the EPA has determined as being significantly impacted by pollution from upwind states. This is accomplished through a reduction in NO
x
and SO
2
from qualifying fossil-fuel fired power plants and industrial boilers in upwind "contributing" states. NO
x
and SO
2
contribute to fine particulate pollution and NO
x
contributes to ozone formation in downwind areas. Reductions are generally achieved through a cap-and-trade system. Individual plants can meet their caps through reducing emissions and/or buying allowances on the market.
In March 2023 (published June 2023), the EPA finalized its Federal Implementation Plan to address state obligations under the Clean Air Act "good neighbor" provisions for the 2015 Ozone NAAQS (FIP Rule). The FIP Rule impacts 23 states, including Wisconsin. For Wisconsin, the FIP Rule includes revisions to the current obligations for fossil-fuel power generation, which includes Blount, Columbia, the Elm Road Units, WCCF, West Riverside, and West Marinette. Emissions budgets can be met with planned retirements, fuel switching, and immediately available measures, including consistently operating emissions controls already installed at power plants. In 2026, additional obligations would go into effect, including a further reduction in emissions budgets. Wisconsin would need to submit a State Implementation Plan to meet its obligations or accept the EPA's FIP Rule. Legal challenges to the FIP Rule are pending in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. In June 2024, the Supreme Court of the United States granted a request to stay the FIP Rule block its enforcement pending judicial review by the U.S. Court of
19
Appeals for the District of Columbia on the merits of petitioner's challenges to implementation of the rule. The EPA has temporarily halted the enforcement of the Good Neighbor Plan's requirements for all pollution sources in states affected by the plan, including Wisconsin. This action follows legal challenges to the plan. While the EPA addresses these concerns, interim rules have been implemented. In Wisconsin, these interim rules aim to ensure that obligations to address interstate ozone pollution with respect to the 2008 ozone NAAQS under the CSAPR Update Rule continue to be met, even though the Good Neighbor Plan is temporarily suspended. Based on our current evaluation, if the FIP goes into effect as-is, the 2026 additional emission reductions may impact the Elm Road Units, however, final impact of the rules will not be known until judicial reviews are completed and/or the EPA takes further action regarding the rule.
•
The EPA's Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR) Rule.
The CCR rule regulates the disposal of solid waste coal ash and defines what ash use activities would be considered generally exempt beneficial reuse of coal ash. The CCR rule also regulates landfills, ash ponds, and other surface impoundments used for coal combustion residuals by regulating their design, location, monitoring, and operation. The CCR rule requires owners and operators of coal-fired power plants to stop transporting CCR and non-CCR wastewater to unlined surface impoundments. At Columbia, the coal combustion residuals system completed in 2023 replaced the unlined surface impoundment, and Columbia complies with this rule.
Review of the Elm Road Units has indicated that the costs to comply with the CCR rule are not expected to be significant.
In May 2024, the EPA published its final CCR Legacy Rule. The CCR Legacy Rule applies to previous closed disposal sites. In 2024, MGE recorded an asset retirement obligation for its estimated share of the legal liability associated with the effect of the CCR Legacy Rule for remediation and groundwater compliance monitoring. Actual costs of compliance may be different than the amount recorded due to potential changes in compliance strategies that will be used, as well as other potential changes in cost estimate.
b.
Legal Matters.
MGE is involved in various legal matters that are being defended and handled in the normal course of business. MGE accrues for costs that are probable of being incurred and subject to reasonable estimation. The accrued amount for these matters is not material to the financial statements. MGE does not expect the resolution of these matters to have a material adverse effect on its consolidated results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows.
9.
Rate Mat
ters - MGE Energy and MGE.
a.
Rate Proceedings.
Rate increase
Return on Common Equity
Common Equity Component of Regulatory Capital Structure
Effective Date
Approved 2024/2025 rate proceeding
(a)(b)
Electric
1.54
%
9.7
%
56.1
%
1/1/2024
Gas
2.44
%
9.7
%
56.1
%
1/1/2024
Electric
(c)
2.63
%
9.7
%
56.1
%
1/1/2025
Gas
1.32
%
9.7
%
56.1
%
1/1/2025
Proposed 2026/2027 rate proceeding
(d)
Electric
(e)
4.89
%
10.0
%
56.1
%
1/1/2026
Gas
(e)
2.33
%
10.0
%
56.1
%
1/1/2026
Electric
(f)
4.33
%
10.0
%
56.0
%
1/1/2027
Gas
(f)
2.16
%
10.0
%
56.0
%
1/1/2027
(a)
The
electric rate increase was driven by an increase in rate base including our investments made in West Riverside, local solar, continued investment in grid modernization, as well as higher costs for transmission, pension and OPEB, and uncollectible costs (including costs previously deferred from prior years). This increase in electric costs is offset by a decrease in fuel costs and benefit from lower tax expense (including impacts from the Inflation Reduction Act). MGE filed an updated 2025 fuel forecast with the PSCW in 2024, which will impact rates in 2025, based on any variance between the forecast submitted as part of the rates and updated forecast. In addition, the PSCW authorized MGE to defer a recovery of and a return on costs associated for any change in the in service date for Paris and force majeure costs for Badger Hollow II and Paris that were not reflected in
20
this
rate filing. The PSCW also approved deferral of any differential in PTC tax credits reflected in rates and actual credits produced. These deferrals will be reflected in MGE's next rate case filing. The gas rate increases were also driven by our investment made in grid modernization and higher pension and OPEB and uncollectible costs (including costs previously deferred from prior years). This increase in gas costs is offset by a tax benefit related to excess deferred taxes. Included in the gas residential rate is a reduction in the customer fixed charge.
(b)
The 2024/2025 rate order includes an earnings sharing mechanism, under which, if MGE earns above the authorized Return on Equity (ROE) in the rate order: (i) the utility will retain 100.0% of earnings for the first 15 basis points above the authorized ROE; (ii) 50.0% of the next 60 basis points will be required to be deferred and returned to customers; and (iii) 100.0% of any remaining excess earnings will be required to be refunded to customers. The earnings calculation excludes fuel rules adjustments. See "Fuel Rules" below.
(c)
The PSCW approved a 2025 Fuel Cost Plan in December 2024. The plan lowered the 2025 increase in electric rates to 2.63% to reflect lower expected fuel costs.
(d)
In
April 2025, MGE filed a proposed 2-year rate case and PSCW approval is pending. A final order is expected before the end of the year.
(e)
The proposed electric rate increase is driven by an increase in rate base including our investments made in Paris (battery), Darien (battery), Sunnyside (solar), West Riverside, and continued investment in grid modernization, as well as higher costs for transmission. The increase in electric costs is offset by a decrease in fuel costs, changes in pension and OPEB, and benefit from lower tax expense (including impacts from the Inflation Reduction Act). The proposed gas increase is driven by an increase in rate base including continued distribution infrastructure improvements designed to enhance reliability and safety and system modernization. The increase in gas costs is offset by changes in pension and OPEB.
(f)
The proposed electric rate increase is driven by an increase in rate base including investments made in Koshkonong (solar), Sunnyside (battery), and High Noon (solar/battery) projects, and continued investment in grid modernization projects. The increase in electric costs is offset by a benefit from lower tax expense (including impacts from the Inflation Reduction Act). The proposed gas rate increase is driven by an increase in rate base.
b.
Fu
el Rules.
Fuel rules require Wisconsin utilities to defer electric fuel-related costs that fall outside a symmetrical cost tolerance band around the amount approved for a utility in its annual fuel proceedings. Any over- or under-recovery of the actual costs is determined in the following year and is then reflected in future billings to electric retail customers. The fuel rules bandwidth is set at plus or minus
2
%
in 2025
and 2024. The electric fuel-related costs are subject to an excess revenues test. Excess revenues are defined as revenues in the year in question that provide MGE with a greater return on common equity than authorized by the PSCW in MGE's latest rate order. The recovery of under-collected electric fuel-related costs would be reduced by the amount that exceeds the excess revenue test. These costs are subject to the PSCW's annual review of fuel costs completed in the year following the deferral.
The following table summarizes deferred electric fuel-related costs:
Fuel Costs (Savings) (
in millions
)
Refund or Recovery Period
2022
$
8.8
(a)
October 2023 through September 2024
2023
($
7.2
)
(a)
October 2024 through December 2024
2024
($
3.0
)
(b)
2025
($
0.8
)
(c)
(a)
There was no change to the refund or recovery in the fuel rules proceedings from the amount MGE deferred
.
