United States
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
☒ Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the quarterly period ended:
September 30, 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
(608) 252-7000 | mge.com
39-0444025
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
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):
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
☒
☐
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 ☒
Number of Shares Outstanding of Each Class of Common Stock as of October 30, 2025
Common stock, $1.00 par value, 36,541,849 shares outstanding.
Common stock, $1.00 par value, 17,347,894 shares outstanding (all of which are owned beneficially and of record by MGE Energy, Inc.).
1
Table of Contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
3
Filing Format
Forward-Looking Statements
Where to Find More Information
Definitions, Abbreviations, and Acronyms Used in the Text and Notes of this Report
4
Item 1. Financial Statements.
6
Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)
7
Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)
8
Consolidated Statements of Common Equity (unaudited)
9
10
11
12
Consolidated Statements of Equity (unaudited)
13
MGE Energy, Inc., and Madison Gas and Electric Company - Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
14
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.
2. New Accounting Standards.
15
3. Investment in ATC and ATC Holdco.
4. Taxes.
16
5. Pension and Other Postretirement Plans.
17
6. Equity and Financing Arrangements.
18
7. Share-Based Compensation.
8. Commitments and Contingencies.
9. Rate Matters.
22
10. Derivative and Hedging Instruments.
23
11. Fair Value of Financial Instruments.
25
12. Joint Plant Construction Project Ownership.
27
13. Revenue.
28
14. Segment Information.
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
32
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
48
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION.
50
Item 1. Legal Proceedings.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Item 5. Other Information.
Item 6. Exhibits.
51
Signatures - MGE Energy, Inc.
52
Signatures - Madison Gas and Electric Company.
53
2
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.
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.
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.
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
MGE Energy
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
2024 ELG Rule
Supplemental Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards for the Steam Electric Power Generating Point Source Category
2021 Incentive Plan
MGE Energy's 2021 Long-Term Incentive Plan
AFUDC
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction
ATC
American Transmission Company LLC
ATC Holdco
ATC Holdco, LLC
Badger Hollow II
Badger Hollow II Solar Farm
Blount
Blount Station
BTA
Best technology available
CA
Certificate of Authority
CBP
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
CCR
Coal Combustion Residual
Codification
Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification
Columbia
Columbia Energy Center
Cooling degree days (CDD)
Measure of the extent to which the average daily temperature is above 65 degrees Fahrenheit, which is considered an indicator of possible increased demand for energy to provide cooling
CWIP
Construction Work in Progress
Darien
Darien Solar Energy Center
Dth
Dekatherms, a quantity measure for natural gas
Elm Road Units
Elm Road Generating Station
EPA
United States Environmental Protection Agency
FERC
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
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
ITC
Investment Tax Credit
Koshkonong
Koshkonong 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
NOx
Nitrogen oxide
OBBBA
One Big Beautiful Bill Act
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
PTC
Production Tax Credit
ROE
Return on equity
SEC
Securities and Exchange Commission
SO2
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 Prevention Act
VIE
Variable Interest Entity
WCCF
West Campus Cogeneration Facility
WDNR
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
WEPCO
Wisconsin Electric Power Company, a subsidiary of WEC Energy Group, Inc.
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
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2025
2024
Operating Revenues:
Electric revenues
$
155,491
148,004
410,507
384,768
Gas revenues
20,188
20,476
143,594
120,761
Total Operating Revenues
175,679
168,480
554,101
505,529
Operating Expenses:
Fuel for electric generation
22,189
17,252
56,050
41,193
Purchased power
4,289
8,127
14,229
26,419
Cost of gas sold
4,865
4,628
70,142
52,798
Other operations and maintenance
58,325
57,129
172,661
167,833
Depreciation and amortization
28,816
27,104
84,848
80,636
Other general taxes
6,120
6,100
18,008
18,030
Total Operating Expenses
124,604
120,340
415,938
386,909
Operating Income
51,075
48,140
138,163
118,620
Other income, net
9,888
4,839
16,199
12,576
Interest expense, net
(8,677
)
(8,396
(24,715
(24,725
Income before income taxes
52,286
44,583
129,647
106,471
Income tax provision
(7,789
(3,644
(17,060
(7,924
Net Income
44,497
40,939
112,587
98,547
Earnings Per Share of Common Stock
Basic
1.22
1.13
3.08
2.72
Diluted
Dividends per share of common stock
0.475
0.450
1.375
1.305
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding
36,542
36,181
36,531
36,176
36,576
36,211
36,565
36,202
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the above unaudited consolidated financial statements.
