Energy planning around the US

Plotting a local energy strategy is not a new concept — either for Madison Gas & Electric or for other communities.

Ten years ago, in January 2006, MGE released its Energy 2015 plan after holding two dozen “community energy conversations” with ratepayers. The Madison utility’s goals included shuttering part of the coal-fired Blount Street power plant Downtown, built in 1903, and converting the rest to natural gas fuel. That was completed in 2010....

....the DOE issued a 95-page guide, Introduction to Community Energy Strategic Planning, in 2013, offering a “step-by-step process for creating a robust strategic energy plan ... that can help save money, create local jobs, and improve our national security.” It cited 30 cities that have developed their own energy plans....