(b)
In March 2025, MGE filed its application for reconciliation of actual fuel costs for 2024 with the PSCW proposing to return these savings in October 2025. These costs will be subject to the PSCW's annual review of 2024 fuel costs, expected to be completed in 2025.
(c)
These costs will be subject to the PSCW's annual review of 2025 fuel costs, expected to be completed in 2026.
10.
Derivati
ve and Hedging Instruments - MGE Energy and MGE.
a.
Purpose.
As part of its regular operations, MGE enters into contracts, including options, swaps, futures, forwards, and other contractual commitments, to manage its exposure to commodity prices. To the extent that these contracts are derivatives, MGE assesses whether or not the normal purchases or normal sales exclusion applies. For contracts to which this exclusion cannot be applied, the derivatives are recognized in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. MGE's financial commodity derivative activities are conducted in accordance with its electric and gas risk management program, which is approved by the PSCW and limits the volume MGE can hedge with specific risk management strategies. The maximum length of time over which cash flows related to energy commodities can be hedged is
four
years
. If the derivative qualifies for regulatory deferral, the derivatives are marked to fair value and are offset with a corresponding regulatory asset or liability depending on whether the derivative is in a net loss or net gain position, respectively. The deferred gain or loss is recognized in earnings in the delivery month applicable to the instrument. Gains and losses related to hedges qualifying for regulatory treatment are refundable or recoverable in gas rates through the Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA) or in electric rates as a component of the fuel rules mechanism.
21
b.
Notional Amounts.
The gross notional volume of open derivatives is as follows:
March 31, 2025
December 31, 2024
Commodity derivative contracts
320,880
MWh
307,640
MWh
Commodity derivative contracts
2,642,500
Dth
6,285,000
Dth
FTRs
787
MW
2,131
MW
c.
Financial Statement Presentation.
MGE purchases and sells exchange-traded and over-the-counter options, swaps, and future contracts. These arrangements are primarily entered into to help stabilize the price risk associated with gas or power purchases. These transactions are employed by both MGE's gas and electric segments. Additionally, as a result of the firm transmission agreements that MGE holds on electricity transmission paths in the MISO market,
MGE holds
financial transmission rights (FTRs). An FTR is a financial instrument that entitles the holder to a stream of revenues or charges based on the differences in hourly day-ahead energy prices between two points on the transmission grid. The fair values of these instruments are offset with a corresponding regulatory asset/liability depending on whether the instruments are in a net loss/gain position. Depending on the nature of the instrument, the gain or loss associated with these transactions will be reflected as cost of gas sold, fuel for electric generation, or purchased power expense in the delivery month applicable to the instrument. As of March 31, 2025, and December 31, 2024, the fair value of exchange traded derivatives and FTRs exceeded their cost basis by $
1.9
million and $
0.1
million, respectively.
The following table summarizes the fair value of the derivative instruments on the consolidated balance sheets.
All derivative instruments in this table are presented on a gross basis and are calculated prior to the netting of instruments with the same counterparty under a master netting agreement as well as the netting of collateral. For financial statement purposes, instruments are netted with the same counterparty under a master netting agreement as well as the netting of collateral.
Derivative
Derivative
(In thousands)
Assets
Liabilities
Balance Sheet Location
March 31, 2025
Commodity derivative contracts
(a)
$
1,995
$
261
Other current assets
Commodity derivative contracts
(a)
302
43
Other deferred charges
FTRs
—
133
Other current liabilities
December 31, 2024
Commodity derivative contracts
(a)
$
927
$
1,121
Other current liabilities
Commodity derivative contracts
(a)
286
140
Other deferred liabilities and other
FTRs
108
—
Other current assets
(a)
As of
March 31, 2025, MGE received collateral of $
2.0
million from counterparties under a master netting agreement for outstanding exchange traded derivative positions on the consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2024, collateral of less than $
0.1
million
was posted against and netted with derivative liability positions. The fair value of the derivatives disclosed in this table has not been adjusted for the collateral posted.
22
The following table shows the effect of netting arrangements for recognized derivative assets and liabilities that are subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement on the consolidated balance sheets.
Offsetting of Derivative Assets and Liabilities
(In thousands)
Gross Amounts
Gross Amounts Offset in Balance Sheets
Collateral Posted Against Derivative Positions
Net Amount Presented in Balance Sheets
March 31, 2025
Assets
Commodity derivative contracts
$
2,297
$
(
2,297
)
$
—
$
—
Liabilities
FTRs
133
—
(
133
)
—
Commodity derivative contracts
304
(
2,297
)
1,993
—
December 31, 2024
Assets
Commodity derivative contracts
$
1,213
$
(
1,213
)
$
—
$
—
FTRs
108
—
—
108
Liabilities
Commodity derivative contracts
1,261
(
1,213
)
(
48
)
—
The following tables summarize the unrealized and realized gains/losses related to the derivative instruments on the consolidated balance sheets and the consolidated statements of income.
2025
2024
(In thousands)
Current and Long-Term Regulatory Asset (Liability)
Other Current Assets
Current and Long-Term Regulatory Asset (Liability)
Other Current Assets
Three Months Ended March 31:
Balance as of January 1,
$
(
60
)
$
388
$
5,226
$
1,569
Unrealized loss (gain)
(
1,756
)
—
2,140
—
Realized (loss) gain reclassified to a deferred account
551
(
551
)
(
2,157
)
2,157
Realized (loss) gain reclassified to income statement
(
595
)
241
(
2,200
)
(
3,451
)
Balance as of March 31,
$
(
1,860
)
$
78
$
3,009
$
275
Realized Losses (Gains)
2025
2024
(In thousands)
Fuel for Electric Generation/ Purchased Power
Cost of Gas Sold
Fuel for Electric Generation/ Purchased Power
Cost of Gas Sold
Three Months Ended March 31:
Commodity derivative contracts
$
398
$
(
203
)
$
2,426
$
3,265
FTRs
159
—
(
40
)
—
MGE's commodity derivative contracts and FTRs are subject to regulatory deferral. These derivatives are marked to fair value and are offset with a corresponding regulatory asset or liability. Realized gains and losses are deferred on the consolidated balance sheets and are recognized in earnings in the delivery month applicable to the instrument. As a result of the treatment described above, there are no unrealized gains or losses that flow through earnings.
Certain counterparties extend MGE a credit limit. If MGE exceeds these limits, the counterparties may require collateral to be posted. As of March 31, 2025, and December 31, 2024
,
no
counterparties were in a net liability position.
Nonperformance of counterparties to the non-exchange traded derivatives could expose MGE to credit loss. However, MGE enters into transactions only with companies that meet or exceed strict credit guidelines, and it monitors these
23
counterparties on an ongoing basis to mitigate nonperformance risk in its portfolio. As of March 31, 2025
,
no
counterparties had defaulted.
11.
Fair Value of Fin
ancial Instruments - MGE Energy and MGE.
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or would be paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The accounting standard clarifies that fair value should be based on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability including assumptions about risk. The standard also establishes a three-level fair value hierarchy based upon the observability of the assumptions used and requires the use of observable market data when available. The levels are:
Level 1 - Pricing inputs are quoted prices within active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 - Pricing inputs are quoted prices within active markets for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations that are correlated with or otherwise verifiable by observable market data.
Level 3 - Pricing inputs are unobservable and reflect management's best estimate of what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
a.
Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities Recorded at the Carrying Amount.
The carrying amount of cash, cash equivalents, and outstanding commercial paper approximates fair market value due to the short maturity of those investments and obligations. The estimated fair market value of long-term debt is based on quoted market prices for similar financial instruments. Since long-term debt is not traded in an active market, it is classified as Level 2.
The estimated fair market value of financial instruments are as follows:
March 31, 2025
December 31, 2024
(In thousands)
Carrying Amount
Fair Value
Carrying Amount
Fair Value
Long-term debt
(a)
$
772,092
$
713,569
$
773,400
$
698,765
(a)
Includes long-term debt due within one year. Excludes debt issuance costs and unamortized discount of $
4.3
million and $
4.4
million as of March 31, 2025, and December 31, 2024
, respectively.
b.
Recurring Fair Value Measurements.
The following table presents the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for both MGE and MGE Energy.