(In thousands)
Operating Activities:
Net income
Items not affecting cash:
Deferred income taxes
4,784
170
Provision for doubtful receivables
6,600
Employee benefit plan (credit) cost
(3,697
424
Equity earnings in investments
(9,586
(8,427
Other items
(3,011
1,247
Changes in working capital items:
Current assets
18,090
27,544
Accounts payable
(396
(11,699
—
7,146
Other current liabilities
2,487
2,120
Dividends from investments
8,411
6,414
Cash contributions to pension and other postretirement plans
(5,678
(5,511
Other noncurrent items, net
13,331
4,625
Cash Provided by Operating Activities
228,770
209,836
Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures
(255,622
(164,064
Capital contributions to investments
(9,208
(4,348
Other
2,984
801
Cash Used for Investing Activities
(261,846
(167,611
Financing Activities:
Issuance of common stock, net
3,750
2,591
Cash dividends paid on common stock
(50,230
(47,210
Repayments of long-term debt
(3,951
(3,847
Proceeds from short-term debt
74,000
10,500
(969
(879
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities
22,600
(38,845
Change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
(10,476
3,380
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period
24,496
15,026
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period
14,020
18,406
December 31,
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
10,141
21,302
Accounts receivable, less reserves of $8,176 and $6,905, respectively
41,490
51,277
Other accounts receivable, less reserves of $1,969 and $2,124, respectively
12,358
10,067
Unbilled revenues
27,355
35,833
Materials and supplies, at average cost
37,943
36,187
Fuel for electric generation, at average cost
10,318
11,521
Stored natural gas, at average cost
19,865
19,937
Prepaid taxes
13,716
18,390
Regulatory assets - current
7,147
8,522
Other current assets
14,693
Total Current Assets
195,026
227,265
Regulatory assets
40,479
36,764
Pension and other postretirement benefit asset
140,931
132,264
Other deferred assets and other
18,606
26,285
Property, Plant, and Equipment:
Property, plant, and equipment, net
2,248,793
2,149,138
Construction work in progress
219,938
138,208
Total Property, Plant, and Equipment
2,468,731
2,287,346
Investments
126,963
118,035
Total Assets
2,990,736
2,827,959
LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION
Current Liabilities:
Long-term debt due within one year
20,395
5,285
Short-term debt
76,001
67,058
77,466
Accrued interest and taxes
11,476
11,558
Accrued payroll related items
15,894
15,870
Regulatory liabilities - current
16,146
7,966
8,141
7,418
Total Current Liabilities
215,111
125,563
Other Credits:
320,660
316,397
Investment tax credit - deferred
49,227
44,988
Regulatory liabilities
169,991
163,336
Accrued pension and other postretirement benefits
51,037
50,155
Asset retirement obligations
75,979
69,132
Other deferred liabilities and other
66,031
64,553
Total Other Credits
732,925
708,561
Capitalization:
Common shareholders' equity
1,297,653
1,230,138
Long-term debt
745,047
763,697
Total Capitalization
2,042,700
1,993,835
Commitments and contingencies (see Footnote 8)
Total Liabilities and Capitalization
Accumulated
Additional
Common Stock
Paid-in
Retained
Comprehensive
Shares
Value
Capital
Earnings
Income/(Loss)
Total
Three Months Ended September 30, 2024
Beginning Balance
397,614
733,838
1,167,628
Common stock dividends declared ($0.450 per share)
(16,280
Direct Stock Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment Plan
29
2,562
Equity-based compensation plans and other
387
Ending Balance - September 30, 2024
36,205
400,563
758,497
1,195,265
Three Months Ended September 30, 2025
434,080
799,351
1,269,973
Common stock dividends declared ($0.475 per share)
(17,358
541
Ending Balance - September 30, 2025
434,621
826,490
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024
36,163
396,750
707,160
1,140,073
Common stock dividends declared ($1.305 per share)
1,251
1,264
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2025
36,490
429,515
764,133
Common stock dividends declared ($1.375 per share)
41
3,709
1,397
1,408
58,096
56,937
171,847
167,098
124,375
120,148
415,124
386,174
51,304
48,332
138,977
119,355
3,393
2,025
3,756
4,267
(8,702
(8,527
(24,891
(25,036
45,995
41,830
117,842
98,586
(6,236
(2,720
(13,805
(5,522
39,759
39,110
104,037
93,064
Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, net of tax
(5,668
(5,777
(16,981
(17,140
Net Income Attributable to MGE
34,091
33,333
87,056
75,924
4,083
595
1,911
18,065
27,668
(414
(11,697
1,675
2,904
11,868
3,171
221,982
206,703
(1,371
(1,447
(256,993
(165,511
Cash dividends paid to parent by MGE
(37,500
(31,000
Distributions to parent from noncontrolling interest
(11,500
(16,000
Capital contribution from parent
2,000
22,080
(41,226
(12,931
(34
20,059
6,705
7,128
6,671
3,249
16,865
12,353
10,063
13,679
18,359
15,234
14,740
188,633
223,304
Pension and other post retirement benefit asset
18,010
25,690
2,248,821
2,149,165
2,468,759
2,287,373
2,856,812
2,705,395
67,027
77,453
10,971
11,866
214,575
125,858
284,523
280,961
69,591
67,463
700,348
676,035
Common shareholder's equity
1,040,975
989,419
Noncontrolling interest
155,867
150,386
Total Equity
1,196,842
1,139,805
1,941,889
1,903,502
Non-
Controlling
Interest
Beginning balance
17,348
252,917
652,051
150,894
1,073,210
5,777
(7,000
(6,000
678,384
150,671
1,099,320
283,667
717,869
153,699
1,172,583
5,668
Capital contributions from parent
(14,000
(3,500
739,960
633,460
149,531
1,053,256
17,140
688,404
16,981
MGE Energy, Inc., and Madison Gas and Electric Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
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 September 30, 2025, and during the three and nine months ended September 30, 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.
MGE(b)
(In Thousands)
Income taxes paid (receipts), net(a)
12,516
(4,911)
10,770
(7,266)
Significant noncash investing activities:
Accrued capital expenditures(c)
14,785
9,194
The following table presents the components of total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash on the consolidated balance sheets.
Restricted cash
665
1,113
Receivable - margin account
3,214
2,081
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
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.
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. As of December 31, 2024, coal operations were expected to conclude at Columbia Units 1 and 2 by the end of 2029, and thus at that time Columbia Units 1 and 2 met the criteria to be considered probable of abandonment. As a minority owner, MGE and the other Columbia co-owners currently plan to continue coal operations at least through 2029. Final timing and retirement dates continue to be evaluated, and depend upon operational regulatory considerations, capacity needs, and availability. As of September 30, 2025, early retirement of Columbia Unit 1 and 2 was no longer probable.
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.
In September 2025, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued authoritative guidance within the codification’s Internal-Use Software topic, which amends certain aspects of the accounting for and disclosure of software costs. The authoritative guidance will become effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027, and interim periods within those annual reporting periods; early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an annual reporting period. MGE will adopt 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.
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:
Equity earnings from investment in ATC
3,224
2,868
9,280
8,338
Dividends received from ATC
2,403
2,176
8,035
Capital contributions to ATC
894
8,385
2,679
ATC's summarized financial data is as follows:
Operating revenues
245,104
221,434
721,260
651,584
Operating expenses
(116,919
(110,043
(351,228
(324,082
188
355
821
898
(41,593
(36,838
(124,040
(108,296
Earnings before members' income taxes
86,780
74,908
246,813
220,104
MGE receives transmission and other related services from ATC. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, MGE recorded $10.2 million and $30.6 million, respectively, for transmission service compared to $9.1 million and $27.3 million for the comparable periods in 2024. MGE also provides a variety of operational, maintenance, and project management work for ATC, which is reimbursed by ATC. As of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, MGE had a receivable due from ATC of $0.9 million and $2.0 million, respectively. The receivable is primarily related to transmission interconnection activities at the renewable generation sites. MGE will be reimbursed for these costs after the new generation assets are placed into service.
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:
Three Months Ended September 30,
Statutory federal income tax rate
21.0
%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit
6.3
6.2
Amortized investment tax credits
(1.1
(2.0
(1.3
(2.2
Credit for electricity from renewable energy
(8.5
(10.7
(9.7
(11.6
AFUDC equity, net
(0.5
(0.6
Amortization of utility excess deferred tax - tax reform(a)
(2.1
(5.7
(2.4
(6.2
Other, net, individually insignificant
(0.2
0.2
(0.1
Effective income tax rate
14.9
8.2
13.6
6.5
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(1.2
(1.4
(10.0
(10.8
(11.1
(11.7
(0.7
(6.1
(2.6
(6.7
0.1
13.2
7.4
11.7
5.6
In 2024, MGE sold transfer-eligible tax credits generated in 2023 and 2024. MGE elects to account for the transferred tax credits under the framework of Accounting for Income Taxes. 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.
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.
The following table presents the components of net periodic benefit costs recognized.
Pension Benefits
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost
653
769
1,959
2,308
Interest cost
4,285
4,280
12,854
12,839
Expected return on assets
(7,254
(7,149
(21,761
(21,448
Amortization of:
Actuarial loss
75
215
225
644
Net periodic benefit (credit) cost
(2,241
(1,885
(6,723
(5,657
Postretirement Benefits
186
214
557
642
757
778
2,271
2,354
(678
(675
(2,036
(2,059
Settlement cost
288
Transition obligation
Prior service credit
(234
(242
Actuarial loss (gain)
(161
774
(482
568
Net periodic benefit cost
105
1,146
312
1,553
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. For the three months ended September 30, 2025, MGE did not recover any previously deferred pension and other postretirement costs. For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, MGE recovered $0.7 million. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, MGE recovered $0.5 million and $3.1 million, respectively. These costs have not been reflected in the table above.
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. Effective May 2025, MGE Energy transitioned to utilizing open market purchases for all shares issued under 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 nine months ended September 30, 2025, MGE Energy issued approximately 40,995 shares of common stock under the Stock Plan. The net proceeds from these issuances were approximately $3.8 million, which were used for general corporate purposes.
As of September 30, 2025, 33,453 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.
On October 14, 2025, MGE entered into a private placement Note Purchase Agreement in which it committed to issue $25 million of 5.12% senior unsecured notes due 2036 and $25 million of 5.76% senior unsecured notes due 2055. Funding is expected to occur on November 13, 2025. The proceeds of the senior notes will be used to assist with capital expenditures and other corporate obligations. The covenants of these senior notes are substantially consistent with MGE's existing senior unsecured notes.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, MGE recorded $0.8 million and $2.5 million, respectively, in compensation expense related to share-based compensation awards compared to $1.2 million and $3.1 million, respectively, for the comparable periods in 2024.
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.
Share-based compensation expense is recognized 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.