Fair Value as of March 31, 2025
(In thousands)
Total
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Assets:
Derivatives, net
(b)
$
2,297
$
1,505
$
—
$
792
Liabilities:
Derivatives, net
(b)
$
437
$
160
$
—
$
277
Deferred compensation
6,508
—
6,508
—
Total Liabilities
$
6,945
$
160
$
6,508
$
277
Fair Value as of December 31, 2024
(In thousands)
Total
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Assets:
Derivatives, net
(b)
$
1,321
$
987
$
—
$
334
Liabilities:
Derivatives, net
(b)
$
1,261
$
480
$
—
$
781
Deferred compensation
6,468
—
6,468
—
Total Liabilities
$
7,729
$
480
$
6,468
$
781
(b)
As of
March 31, 2025, MGE received collateral of $
2.0
million from counterparties under a master netting agreement for outstanding exchange traded derivative positions on the consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2024
, collateral of less than $
0.1
million
was posted against
24
and
netted with derivative liability positions. The fair value of the derivatives disclosed in this table has not been adjusted for the collateral posted.
E
xchange-traded Investments.
Investments include exchange-traded investment securities valued using quoted prices on active exchanges and are therefore classified as Level 1.
Deferred Compensation.
The deferred compensation plans allow participants to defer certain cash compensation into notional investment accounts. These amounts are included within "Other deferred liabilities and other" in the consolidated balance sheets. The value of certain deferred compensation obligations is based on the market value of the participants' notional investment accounts. The underlying notional investments are comprised primarily of equities, mutual funds, and fixed income securities that are based on directly and indirectly observable market prices. Since the deferred compensation obligations themselves are not exchanged in an active market, they are classified as Level 2.
The value of legacy deferred compensation obligations is based on notional investments that earn interest based upon the semiannual rate of U.S. Treasury Bills having a
26
-week maturity increased by
1
% compounded monthly with a minimum annual rate of
7
%, compounded monthly. The notional investments are based upon observable market data, however, since the deferred compensation obligations themselves are not exchanged in an active market, they are classified as Level 2.
Derivatives.
Derivatives include exchange-traded derivative contracts, over-the-counter transactions, and FTRs. Most exchange-traded derivative contracts are valued based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and are therefore classified as Level 1. A small number of exchange-traded derivative contracts are valued using quoted market pricing in markets with insufficient volumes and are therefore considered unobservable and classified as Level 3. Transactions done with an over-the-counter party are on inactive markets and are therefore classified as Level 3. These transactions are valued based on quoted prices from markets with similar exchange-traded transactions. FTRs are priced based upon monthly auction results for identical or similar instruments in a closed market with limited data available and are therefore classified as Level 3.
The following table summarizes the changes in Level 3 commodity derivative assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
Three Months Ended
March 31,
(In thousands)
2025
2024
Beginning balance
$
(
447
)
$
(
2,604
)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Included in regulatory assets
—
878
Included in regulatory liability
960
—
Included in earnings
(
553
)
(
2,204
)
Settlements
555
2,204
Balance as of March 31,
$
515
$
(
1,726
)
The following table presents total realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in income for Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
(c)
.
Three Months Ended
March 31,
(In thousands)
2025
2024
Purchased power expense
$
(
553
)
$
(
2,204
)
(c)
MGE's exchange-traded derivative contracts, over-the-counter party transactions, purchased power agreement, and FTRs are subject to regulatory deferral. These derivatives are therefore marked to fair value and are offset in the financial statements with a corresponding regulatory asset or liability.
25
12.
Joint Plant Constr
uction Project Ownership - MGE Energy and MGE
MGE has ownership interests in generation projects with other co-owners, some of which are under construction, as shown in the following table. Incurred costs are reflected in "Property, plant, and equipment, net" or "Construction work in progress" on the consolidated balance sheets.
Project
Ownership Interest
Source
Share of
Generation
Share of Estimated
Costs
(a)
Costs incurred as
of March 31, 2025
(a)
Date of
Commercial
Operation
Paris
(b)
10
%
Battery
11
MW
$
25
million
(f)
$
22.9
million
2025 Battery
(g)
Darien
(c)
10
%
Solar/Battery
25
MW/
7.5
MW
$
63
million
(f)
$
47.1
million
March 2025 Solar
2026 Battery
(g)
Koshkonong
(d)
10
%
Solar/Battery
30
MW/
16.5
MW
$
104
million
(f)
$
20.0
million
2026 Solar
(g)
2027 Battery
(g)
High Noon
(e)
10
%
Solar/Battery
30
MW/
16.5
MW
$
99
million
$
1.1
million
2027
(g)
(a)
Excluding AFUDC.
(b)
Paris Solar-Battery Park is located in the Town of Paris in Kenosha County, Wisconsin.
(c)
Darien Solar Energy Center is located in Walworth and Rock Counties in southern Wisconsin.
(d)
Koshkonong Solar Energy Center is located in the Towns of
Christiana and Deerfield in Dane County, Wisconsin.
(e)
High Noon Solar Project is located in Columbia County, Wisconsin.
(f)
Estimated costs are expected to exceed PSCW previously approved Certificate of Authority (CA) levels. Notifications are provided to the PSCW when costs increase above CA levels. MGE has and will continue to request recovery of the updates in its rate case proceedings.
(g)
Estimated date of commercial operation.
MGE
received specific approval to recover
100
%
AFUDC on Paris, Darien, and Koshkonong. During the three months ended March 31, 2025, MGE recognized $
1.6
million, after tax, in AFUDC for these projects compared to $
1.2
million for the comparable period in 2024
.
13.
Reven
ue - MGE Energy and MGE.
Revenues disaggregated by revenue source were as follows:
Three Months Ended
(In thousands)
March 31,
Electric revenues
2025
2024
Residential
$
45,139
$
41,141
Commercial
60,635
59,863
Industrial
2,964
3,410
Other-retail/municipal
9,348
9,690
Total retail
118,086
114,104
Sales to the market
6,480
1,076
Other
888
945
Total electric revenues
125,454
116,125
Gas revenues
Residential
53,868
43,398
Commercial/Industrial
37,113
29,524
Total retail
90,981
72,922
Gas transportation
2,313
2,080
Other
187
167
Total gas revenues
93,481
75,169
Non-regulated energy revenues
35
42
Total Operating Revenue
$
218,970
$
191,336
26
14.
Segment Infor
mation - MGE Energy and MGE
MGE Energy operates in the following business segments: electric utility, gas utility, nonregulated energy, transmission investment, and all other. See Footnote 22 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of the
2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K
for additional discussion of each of these segments.
Fuel and purchased power and Purchased gas costs are significant segment expenses as defined in Segment Reporting. The CODM does not review disaggregated assets on a segment basis; therefore, such information is not presented.
The following table shows segment information for MGE Energy's and MGE's operations:
(In thousands)
MGE Energy
Electric
Gas
Non-Regulated Energy
Transmission Investment
Total Reportable Segments
All Others
Consolidation/
Elimination
Consolidated Total
Three Months Ended March 31, 2025
Operating revenues
$
125,454
$
93,481
$
35
$
—
$
218,970
$
—
$
—
$
218,970
Interdepartmental revenues
(
48
)
6,472
11,104
—
17,528
—
(
17,528
)
—
Total operating revenues
125,406
99,953
11,139
—
236,498
—
(
17,528
)
218,970
Fuel and purchased power
(
23,106
)
—
—
—
(
23,106
)
—
1,159
(
21,947
)
Purchased gas costs
—
(
59,290
)
—
—
(
59,290
)
—
5,326
(
53,964
)
Depreciation and amortization
(
21,535
)
(
4,232
)
(
1,911
)
—
(
27,678
)
—
—
(
27,678
)
Interest expense
(
6,493
)
(
1,763
)
(
906
)
—
(
9,162
)
—
—
(
9,162
)
Other segment items
(a)
(
55,979
)
(
16,096
)
(
44
)
—
(
72,119
)
(
436
)
11,043
(
61,512
)
Income tax (provision) benefit
1,902
(
4,987
)
(
2,255
)
(
867
)
(
6,207
)
(
89
)
—
(
6,296
)
Equity in earnings of investments
—
—
—
3,181
3,181
—
—
3,181
Net income (loss)
20,195
13,585
6,023
2,314
42,117
(
525
)
—
41,592
Three Months Ended March 31, 2024
Operating revenues
$
116,125
$
75,169
$
42
$
—
$
191,336
$
—
$
—
$
191,336
Interdepartmental revenues
(
55
)
5,212
10,827
—
15,984
—
(
15,984
)
—
Total operating revenues
116,070
80,381
10,869
—
207,320
—
(
15,984
)
191,336
Fuel and purchased power
(
23,070
)
—
—
—
(
23,070
)
—
924
(
22,146
)
Purchased gas costs
—
(
46,173
)
—
—
(
46,173
)
—
4,296
(
41,877
)
Depreciation and amortization
(
20,648
)
(
4,083
)
(
1,869
)
—
(
26,600
)
—
—
(
26,600
)
Interest expense
(
6,328
)
(
1,710
)
(
974
)
—
(
9,012
)
—
—
(
9,012
)
Other segment items
(a)
(
53,546
)
(
14,705
)
(
23
)
(
1
)
(
68,275
)
(
314
)
10,764
(
57,825
)
Income tax (provision) benefit
3,286
(
3,097
)
(
2,180
)
(
749
)
(
2,740
)
(
68
)
—
(
2,808
)
Equity in earnings of investments
—
—
—
2,746
2,746
—
—
2,746
Net income (loss)
15,764
10,613
5,823
1,996
34,196
(
382
)
—
33,814
(a)
Other segment items include AFUDC Income, Other Income, Net, Other Operations and Maintenance, Other General Taxes, and Interest Revenue.
(In thousands)
MGE
Electric
Gas
Non-Regulated Energy
Total Reportable Segments
Consolidation/
Elimination
Consolidated Total
Three Months Ended March 31, 2025
Operating revenues
$
125,454
$
93,481
$
35
$
218,970
$
—
$
218,970
Interdepartmental revenues
(
48
)
6,472
11,104
17,528
(
17,528
)
—
Total operating revenues
125,406
99,953
11,139
236,498
(
17,528
)
218,970
Fuel and purchased power
(
23,106
)
—
—
(
23,106
)
1,159
(
21,947
)
Purchased gas costs
—
(
59,290
)
—
(
59,290
)
5,326
(
53,964
)
Depreciation and amortization
(
21,535
)
(
4,232
)
(
1,911
)
(
27,678
)
—
(
27,678
)
Interest expense
(
6,493
)
(
1,763
)
(
906
)
(
9,162
)
—
(
9,162
)
Other segment items
(a)
(
55,979
)
(
16,096
)
(
44
)
(
72,119
)
11,043
(
61,076
)
Income tax benefit (provision)
1,902
(
4,987
)
(
2,255
)
(
5,340
)
—
(
5,340
)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax
—
—
—
—
(
5,599
)
(
5,599
)
Net income attributable to MGE
20,195
13,585
6,023
39,803
(
5,599
)
34,204
Three Months Ended March 31, 2024
Operating revenues
$
116,125
$
75,169
$
42
$
191,336
$
—
$
191,336
Interdepartmental revenues
(
55
)
5,212
10,827
15,984
(
15,984
)
—
Total operating revenues
116,070
80,381
10,869
207,320
(
15,984
)
191,336
Fuel and purchased power
(
23,070
)
—
—
(
23,070
)
924
(
22,146
)
Purchased gas costs
—
(
46,173
)
—
(
46,173
)
4,296
(
41,877
)
Depreciation and amortization
(
20,648
)
(
4,083
)
(
1,869
)
(
26,600
)
—
(
26,600
)
Interest expense
(
6,328
)
(
1,710
)
(
974
)
(
9,012
)
—
(
9,012
)
Other segment items
(a)
(
53,546
)
(
14,705
)
(
23
)
(
68,274
)
10,764
(
57,510
)
Income tax benefit (provision)
3,286
(
3,097
)
(
2,180
)
(
1,991
)
—
(
1,991
)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax
—
—
—
—
(
5,597
)
(
5,597
)
Net income attributable to MGE
15,764
10,613
5,823
32,200
(
5,597
)
26,603
(a)
Other segment items include AFUDC Income, Other Income, Net, Other Operations and Maintenance, Other General Taxes, and Interest Revenue.
27
The following table shows segment information for MGE Energy's and MGE's capital expenditures:
Utility
Consolidated
(In thousands)
MGE Energy
Electric
Gas
Non-regulated Energy
Transmission Investment
All Others
Consolidation/ Elimination Entries
Total
Three Months Ended March 31, 2025
$
31,322
$
14,017
$
2,314
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
47,653
Three Months Ended March 31, 2024
32,964
8,560
3,247
—
—
—
44,771
Utility
Consolidated
(In thousands)
MGE
Electric
Gas
Non-regulated Energy
Consolidation/ Elimination Entries
Total
Three Months Ended March 31, 2025
$
31,322
$
14,017
$
2,314
$
—
$
47,653
Three Months Ended March 31, 2024
32,964
8,560
3,247
—
44,771
28
Item 2. Man
agement's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
General
MGE Energy is an investor-owned public utility holding company operating through subsidiaries in five business segments:
•
Regulated electric utility operations, conducted through MGE, which generate and distribute electricity to approximately 167,000 customers in Dane County, Wisconsin,
•
Regulated gas utility operations, conducted through MGE, which distribute natural gas to approximately 178,000 customers in seven south-central and western Wisconsin counties,
•
Nonregulated energy operations, conducted through MGE Power and its subsidiaries, which owns interests in electric generating capacity that is leased to MGE,
•
Transmission investments, representing our equity investment in ATC, which owns and operates electric transmission facilities primarily in Wisconsin, and ATC Holdco, a company created to facilitate out-of-state electric transmission development and investments, and
•
All other, which includes investing in companies and property that relate to the regulated operations and financing the regulated operations, through its wholly owned subsidiaries CWDC, MAGAEL, and North Mendota, and corporate operations and services.
MGE plans to continue to focus on growing earnings while controlling operating and fuel costs. MGE's goal is to provide safe and efficient operations in addition to providing customer value. We believe it is critical to maintain a strong credit rating consistent with financial strength in MGE in order to accomplish these goals.
The ownership/leasing structure for our nonregulated energy operations was adopted under applicable state regulatory guidelines for MGE's participation in these generation facilities, consisting principally of a stable return on the equity investment in the new generation facilities over the term of the related leases. The nonregulated energy operations include an ownership interest in two coal-fired generating units in Oak Creek, Wisconsin and a partial ownership of a cogeneration project on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. A third party operates the units in Oak Creek, and MGE operates the cogeneration project. Due to the nature of MGE's participation in these facilities, the results of MGE Energy's nonregulated operations are also consolidated into MGE's consolidated financial position and results of operations under applicable accounting standards.
Executive Overview
We principally earn revenue and generate cash from operations by providing electric and natural gas utility services, including electric power generation and electric power and gas distribution. The earnings and cash flows from the utility business are sensitive to various external factors, including, but not limited to:
•
Weather, and its impact on customer sales,
•
Economic conditions, including current business activity and employment and their impact on customer demand,
•
Regulation and regulatory issues, and their impact on the timing and recovery of costs,
•
Energy commodity prices, including natural gas prices,
•
Equity price risk pertaining to pension related assets,
•
Credit market conditions, including interest rates and our debt credit rating,
•
Environmental laws and regulations, including adopted and pending environmental rule changes, and
During the three months ended March 31, 2025, MGE Energy's earnings were $41.6 million or $1.14 per share compared to $33.8 million or $0.93 per share during the same period in the prior year. MGE's earnings during the three months ended March 31, 2025, were $34.2 million compared to $26.6 million during the same period in the prior year.
29
MGE Energy's net income was derived from our business segments as follows:
Three Months Ended
(In millions)
March 31,
Business Segment:
2025
2024
Electric Utility
$
20.2
$
15.8
Gas Utility
13.6
10.6
Nonregulated Energy
6.0
5.8
Transmission Investments
2.3
2.0
All Other
(0.5)
(0.4)
Net Income
$
41.6
$
33.8
Our net income during the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to the same periods in the prior year primarily reflects the effects of the following factors:
Electric Utility
An increase in electric investments, as part of the 2025 rate case, contributed to an increase in earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2025, as compared to the same period in the prior year. Favorable weather contributed to higher electric residential sales for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to the same period in the prior year.
Gas Utility
Higher gas retail sales in the first quarter of 2025 contributed to higher gas earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to the same period in the prior year. Gas retail sales increased approximately 19%. Heating degree days (a measure for determining the impact of weather during the heating season) increased by approximately 13% in the first three months of 2025 compared to the same period in the prior year.