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:
With the closure of the wet pond system in 2023, 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 Supplemental Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards for the Steam Electric Power Generating Point Source Category (2024 ELG Rule) that further regulates the wastewater discharges associated with coal-fired power plants. The 2024 ELG Rule focuses on wastewater discharges from flue gas desulfurization and bottom ash transport water. The 2024 ELG 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. Although the 2024 ELG Rule is currently being challenged in federal court, the litigation is on hold while the EPA undertakes a reconsideration process. The 2024 ELG Rule builds upon the 2020 ELG Rule, which also remains under legal challenge and is similarly on hold pending the outcome of the EPA's review.
In October 2025, the EPA published a direct final rule to extend deadlines for plants that plan to retire or switch to natural gas. Plants that intend to cease burning coal by required dates will have additional time to submit a notice of planned participation.
Pollution control prevention equipment was installed under previous versions of the 2024 ELG Rule and the planned fuel switching to natural gas. MGE and the operator of the Elm Road Units are currently evaluating operational options and costs for Elm Road to be in compliance with the requirements of the current and proposed rules.
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 WDNR. MGE will continue to work with Columbia's operator to evaluate regulatory requirements. MGE does not expect this rule to have a material effect on Columbia.
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 granted 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 established a process where states must submit plans to the EPA for establishing standards. States had two years from the publication date of these rules to submit plans to the EPA for review and approval. Preliminary evaluation of the final ruling showed that MGE met the requirements for the gas-fired boilers at Blount. Evaluations done by the owners of Columbia and the Elm Road Units in 2024 indicated that they had a plan for complying with the May 2024 rule. In June 2025, the EPA published a proposed rule with two potential options: (1) repeal the performance standards and emission guidelines under
19
Section 111 of the Clean Air Act associated with GHG emissions from fossil fuel-fired power plants, or (2) retain only the efficiency-based requirements for new natural gas-fired power plants and repeal all other aspects of the rule. In July 2025, EPA released a new proposed rule titled "Reconsideration of 2009 Endangerment Finding and Greenhouse Gas Vehicle Standards." This proposal would repeal EPA's 2009 GHG Endangerment Finding, which in effect, would undo the basis for federal regulation of GHG under the Clean Air Act. MGE will continue to follow these rule developments.
The Elm Road Units are located in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, a nonattainment area for the 2015 Ozone NAAQS. The area was characterized as serious nonattainment by the EPA in December 2024, effective January 2025, but is currently categorized as moderate nonattainment following a stay granted by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit in September 2025. 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.
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 the 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 2024 rule is on hold pending the EPA's reconsideration of this rule. The EPA has indicated that they intend to formally announce a revised rule in 2026.
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.
The EPA's Good Neighbor Plan 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 NOx and SO2 from qualifying fossil fuel-fired power plants and industrial boilers in upwind "contributing" states. NOx and SO2 contribute to fine particulate pollution, and NOx 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 (Good Neighbor Plan). The Good Neighbor Plan impacts 23 states, including Wisconsin. For Wisconsin, the Good Neighbor Plan 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. Initial obligations under the Federal Implementation Plan were scheduled to begin during the 2023 ozone season. 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 Good Neighbor Plan.
Multiple legal challenges to the Good Neighbor Plan and related state implementation plan disapprovals are pending, including 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 Good Neighbor Plan and block its enforcement pending judicial review by the U.S. Court of 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
20
requirements for all pollution sources in states affected by the plan, including Wisconsin. While the EPA addresses these concerns, interim rules have been implemented in Wisconsin to address interstate pollution. Based on MGE's current evaluation, if the Good Neighbor Plan 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 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 previously 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 at Columbia. 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.
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.
MGE Energy and MGE have entered into various commodity supply, transportation, and storage contracts to meet their obligations to deliver electricity and natural gas to customers. Management expects to recover these costs in future customer rates. The following table shows future commitments related to purchase contracts as of September 30, 2025:
2026
2027
2028
2029
Thereafter
Coal(a)
6,464
10,310
6,181
6,349
Natural gas(b)
21,852
57,294
59,042
64,541
64,360
389,522
Renewable energy(c)
5,216
3,587
3,417
1,330
37,780
33,532
71,191
68,640
74,307
65,690
427,302
21
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%
Electric(c)
2.63%
1/1/2025
1.32%
Proposed 2026/2027 settlement(b)(d)
Electric(e)
0.04%
9.8%
1/1/2026
Gas(e)
2.77%
Electric(f)
3.76%
1/1/2027
Gas(f)
2.04%
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
($3.0)(a)
October 2025
($7.1)
(b)
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.
The gross notional volume of open derivatives is as follows:
December 31, 2024
Commodity derivative contracts
301,200
307,640
11,032,500
6,285,000
FTRs
3,682
2,131
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 September 30, 2025, the cost basis of exchange traded derivatives and FTRs exceeded their fair value by less than $0.1 million. As of December 31, 2024, the fair value of exchange traded derivatives and FTRs exceeded their cost basis by $0.1 million.