Significant Events
The following events affected the first three months of 2025:
2025 Rate Proceeding: In December 2023, the PSCW approved a 4.17% increase to electric rates and 1.32% increase to gas rates for 2025. The PSCW approved a 2025 Fuel Cost Plan in December 2024. The plan lowered the 2025 increase in electric rates to 2.63%, reflecting lower expected fuel costs. See "
Other Matters
" below for additional information on the 2025 rate proceeding.
The 2025 rate order includes an earnings sharing mechanism, under which, if MGE earns above the 9.7% ROE authorized in the rate order: (i) the utility will retain 100% of earnings for the first 15 basis points above the authorized ROE; (ii) 50% of the next 60 basis points will be required to be deferred and returned to customers; and (iii) 100% of any remaining excess earnings will be required to be refunded to customers. The earnings calculation excludes fuel rules adjustments.
2025 Deferred Fuel Savings: MGE had deferred fuel savings through the three months ended March 31, 2025. As of March 31, 2025, MGE had deferred $0.8 million of 2025 fuel savings. These costs will be subject to the PSCW's annual review of 2025 fuel costs, expected to be completed during 2026. See
Footnote 9
of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report for further information regarding fuel cost proceedings.
30
Large Scale Utility Projects: Large scale generation projects recently completed or under construction, are shown in the following table. Incurred costs are reflected in "Property, plant, and equipment, net" for projects placed in service, or "Construction work in progress" for projects under construction on the consolidated balance sheets.
Project
Ownership Interest
Source
Share of Generation
Share of
Estimated Costs
(a)
Costs incurred
as of
March 31, 2025
(a)
Date of
Commercial
Operation
Paris
10%
Battery
11 MW
$25 million
(d)
$22.9 million
(b)
2025
(c)
Battery
Darien
10%
Solar/Battery
25 MW/7.5 MW
$63 million
(d)
$47.1 million
(b)
March 2025 Solar
2026
(c)
Battery
Koshkonong
10%
Solar/Battery
30 MW/16.5 MW
$104 million
(d)
$20.0 million
(b)
2026
(c)
Solar
2027
(c)
Battery
High Noon
10%
Solar/Battery
30 MW/16.5 MW
$99 million
$1.1 million
2027
(c)
Sunnyside
100%
Solar/Battery
20MW/40MW
$112 million
$0.9 million
2026
(c)
Solar
2027
(c)
Battery
Ursa
(e)
10%
Solar
20 MW
$46 million
$0.3 million
2027
(c)
Badger Hollow
(e)
10%
Wind
11.2 MW
$36 million
$0.3 million
2027
(c)
Whitetail
(e)
10%
Wind
6.7 MW
$23 million
$0.1 million
2027
(c)
Dawn Harvest
(e)
10%
Solar
15 MW
$34 million
$0.6 million
2028
(c)
Good Oak
(e)
10%
Solar
9.8 MW
$22 million
$1.4 million
2028
(c)
Gristmill
(e)
10%
Solar
6.7 MW
$15 million
$1.3 million
2028
(c)
Saratoga
(e)
10%
Solar/Battery
15 MW/5 MW
$46 million
$1.1 million
2028
(c)
(a)
Excluding AFUDC.
(b)
MGE received specific approval to recover 100% AFUDC. After tax, MGE recognized $5.1 million, $3.1 million, and $0.5 million of AFUDC equity through March 31, 2025, on Paris, Darien, and Koshkonong, respectively, during construction. AFUDC has been excluded from the costs incurred in the table above.
(c)
Estimated date of commercial operation.
(d)
Estimated costs are expected to exceed PSCW previously approved CA levels. Notifications are provided to the PSCW when costs increase above CA levels. MGE has and will continue to request recovery of the updates in its rate case proceedings.
(e)
Pending approval by the PSCW.
In the near term, several items may affect us, including:
2024 Annual Fuel Proceeding: MGE had fuel savings in 2024. As of December 31, 2024, MGE had deferred $3.0 million of 2024 fuel savings. These costs will be subject to the PSCW's annual review of 2024 fuel costs, expected to be completed during 2025. MGE has proposed to return these savings in October 2025.
Environmental Initiatives: There are proposed legislative rules and initiatives involving matters related to air emissions, water effluent, hazardous materials, and greenhouse gases, all of which affect generation plant capital expenditures and operating costs as well as future operational planning. Legislation and rulemaking addressing climate change and related matters could significantly affect the costs of owning and operating fossil-fueled generating plants. MGE would expect to seek and receive recovery of any such costs in rates. However, it is difficult to estimate the amount of such costs due to the uncertainty as to the timing and form of any legislation or rules, the timing and effects of any judicial review, and the scope and time of the recovery of costs in rates, which may occur after those costs have been incurred and paid.
Future Generation – 80% carbon reduction target by 2030 (from 2005 levels): MGE has outlined initiatives to achieve our target.
•
Transitioning away from coal.
Columbia: MGE, along with the other plant co-owners, announced plans to retire Columbia Unit 1 and Unit 2 by the end of 2029. Final timing and retirement dates for Units 1 and 2 are subject to change depending on operational and regulatory considerations, capacity needs, and other factors impacting one or more of the Columbia co-owners. MGE has a plan, which it continues to evaluate, to replace the generation from Columbia while maintaining electric service reliability. In December 2024, MGE and Columbia's co-owners announced plans to explore converting at least one unit of Columbia to natural gas before the end of 2029.
Elm Road Units: MGE, along with the plant co-owners, announced plans to end the use of coal as a primary fuel at the Elm Road Units and transition the plant to natural gas. Transition plans and costs will be subject to PSCW approval. MGE's remaining use of coal is expected to be further reduced as the Elm Road Units transition to natural gas. By the end of 2030, coal is expected to be used only as a backup fuel at the Elm Road Units. This transition will help MGE meet its 2030 carbon
31
reduction goals. By the end of 2032, MGE expects that the Elm Road Units will be fully transitioned away from coal, which will eliminate coal as an internal generation source for MGE.
•
Growing renewable generation.
MGE is seeking to acquire, or has acquired, joint interests in several renewable generation projects. The forecasted capital expenditures include approximately 178 MW of solar, 18 MW of wind, which include projects approved or pending PSCW approval. See the 2025-2029 capital expenditures forecast disclosed in Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our
2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K
.
Environmental Initiatives – Natural gas distribution: Building upon our long-standing commitment to providing affordable, sustainable energy, MGE has set a goal to achieve net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas distribution system by 2035. If MGE can accelerate plans to achieve net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas system—through the evolution of new technologies, such as renewable natural gas—it will. MGE is working to reduce overall emissions from its natural gas distribution system in a quick and cost-effective manner. For customers who want to reduce their environmental footprint further, MGE introduced a renewable natural gas program in May 2024, after approval by the PSCW. MGE purchases renewable thermal credits on behalf of customers who voluntarily elect in the program to offset the emissions associated with the customer's monthly natural gas usage.
Solar Procurement Disruptions: MGE is monitoring import regulations under the Uyghur Forced Labor Protection Act and the U.S. Department of Commerce new solar tariffs. These disruptions have a potential to impact current and future solar projects which may result in an increase in costs or delays in construction timelines. In the event that such disruptions cause costs to exceed the levels approved for specific projects, we have filed, and expect to continue to file, notifications with the PSCW and expect to request recovery of any increases in MGE's future rate proceedings. See "
Other Matters
" below for additional information on the solar procurement disruptions.
Executive Order - Tariffs: MGE is monitoring the actions of the Trump Administration with respect to certain proposed or recently implemented import tariffs on foreign goods. These tariffs have a potential impact on cost of operations and on current and future capital projects. See "
Other Matters
" below for additional information on the executive orders on tariffs.
Financing and Equity Issuance Plans: MGE Energy annually evaluates its financing plan, dividend practices, and credit line sizing, focusing on maintaining its investment grade rating while meeting cash needs to fund capital requirements, including construction expenditures, retire debt, pay dividends, and operating expenses. As of March 31, 2025, MGE had $280 million of remaining regulatory authority from the PSCW to issue long-term debt to finance authorized utility capital expenditures. During the first quarter of 2025, MGE Energy issued new shares of common stock to participants in its Direct Stock Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment Plan. Beginning May 2025, MGE Energy expects to purchase shares in the open market for participants in the Direct Stock Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment Plan.
Results of Operations
Three Months Ended March 31, 2025 and 2024
Electric sales and revenues
The following table compares MGE's electric revenues and electric kWh sales by customer class for each of the periods indicated:
Revenues
Sales (kWh)
Three Months Ended March 31,
Three Months Ended March 31,
(In thousands)
2025
2024
% Change
2025
2024
% Change
Residential
$
45,139
$
41,141
9.7%
214,992
199,692
7.7%
Commercial
60,635
59,863
1.3%
430,278
420,792
2.3%
Industrial
2,964
3,410
(13.1)%
34,533
37,448
(7.8)%
Other-retail/municipal
9,348
9,690
(3.5)%
79,752
82,847
(3.7)%
Total retail
118,086
114,104
3.5%
759,555
740,779
2.5%
Sales to the market
6,480
1,076
n.m.
127,099
24,981
n.m.
Other revenues
888
945
(6.0)%
—
—
—%
Total
$
125,454
$
116,125
8.0%
886,654
765,760
15.8%
n.m. not meaningful
32
Electric revenue increased $9.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to the same period in the prior year, due to the following:
(In millions)
Sales to the market
$
5.4
Increase in residential volume
2.6
Rate changes
2.4
Customer fixed and demand charges
1.0
Net increase in commercial, industrial and other-retail/municipal volume
0.5
Revenue subject to refund, net
(2.6)
Total
$
9.3
•
Sales to the market.
Sales to the market typically occur when MGE has more generation in the MISO market than are needed for its customer demand. The excess electricity is then sold to other utilities or power marketers in the MISO market. During the three months ended March 31, 2025, market volumes increased compared to the same period in the prior year, reflecting an increase in sales. Additionally, the cost of capacity sold increased, contributing to the revenue generated from increased sales to the market from excess generation and purchases. The revenue generated from these sales is largely offset in fuel rules costs, and do not have a significant impact on net income. See fuel rules discussion in
Footnote 9
of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report.
•
Volume.
During the three months ended March 31, 2025, residential sales increased by approximately 8% compared to the same period in the prior year. This increase was driven by differences in the weather experienced during the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to the same period in the prior year. Temperatures, on average, were warmer than normal in the first quarter of 2024.
•
Rate changes.
In December 2023, the PSCW authorized MGE to increase 2025 rates for retail electric customers by approximately 2.63%. Rates charged to retail customers during the three months ended March 31, 2025, were $2.4 million higher than those charged during the same period in the prior year. See
Footnote 9
of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report for further information on the rate increase. Any increase in rates associated with fuel or purchase power costs are generally offset in fuel and purchased power costs and do not have a significant impact on net income.
•
Customer fixed and demand charges.
During the three months ended March 31, 2025, fixed and demand charges increased $1.0 million, primarily attributable to the increase in demand charges for commercial customers.
•
Revenue subject to refund.
For cost recovery mechanisms,
any over-collection of revenues resulting from costs authorized to be collected from customers in rates exceeding actual costs is recorded as a reduction of revenue in the period incurred, as the over-collection is expected to be refunded to customers in a subsequent period. In the year the over-collection is refunded, rates are reduced and offset as revenue subject to refund. There is no net income impact in the year the costs are refunded.
Electric fuel and purchased power
Three Months Ended March 31,
(In millions)
2025
2024
$ Change
Fuel for electric generation
$
17.6
$
12.7
$
4.9
Purchased power
4.4
9.4
(5.0)
The $4.9 million increase in fuel for electric generation in the first quarter of 2025 was due to an approximately 32% increase in internal generation driven by an increase in sales and 5% increase in the average cost, each compared to the same period in the prior year.
Excluding deferred fuel costs, purchased power decreased $3.0 million in the first quarter of 2025, compared to the same period in the prior year. The decrease in purchased power was due to an approximately 57% decrease in market purchases as a result of lower customer sales and increased internal generation. This decrease was partially offset by an approximately 39% increase in average cost. Deferred fuel cost recovered during the three months ended March 31, 2024, was $2.1 million. There were no deferred fuel costs recovered during the three months ended March 31, 2025.
33
Fuel and purchased power costs are generally offset by electric revenue and do not have a significant impact on net income. MGE expects to seek and receive recovery of fuel and purchased power costs that exceed the fuel rules bandwidth in customer rates. See
Footnote 9
of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report for further information on the fuel rules bandwidth.
Gas deliveries and revenues
The following table compares MGE's gas revenues and gas therms delivered by customer class for each of the periods indicated:
Revenues
Therms Delivered
(In thousands, except HDD and average
Three Months Ended March 31,
Three Months Ended March 31,
rate per therm of retail customer)
2025
2024
% Change
2025
2024
% Change
Residential
$
53,868
$
43,398
24.1%
52,229
43,807
19.2%
Commercial/Industrial
37,113
29,524
25.7%
46,136
39,224
17.6%
Total retail
90,981
72,922
24.8%
98,365
83,031
18.5%
Gas transportation
2,313
2,080
11.2%
21,824
20,888
4.5%
Other revenues
187
167
12.0%
—
—
—%
Total
$
93,481
$
75,169
24.4%
120,189
103,919
15.7%
Heating degree days (normal 3,501)
3,369
2,981
13.0%
Average rate per therm of retail customer
$
0.925
$
0.878
5.4%
Gas revenue increased $18.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to the same period in the prior year, due to the following:
(In millions)
Increase in volume
$
11.4
Rate changes
7.7
Other
(0.8)
Total
$
18.3
•
Volume.
For the three months ended March 31, 2025, retail gas deliveries increased approximately 19% compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily attributable to unfavorable weather conditions in the first quarter of 2024.
•
Rate changes.
In December 2023, the PSCW authorized MGE to increase 2025 rates for retail gas customers by approximately 1.32%.
MGE recovers the cost of natural gas in its gas segment through the purchased gas adjustment clause (PGA). Under the PGA, MGE is able to pass through to its gas customers the cost of gas. Changes in PGA recoveries affect revenues but do not change net income in view of the pass-through treatment of the costs. Payments for natural gas increased, driving higher rates during the three months ended March 31, 2025.
The average retail rate per therm excluding customer fixed charges for the three months ended March 31, 2025, increased approximately 5% compared to the same period in the prior year, reflecting an increase in natural gas commodity costs (recovered through the PGA).
•
Other.
For the three months ended March 31, 2025, other gas revenues decreased primarily related to lower residential customer fixed charges. The PSCW approved a reduction in the customer fixed charge component of the residential gas rate in the 2025 rate proceeding.
Cost of gas sold
Cost of gas sold increased $12.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to the same period in the prior year. Therms delivered increased approximately 18% and cost per therm increased approximately 9%. MGE recovers the cost of natural gas in its gas segment through the PGA as described under gas deliveries and revenues above.
34
Consolidated operations and maintenance expenses
During the three months ended March 31, 2025, operations and maintenance expenses increased $2.6 million, compared to the same period in the prior year. The following contributed to the net change:
(In millions)
Increased transmission costs
$
1.1
Increased customer services
0.6
Increased electric production expenses
0.4
Increased other expenses
0.5
Total
$
2.6
•
Increased transmission costs are primarily a result of an increase in transmission rate. Transmission costs represent ATC and MISO network transmission expenses authorized to collect in rates. The PSCW has approved MGE to defer as a regulatory asset or liability, the difference between actual costs included in rates and to be recovered or refunded in a future rate proceeding. Transmission cost is generally offset by electric revenue and does not have a significant impact on net income.
Consolidated depreciation expense
Electric depreciation expense increased $0.9 million and gas depreciation expense increased $0.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to the same period in the prior year. Paris solar was placed in service in December 2024. The timing of the in-service dates contributed to the increase in electric depreciation expense.
Electric and gas other income
Electric other income decreased $1.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily related to pension and other postretirement excluding service costs. Gas other income remained flat during the three months ended March 31, 2025. The PSCW has approved MGE to defer as a regulatory asset or liability, the difference between actual Pension and other postretirement costs included in rates and to be recovered or refunded in a future rate proceeding. Pension and other postretirement cost is generally offset by electric and gas revenue and does not have a significant impact on net income.
Nonregulated Energy Operations - MGE Energy and MGE
The nonregulated energy operations are conducted through MGE Energy's subsidiaries: MGE Power Elm Road (the Elm Road Units) and MGE Power West Campus (WCCF), which have been formed to own and lease electric generating capacity to assist MGE. During the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, net income at the nonregulated energy operations segment was $6.0 million and $5.8 million, respectively.
Transmission Investment Operations - MGE Energy
The transmission investment segment holds our interest in ATC and ATC Holdco, and its income reflects our equity in the earnings of those investments. ATC Holdco was formed in December 2016 to pursue transmission development opportunities that typically have long development and investment lead times before becoming operational. During the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, other income at the transmission investment segment primarily reflects ATC's operations and was $3.2 million and $2.7 million, respectively. See
Footnote 3
of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report for summarized financial information regarding ATC.