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
Assets
Liabilities
Balance Sheet Location
Commodity derivative contracts(a)
1,382
1,850
333
134
246
927
1,121
286
140
108
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
Gross Amounts
Gross Amounts Offset in Balance Sheets
Collateral Posted Against Derivative Positions
Net Amount Presented in Balance Sheets
1,715
(1,715
1,984
(269
1,213
(1,213
1,261
(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.
Current and Long-Term Regulatory Asset (Liability)
Other Current Assets
Three Months Ended September 30:
Balance as of July 1,
(697
396
1,946
527
Unrealized loss
1,484
1,768
Realized (loss) gain reclassified to a deferred account
(381
381
(639
639
Realized (loss) gain reclassified to income statement
(383
(167
(1,573
(707
Balance as of September 30,
610
1,502
459
Nine Months Ended September 30:
Balance as of January 1,
(60
388
5,226
1,569
1,846
4,666
(118
118
(3,333
3,333
(1,645
104
(5,057
(4,443
24
Realized Losses (Gains)
Fuel for Electric Generation/ Purchased Power
Cost of Gas Sold
1,969
262
311
884
(203
5,723
3,265
860
512
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 both September 30, 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 counterparties on an ongoing basis to mitigate nonperformance risk in its portfolio. As of September 30, 2025, no counterparties had defaulted.
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.
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:
Carrying Amount
Fair Value
Long-term debt(a)
769,450
722,222
773,400
698,765
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 September 30, 2025
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Assets:
Derivatives, net(a)
1,961
1,105
856
Liabilities:
1,840
144
Deferred compensation
6,859
Total Liabilities
8,843
Fair Value as of December 31, 2024
1,321
987
334
480
781
6,468
7,729
Exchange-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.
26
The following table summarizes the changes in Level 3 commodity derivative assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
197
(1,432)
(447)
(2,604)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Included in regulatory assets
300
1,472
Included in regulatory liability
515
1,158
Included in earnings
(456)
(1,572)
(1,722)
(5,174)
Settlements
456
1,572
1,723
5,174
712
(1,132)
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(b).
Purchased power expense
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 September 30, 2025(a)
Date of Commercial Operation
Paris(b)
10%
Battery
11 MW
$25 million(g)
$23.4 million
June 2025 Battery
Darien(c)
Solar/Battery
25 MW/7.5 MW
$63 million(g)
$53.8 million
March 2025 Solar2026 Battery(h)
Koshkonong(d)
30 MW/16.5 MW
$104 million(g)
$61.5 million
2026 Solar(h)2027 Battery(h)
High Noon(e)
$99 million
$57.7 million
2027(h)
Columbia Energy Dome(f)
19%
Storage
3 MW
$17 million
$0.9 million
MGE received specific approval to recover 100% AFUDC on Paris, Darien, Koshkonong, High Noon, and Columbia Energy Dome. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, MGE recognized $1.6 million and $3.8 million, respectively, after tax, in AFUDC for these projects compared to $1.9 million and $4.7 million, respectively, after tax, for the comparable periods in 2024.
Revenues disaggregated by revenue source were as follows:
Residential
54,253
52,834
142,574
134,296
Commercial
72,004
73,517
196,666
197,541
Industrial
3,459
9,474
10,314
Other-retail/municipal
10,764
11,346
30,454
31,439
Total retail
140,414
141,156
379,168
373,590
Sales to the market
13,980
5,799
28,300
8,394
883
835
2,576
2,314
Total electric revenues
155,277
147,790
410,044
384,298
12,646
13,069
84,470
72,057
Commercial/Industrial
6,273
5,892
53,820
43,292
18,919
18,961
138,290
115,349
Gas transportation
1,156
1,417
4,853
5,003
113
98
451
409
Total gas revenues
Non-regulated energy revenues
463
470
Total Operating Revenue
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 Chief Operating Decision Maker does not review disaggregated assets on a segment basis; therefore, such information is not presented.