Consolidated Income Taxes - MGE Energy and MGE
See
Footnote 4
of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report for the effective tax rate reconciliation.
Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax - MGE
Noncontrolling interest, net of tax, reflects the accounting required for MGE Energy's interest in MGE Power Elm Road (the Elm Road Units) and MGE Power West Campus (WCCF). MGE Energy owns 100% of MGE Power Elm Road and MGE Power West Campus. They are not owned by MGE. Due to the contractual agreements for these projects with MGE, the entities are considered VIEs with
35
respect to MGE and their results are consolidated with those of MGE, the primary beneficiary of the VIEs. The following table shows MGE's noncontrolling interest, net of tax, reflected on MGE's consolidated statement of income:
Three Months Ended
March 31,
(In millions)
2025
2024
MGE Power Elm Road
$
3.8
$
3.8
MGE Power West Campus
1.8
1.8
Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments - MGE Energy and MGE
There were no material changes, other than from the normal course of business, to MGE Energy's and MGE's contractual obligations (representing cash obligations that are considered to be firm commitments) and commercial commitments (representing commitments triggered by future events) during the three months ended March 31, 2025. Further discussion of the contractual obligations and commercial commitments is included in Footnote 16 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and "Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments for MGE Energy and MGE" under Part II, Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in the
2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K
.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
MGE Energy and MGE expect to have adequate liquidity to support future operations and capital expenditures over the next twelve months. Available resources include cash and cash equivalents, operating cash flows, liquid assets, borrowing working capacity under revolving credit facilities, and access to equity and debt capital markets. During the first quarter of 2025, MGE Energy issued new shares of common stock to participants in our Direct Stock Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment Plan. Beginning in May 2025, MGE Energy expects to purchase shares in the open market for participants in the Direct Stock Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment Plan. MGE Energy also expects to generate funds from operations and both long-term and short-term debt financing. See "Credit Facilities" under Part II, Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources in the
2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K
for information regarding MGE Energy's and MGE's credit facilities.
Cash Flows
The following summarizes cash flows for MGE Energy and MGE during the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024:
MGE Energy
MGE
(In thousands)
2025
2024
2025
2024
Cash provided by (used for):
Operating activities
$
77,862
$
65,815
$
73,954
$
65,034
Investing activities
(50,592)
(46,426)
(48,049)
(45,192)
Financing activities
(15,107)
(14,288)
(19,458)
(16,828)
Cash Provided by Operating Activities
Cash flows from operating activities for MGE Energy and MGE principally reflect the receipt of customer payments for electric and gas service and outflows related to fuel for electric generation, purchased power, gas, and operation and maintenance expenditures.
The principal increases (decreases) in cash flows from operating activities during the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to the same period in 2024, were as follows:
(In millions)
MGE Energy
MGE
Higher payments for fuel and purchased power at our generation plants, as well as higher natural gas costs to our customers
$
(6.2)
$
(6.2)
Higher overall collections from customers, driven by higher electric and gas residential sales
30.1
30.1
Higher payments for other operation and maintenance expenses
(13.6)
(15.5)
Lower payments for interest, driven by the decrease of short-term debt in 2025
0.6
0.6
Higher dividend received from ATC
1.2
—
Other operating activities
(0.1)
(0.1)
Increase in cash provided by operating activities
$
12.0
$
8.9
36
Capital Requirements and Investing Activities
MGE Energy
MGE Energy's cash used for investing activities increased $4.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2025, as compared to the same period in the prior year.
Capital expenditures during the three months ended March 31, 2025, were $47.7 million. This amount represents an increase of $2.9 million from the expenditures made in the same period in the prior year. This increase primarily reflects an increase in renewable generation facilities expenditures.
Capital contributions in ATC increased $1.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2025, when compared to the same period in the prior year.
MGE
MGE's cash used for investing activities increased $2.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2025, when compared to the same period in the prior year.
Capital expenditures during the three months ended March 31, 2025, were $47.7 million. This amount represents an increase of $2.9 million from the expenditures made in the same period in the prior year. This increase primarily reflects an increase in renewable generation facilities expenditures.
Capital Expenditures
MGE Energy's and MGE's liquidity are primarily affected by their capital expenditure requirements. During the three months ended March 31, 2025, capital expenditures for MGE Energy and MGE totaled $47.7 million, which included $45.3 million of utility capital expenditures.
MGE does not currently expect any material changes to its total forecasted expenditures as presented in the 2025 through 2029 capital expenditure forecast included under Part II, Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources in the
2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K
. MGE's plan to achieve its target of 80% carbon reduction by 2030 (from 2005 levels) is based on the transition away from coal, addition of new renewable generation, and additional generation sources that provide the reliable energy to serve demand dependably. The mix of generation sources presented in the 2025 through 2029 capital expenditure forecast may shift based on reliability needs as MGE continues on the path to achieve its carbon reduction goals. Additionally,
MGE is monitoring import regulations under the Uyghur Forced Labor Protection Act, U.S. Department of Commerce solar tariffs, and other tariffs issued under executive orders. These disruptions have impacted and may continue to impact current and future solar projects by increasing costs or causing delays in construction timelines. As projects are delayed, timing of capital expenditures will be correspondingly shifted. See "
Other Matters
" below for additional information on the solar procurement disruptions.
Cash Used for Financing Activities
The principal sources and uses of cash are related to short-term and long-term borrowings and repayments and the payment of cash dividends.
The principal increases (decreases) in cash flows from financing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to the same period in 2024, were as follows:
(In millions)
MGE Energy
MGE
Issuance of common stock
$
3.3
$
—
Higher cash dividends paid, dividend rate per share ($0.450 vs. $0.428)
(1.0)
—
Lower cash dividends to parent (MGE Energy)
—
0.5
Change in short-term debt borrowings, net
(3.0)
(3.0)
Other financing activities
(0.1)
(0.1)
Decrease in cash flows from financing activities
$
(0.8)
$
(2.6)
(a)
The noncontrolling interest arises from the accounting required for the entities, which are not owned by MGE but are consolidated as VIEs.
37
Capitalization Ratios
MGE Energy's capitalization ratios were as follows:
MGE Energy
March 31, 2025
December 31, 2024
Common shareholders' equity
62.1%
61.5%
Long-term debt
(a)
37.9%
38.5%
Short-term debt
0.0%
0.0%
(a)
Includes the current portion of long-term debt.
Credit Ratings
MGE Energy's and MGE's access to the capital markets, including, in the case of MGE, the commercial paper market, and their respective financing costs in those markets, may depend on the credit ratings of the entity that is accessing the capital markets.
None of MGE Energy's or MGE's borrowing is subject to default or prepayment as a result of a downgrading of credit ratings, although a downgrading of MGE's credit ratings would increase fees and interest charges under both MGE Energy's and MGE's credit agreements and may affect the collateral required to be posted under derivative transactions.
Environmental Matters
In March 2025, the EPA announced its intention to initiate regulatory actions concerning several key environmental regulations, including the 2024 power plant greenhouse gas regulations, Effluent Limitation Guidelines, the 2024 amendments to the CCR Rule, and the 2023 Good Neighbor Plan. To date, no formal steps have been taken to alter these regulations. MGE is closely monitoring the EPA's administrative efforts in these areas and will evaluate appropriate responses as developments occur.
In December 2023, the PSCW approved the 2024/2025 rate application for a 4.17% increase for electric rates and a 1.32% increase to gas rates for 2025. The PSCW approved a 2025 Fuel Cost Plan in December 2024. The plan lowered the 2025 increase in electric rates to 2.63%.
In April 2025, MGE filed a 2026/2027 rate application with a proposed increase of 4.89% for electric rates and a 2.33% increase for gas rates in 2026. The application addresses rates for 2027 proposing a 4.33% increase for electric rates and a 2.16% increase to gas rates for 2027. PSCW approval is pending. A final order is expected before the end of the year.