The following tables show segment information for MGE Energy's and MGE's operations:
(In thousands)MGE Energy
Non-Regulated Energy
Transmission Investment
Total Reportable Segments
All Others
Consolidation/Elimination
Consolidated Total
Interdepartmental revenues
(98
6,393
11,249
17,544
(17,544
Total operating revenues
155,179
26,581
11,463
193,223
Fuel and purchased power
(27,878
1,400
(26,478
Purchased gas costs
(9,868
(4,865
(22,470
(4,396
(1,950
(28,816
Interest expense
(6,703
(1,836
(873
(9,412
Other segment items(a)
(56,785
(14,439
(30
(71,254
2,946
11,141
(57,167
Income tax (provision) benefit
(5,039
1,148
(2,345
(912
(7,148
(641
Equity in earnings of investments
3,345
Net income (loss)
36,304
(2,810
6,265
2,433
42,192
2,305
(44
4,207
11,052
15,215
(15,215
147,746
24,683
11,266
183,695
(26,679
1,300
(25,379
(7,546
2,918
(4,628
(21,016
(4,196
(1,892
(27,104
(6,519
(1,771
(940
(9,230
(56,480
(14,777
(71,305
(149
10,997
(60,457
(2,017
1,581
(2,285
(789
(3,510
(134
2,901
35,035
(2,026
6,101
2,112
41,222
(283
(174
15,423
33,474
48,723
(48,723
409,870
159,017
33,937
602,824
(73,508
3,229
(70,279
(82,369
12,227
(70,142
(66,099
(12,975
(5,774
(84,848
(19,681
(5,367
(2,668
(27,716
(170,894
(45,550
(97
(216,541
2,219
33,267
(181,055
(3,609
(3,278
(6,918
(2,614
(16,419
9,586
76,079
9,478
18,480
6,972
111,009
1,578
(154
11,591
32,825
44,262
(44,262
384,144
132,352
33,295
549,791
(70,590
2,978
(67,612
(61,439
8,641
(52,798
(62,553
(12,441
(5,642
(80,636
(19,170
(5,190
(2,871
(27,231
(167,283
(43,940
(87
(211,310
(541
32,643
(179,208
1,910
(704
(6,727
(2,297
(7,818
(106
8,427
66,458
8,638
17,968
6,130
99,194
(647
(In thousands)MGE
Other segment items(b)
(60,113
Income tax benefit (provision)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax
Net income (loss) attributable to MGE
(14,778
(71,306
(60,309
1,582
(183,274
Net income attributable to MGE
(19,169
(27,230
(178,667
1,909
The following tables show segment information for MGE Energy's and MGE's capital expenditures:
Utility
Consolidated
(In thousands) MGE Energy
Non-regulated Energy
Consolidation/ Elimination Entries
210,095
36,396
9,131
255,622
127,712
31,173
5,179
164,064
30
31
General
MGE Energy is an investor-owned public utility holding company operating through subsidiaries in five business segments:
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:
During the three months ended September 30, 2025, MGE Energy's earnings were $44.5 million, or $1.22 per share, compared to $40.9 million, or $1.13 per share, during the same period in the prior year. MGE's earnings during the three months ended September 30, 2025, were $34.1 million compared to $33.3 million during the same period in the prior year.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2025, MGE Energy's earnings were $112.6 million, or $3.08 per share, compared to $98.5 million, or $2.72 per share, during the same period in the prior year. MGE's earnings during the nine months ended September 30, 2025, were $87.1 million compared to $75.9 million during the same period in the prior year.
MGE Energy's net income was derived from our business segments as follows:
(In millions)
Business Segment:
Electric Utility
36.3
35.0
76.1
66.5
Gas Utility
(2.8)
(2.0)
9.5
8.6
Nonregulated Energy
6.1
18.5
18.0
Transmission Investments
2.4
2.1
6.9
All Other
2.3
(0.3)
1.6
(0.7)
44.5
40.9
112.6
98.5
Our net income during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to the same periods in the prior year, primarily reflects the effects of the following factors:
Earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, increased year-over-year, primarily driven by a rise in the rate base due to increased electric investments approved in the 2025 rate case. Additionally, higher electric residential sales for both periods contributed to the increase, partially due to growth in residential customers. For the nine-month period, favorable weather conditions further contributed to increased residential sales.
Higher gas retail sales in the first half of 2025 contributed to higher gas earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to the same period in the prior year. Gas retail sales increased approximately 14% for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to the prior year period. Heating degree days (a measure for determining the impact of weather during the heating season) increased by approximately 19% in the first nine months of 2025 compared to the same period in the prior year.
Investment gains from venture capital funds resulted in higher earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to the same period in the prior year. These venture capital investments support early-stage companies working to advance smart technologies, the customer experience, distributed energy resources, electrification, cybersecurity and other priorities for utility companies, such as greater sustainability.
Significant Events
The following events affected the first nine 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 nine months ended September 30, 2025. As of September 30, 2025, MGE deferred $7.1 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.
33
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.
Share ofEstimated Costs(a)
$25 million(d)
$23.4 million(b)
June 2025(f)
$63 million(d)
$53.8 million(b)
March 2025 Solar2026(c) Battery
$104 million(d)
$61.5 million(b)
2026(c) Solar2027(c) Battery
2027(c)
100%
20MW/40MW
$112 million
$9.8 million
Columbia Energy Dome
Ursa(e)
Solar
20 MW
$46 million
$0.4 million
Badger Hollow(e)
Wind
11.2 MW
$36 million
Whitetail(e)
6.7 MW
$23 million
$0.2 million
Forward Repower(e)
13%
18 MW
$14 million
$1.5 million
Dawn Harvest(e)
15 MW
$34 million
$0.6 million
2028(c)
Good Oak(e)
9.8 MW
$22 million
$1.4 million
Gristmill(e)
$15 million
$1.3 million
Saratoga(e)
15 MW/5 MW
$1.1 million
Tax Update: On July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was signed into law, introducing significant changes to tax credits and compliance requirements. See "Other Matters" below for additional information on the OBBBA.
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 deferred $3.0 million of 2024 fuel savings. The PSCW has completed the annual review of 2024 fuel costs and gave approval for MGE to return these savings in October 2025. There was no change to the costs to be refunded in the fuel rule proceedings from the amount MGE deferred in the previous year.
2026/2027 Rate Settlement: In September 2025, MGE filed with the PSCW a proposed 2026/2027 rate settlement. MGE has proposed a 0.04% increase for electric rates and a 2.77% increase to gas rates for 2026. The settlement also proposes a 3.76% increase for electric rates and a 2.04% increase to gas rates for 2027. A final order is expected before the end of 2025. See "Other Matters" below for additional information on the 2026/2027 rate settlement.
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.
34
Future Generation – MGE continues to work toward its goal of net-zero carbon electricity by 2050. Solar, wind, and battery storage projects are a major step toward deep decarbonization and greater use of clean energy sources in pursuit of our goal.
Columbia: Operational, regulatory, and environmental regulation considerations have impacted and continue to impact Columbia's generation planning. MGE, as a minority owner, and Columbia's other co-owners continue to evaluate transitioning away from coal and continue to evaluate replacing the generation from Columbia while maintaining electric service reliability. MGE and Columbia's co-owners are exploring converting Columbia to natural gas.
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 Prevention Act and the U.S. Department of Commerce's 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.
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 tariffs.
The following discussion is based on the business segments as discussed in Footnote 14 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report.
Results of Operations
Three Months Ended September 30, 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:
35
Revenues
Sales (kWh)
(In thousands, except CDD)
% Change
2.7%
270,444
265,632
1.8%
(2.1)%
504,033
495,402
1.7%
(1.9)%
36,666
3.0%
(5.1)%
104,264
104,915
(0.6)%
(0.5)%
916,521
902,615
1.5%
n.m.%
145,831
103,552
40.8%
5.7%
—%
5.1%
1,062,352
1,006,167
5.6%
Cooling degree days (normal 516)
504
505
(0.2)%
n.m. not meaningful
Electric revenue increased $7.5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared to the same period in the prior year, due to the following:
Rate changes
2.8
Customer fixed and demand charges
1.5
Net increase in commercial, industrial and other-retail/municipal volume
1.0
Increase in residential volume
0.8
Revenue subject to refund, net
(6.8)
7.5
Electric fuel and purchased power
$ Change
22.2
17.3
4.9
4.3
8.1
(3.8)
36
The $4.9 million increase in fuel for electric generation was due to an approximately 12% increase in internal generation driven by an increase in sales and 15% increase in the average cost, each compared to the same period in the prior year.
Excluding deferred fuel costs, purchased power decreased $1.4 million. The decrease in purchased power was due to an approximately 38% decrease in market purchases as a result of increased internal generation. This decrease was partially offset by an approximately 22% increase in average cost. Deferred fuel cost recovered during the three months ended September 30, 2024, was $2.4 million. There were no deferred fuel costs recovered during the three months ended September 30, 2025.
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:
Therms Delivered
(In thousands, except HDD and average
rate per therm of retail customer)
(3.2)%
6,156
6,067
6.5%
9,527
9,145
4.2%
15,683
15,212
3.1%
(18.4)%
15,838
15,393
2.9%
15.3%
(1.4)%
31,521
30,605
Heating degree days (normal 127)
60
75.0%
Average rate per therm of retail customer
1.206
1.246
Gas revenue decreased $0.3 million during the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared to the same period in the prior year, due to the following:
(1.3)
(0.8)
Increase in volume
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.
The average retail rate per therm excluding customer fixed charges for the three months ended September 30, 2025, decreased approximately 3% compared to the same period in the prior year.
37
Cost of gas sold increased $0.2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared to the same period in the prior year. MGE recovers the cost of natural gas in its gas segment through the PGA as described under gas deliveries and revenues above.
Consolidated operations and maintenance expenses
During the three months ended September 30, 2025, operations and maintenance expenses increased $1.2 million, compared to the same period in the prior year. The following contributed to the net change:
Increased electric production expenses
Increased transmission costs
Increased administrative and general costs
0.5
Decreased electric distribution expenses
(0.9)
1.2
Consolidated depreciation expense
Electric depreciation expense increased $1.5 million and gas depreciation expense increased $0.2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared to the same period in the prior year. Paris solar was placed in service in December 2024, Darien solar was placed in service in March 2025, and Paris battery was placed in service in June 2025. The timing of the in-service dates contributed to the increase in electric depreciation expense.
Electric and gas other income
Electric other income increased $0.8 million and gas other income increased $0.5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily related to pension and other postretirement costs, excluding service costs. 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 September 30, 2025 and 2024, net income at the nonregulated energy operations segment was $6.3 million and $6.1 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 September 30, 2025 and 2024, other income at the transmission investment segment primarily reflects ATC's operations and was $3.3 million and $2.9 million, respectively. See Footnote 3 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report for summarized financial information regarding ATC.
All Other Operations - MGE Energy
Other income
The increase of $3.2 million in other income from all other operations during the three months ended September 30, 2025, primarily reflects results from investment gains recognized in the current year, from venture capital funds. These venture capital investments support early-stage companies working to advance smart technologies, the customer experience, distributed energy resources, electrification, cybersecurity and other priorities for utility companies, such as greater sustainability.