Details related to MGE's 2024/2025 approved rate proceeding and 2026/2027 proposed rate proceeding are as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
Average Rate Base
(a)
Average CWIP
(b)
Return on Common Equity
(c)
Common Equity Component of Regulatory Capital Structure
Effective Date
Electric (2025 Test Period)
$
1,241,502
$
7,106
9.7%
56.06%
1/1/2025
Gas (2025 Test Period)
$
341,369
$
7,146
9.7%
56.06%
1/1/2025
Electric (2026 Test Period)
(d)
$
1,362,320
$
34,666
10.0%
56.08%
1/1/2026
Gas (2026 Test Period)
(d)
$
378,582
$
6,053
10.0%
56.08%
1/1/2026
Electric (2027 Test Period)
(d)
$
1,549,683
$
29,151
10.0%
56.04%
1/1/2027
Gas (2027 Test Period)
(d)
$
399,304
$
6,291
10.0%
56.04%
1/1/2027
(a)
Average rate base amounts reflect MGE's allocated share of rate base and do not include construction work in progress (CWIP) or a cash working capital allowance and were calculated using a forecasted 13-month average for the test periods. The PSCW provides a return on selected CWIP and a cash working capital allowance by adjusting the percentage return on rate base.
(b)
50% of the forecasted 13-month average CWIP for the test periods earns an AFUDC return. Projects eligible to earn 100% AFUDC are excluded from this balance and discussed further in the Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Significant Events section.
(c)
Returns on common equity may not be indicative of actual returns earned or projections of future returns, as actual returns will be affected by the volume of electricity or gas sold.
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(d)
Pending approval by the PSCW.
See
Footnote 9
of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report for further discussion of rate proceedings and an earnings sharing mechanism if MGE earns above the authorized return on common equity in the rate order.
Uyghur Forced Labor Protection Act
In June 2021, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a Withhold Release Order (WRO) against silica-based products made by Hoshine Silicon Industry Co. Ltd., a company located in China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. The WRO was superseded by the Uyghur Forced Labor Protection Act (UFLPA), a federal law that became effective on June 21, 2022, which further established that all goods mined, produced, or manufactured wholly or in part in Xinjiang or by certain defined entities are prohibited from U.S. importation. Suppliers for MGE's current solar projects were able to provide the CBP sufficient documentation to meet WRO and UFLPA compliance requirements, however we cannot currently predict what, if any, impact the UFLPA will have on the overall supply of solar panels into the United States and the related impact to timing and cost of solar projects included in our capital plan. In the event that such disruptions cause costs to exceed the levels approved for specific projects, we have filed and expect to continue to file a notification with the PSCW and expect to request recovery of any cost increases in MGE's future rate proceedings.
In January 2025, several more Chinese companies, including five solar supply chain providers, were banned under the UFLPA. MGE continues to ensure its compliance with the UFLPA.
U.S. Department of Commerce - Solar Cells and Modules
In August 2023, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued its final determination on a solar tariff investigation that began in 2022, finding that Chinese manufacturers were circumventing tariffs on solar panels by shipping them through four Southeast Asian countries. A 24-month exemption from tariffs for solar panel and module imports from these four countries was in effect from June 2022 until June 6, 2024. In May 2024, the Biden Administration announced that bifacial solar panels would be subject to safeguard tariffs under Section 201 of the Trade Act of 1974, of which they were previously excluded. President Biden also directed U.S. Trade Representatives to increase tariffs under Section 301 from 25% to 50% on solar cells and modules. This change went into effect in September 2024. In April 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued final determinations indicating that panel cells imported from Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam are being unfairly traded. Potential duties are awaiting a final injury ruling from the International Trade Commission. MGE continues to assess the potential impact of these
tariffs on current and future solar projects which may result in an increase in costs or delays in construction timelines. In the event that such disruptions cause costs to exceed the levels approved for specific projects, we have filed and expect to continue to file a notification with the PSCW and expect to request recovery of any cost increases in MGE's future rate proceedings.
Executive Orders on Tariffs
To date in 2025, President Trump has issued multiple executive orders implementing tariffs on imported goods. On April 2, 2025, 10% tariffs on nearly all countries, as well as additional reciprocal tariffs on certain countries, were announced. The 10% tariffs went into effect on April 9, and the reciprocal tariffs, except with respect to those on China, were paused for 90 days. MGE continues to assess the potential impact of these tariffs to MGE's cost of operations and on current and future capital expenditures including solar or battery storage projects. These tariffs may cause an increase in costs or delays in construction timelines.
Adoption of Accounting Principles and Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
See
Footnote 2
of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report for discussion of new accounting pronouncements.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
There were no material changes to the market risks disclosed in Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk in our
2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K
.
39
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
During the first quarter of 2025, each registrant's management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, evaluated its disclosure controls and procedures related to the recording, processing, summarization, and reporting of information in its periodic reports that it files with the SEC. These disclosure controls and procedures have been designed to ensure that material information relating to that registrant, including its subsidiaries, is accumulated and made known to that registrant's management, including these officers, by other employees of that registrant and its subsidiaries as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure, and that this information is recorded, processed, summarized, evaluated, and reported, as applicable, within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms. The evaluations take into account changes in the internal and external operating environments that may impact those controls and procedures. Due to the inherent limitations of control systems, not all misstatements may be detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision making can be faulty and breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control. Also, MGE Energy does not control or manage certain of its unconsolidated entities and thus, its access and ability to apply its procedures to those entities is more limited than is the case for its consolidated subsidiaries.
As of March 31, 2025, each registrant's principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that its disclosure controls and procedures were effective. Each registrant intends to strive continually to improve its disclosure controls and procedures to enhance the quality of its financial reporting.
During the quarter ended March 31, 2025, there were no changes in either registrant's internal controls over financial reporting that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to affect materially, that registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
40
PART II. O
THER INFORMATION.
Item 1. Leg
al Proceedings.
MGE Energy and its subsidiaries, including MGE, from time to time are involved in various legal proceedings that are handled and defended in the ordinary course of business. See
Footnote 8.a. and 8.b.
of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report for more information.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales
of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
Under the MGE Energy, Inc. Stock Plan, common stock shares purchased by plan participants may be either shares issued by MGE Energy or shares purchased on the open market, as determined from time to time by MGE Energy. Shares issued by MGE Energy are covered by an existing registration statement. Shares purchased in the open market are purchased at the direction of the plan participants by MGE Energy's transfer agent's securities broker-dealer for the accounts of those plan participants. Subject to the plan's restrictions, the timing and amount of open market purchases is determined by the plan participants and the broker-dealer. MGE Energy is not involved in the open market purchases. During the first quarter of 2025, MGE Energy issued new shares of common stock to participants in its Direct Stock Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment Plan. MGE Energy expects to purchase shares in the open market starting in May 2025.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.
None.
Item 4. Mine Sa
fety Disclosures.
Not applicable to MGE Energy and MGE.
Item 5. Other Inf
ormation.
During the three months ended March 31, 2025
, no director or officer of MGE Energy or MGE
adopted
or
terminated
a Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement or non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement, as each term is defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K.
Certifications Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 filed by Jeffrey M. Keebler for Madison Gas and Electric Company
Certifications Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 filed by Jared J. Bushek for Madison Gas and Electric Company
Certifications Pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 United States Code (Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002) filed by Jeffrey M. Keebler for MGE Energy, Inc.
Certifications Pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 United States Code (Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002) filed by Jared J. Bushek for MGE Energy, Inc.
Certifications Pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 United States Code (Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002) filed by Jeffrey M. Keebler for Madison Gas and Electric Company
Certifications Pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 United States Code (Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002) filed by Jared J. Bushek for Madison Gas and Electric Company
101.INS
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XBRL Instance
101.SCH
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XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema With Embedded Linkbases Document
104.1
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Included in the cover page, formatted in Inline XBRL
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Filed herewith.
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Furnished herewith.
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Signatures -
MGE Energy, Inc.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
MGE ENERGY, INC.
Date: May 7, 2025
/s/ Jeffrey M. Keebler
Jeffrey M. Keebler
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
(Duly Authorized Officer)
Date: May 7, 2025
/s/ Jared J. Bushek
Jared J. Bushek
Vice President - Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
(Chief Financial Officer)
Date: May 7, 2025
/s/ Jenny L. Lagerwall
Jenny L. Lagerwall
Assistant Vice President - Accounting and Controller
(Chief Accounting Officer)
43
Signatures – Madison
Gas and Electric Company
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC
Date: May 7, 2025
/s/ Jeffrey M. Keebler
Jeffrey M. Keebler
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
(Duly Authorized Officer)
Date: May 7, 2025
/s/ Jared J. Bushek
Jared J. Bushek
Vice President - Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
(Chief Financial Officer)
Date: May 7, 2025
/s/ Jenny L. Lagerwall
Jenny L. Lagerwall
Assistant Vice President - Accounting and Controller
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