38
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 respect to MGE and their results are consolidated with those of MGE, the primary beneficiary of the VIEs. The following table shows MGE Energy's noncontrolling interest, net of tax, reflected on MGE's consolidated statement of income:
3.7
3.9
2.0
1.8
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2025 and 2024
6.2%
688,780
659,210
4.5%
(0.4)%
1,374,283
1,356,345
1.3%
(8.1)%
108,050
110,936
(2.6)%
(3.1)%
283,214
285,410
(0.8)%
2,454,327
2,411,901
365,330
165,239
Other revenues
11.3%
6.7%
2,819,657
2,577,140
9.4%
Cooling degree days (normal 724)
727
2.1%
Electric revenue increased $25.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to the same period in the prior year, due to the following:
19.9
7.6
5.1
3.8
0.3
(12.6)
25.7
39
56.1
41.2
14.2
26.4
(12.2)
The $14.9 million increase in fuel for electric generation in the first nine months of 2025 was due to an approximately 21% increase in internal generation driven by an increase in sales and 13% increase in the average cost, each compared to the same period in the prior year.
Excluding deferred fuel costs, purchased power decreased $5.6 million in the first nine months of 2025, compared to the same period in the prior year. The decrease in purchased power was due to an approximately 48% decrease in market purchases as a result of increased internal generation. This decrease was partially offset by an approximately 38% increase in average cost. Deferred fuel cost recovered during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, was $6.5 million. There were no deferred fuel costs recovered during the nine months ended September 30, 2025.
40
17.2%
71,418
61,696
15.8%
24.3%
70,147
62,193
12.8%
19.9%
141,565
123,889
14.3%
(3.0)%
53,091
51,648
2.8%
10.3%
18.9%
194,656
175,537
10.9%
Heating degree days (normal 4,410)
4,317
3,640
18.6%
0.977
0.931
4.9%
Gas revenue increased $22.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to the same period in the prior year, due to the following:
15.8
(2.6)
(2.1)
22.8
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 nine months ended September 30, 2025.
The average retail rate per therm excluding customer fixed charges for the nine months ended September 30, 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).
Cost of gas sold increased $17.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to the same period in the prior year. Therms delivered increased approximately 14% and cost per therm increased approximately 17%. MGE recovers the cost of natural gas in its gas segment through the PGA as described under gas deliveries and revenues above.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2025, operations and maintenance expenses increased $4.8 million, compared to the same period in the prior year. The following contributed to the net change:
2.5
Increased customer accounts costs
0.9
Increased gas distribution expenses
Increased customer services
(1.4)
Decreased administrative and general costs
(0.4)
4.8
Electric depreciation expense increased $3.5 million and gas depreciation expense increased $0.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to the same period in the prior year. Paris solar was placed in service in December 2024, Darien solar was placed in service in March 2025, and Paris battery was placed in service in June 2025. The timing of the in-service dates contributed to the increase in electric depreciation expense.
Electric other income increased $0.2 million and gas other income decreased $0.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily related to pension and other postretirement costs, excluding service costs. 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.
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 nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, net income at the nonregulated energy operations segment was $18.5 million and $18.0 million, respectively.
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 nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, other income at the transmission investment segment primarily reflects ATC's operations and was $9.6 million and $8.4 million, respectively. See Footnote 3 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report for summarized financial information regarding ATC.
42
The increase of $3.0 million in other income from all other operations during the nine months ended September 30, 2025, primarily reflects results from investment gains recognized in the current year, from venture capital funds. These venture capital investments support early-stage companies working to advance smart technologies, the customer experience, distributed energy resources, electrification, cybersecurity and other priorities for utility companies, such as greater sustainability.
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 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:
11.4
5.5
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 nine months ended September 30, 2025, except as noted below. 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.
Purchase Contracts – MGE Energy and MGE
See Footnote 8.c. of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report for a description of commitments as of September 30, 2025, that MGE Energy and MGE have entered with respect to various commodity supply and transportation contracts to meet their obligations to deliver electricity and natural gas to customers.
Long-term Debt – MGE Energy and MGE
In October 2025, MGE entered into a private placement Note Purchase Agreement in which it committed to issue $50 million of senior unsecured notes. See Footnote 6.c. of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report for further information on the senior note issuance.
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 beginning 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.
43
Cash Flows
The following summarizes cash flows for MGE Energy and MGE during the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024:
Cash provided by (used for):
Operating activities
Investing activities
(261,846)
(167,611)
(256,993)
(165,511)
Financing activities
(38,845)
(41,226)
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 nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to the same period in 2024, were as follows:
Higher overall collections from customers, driven by higher electric and gas residential sales
63.4
Higher dividend received from ATC
Lower payments for interest
0.4
Higher payments for fuel and purchased power at our generation plants, as well as higher natural gas costs to our customers
(27.0)
Changes in income taxes paid/received - includes $7.1 million in proceeds from renewable tax credits transferred to other corporate taxpayers during the nine months ended September 30, 2024
(17.4)
(18.0)
Higher payments for other operation and maintenance expenses
(1.8)
(3.7)
Other operating activities
Increase in cash provided by operating activities
18.9
15.3
Capital Requirements and Investing Activities
The principal increases (decreases) in cash flows from investing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to the same period in 2024, were as follows:
Capital expenditures, primarily reflects an increase in electric and gas utility expenditures, specifically related to spending for High Noon and Koshkonong construction
(91.6)
Capital contributions in ATC and other investments
(4.9)
Proceeds from the sale of investments
1.9
Other investing activities
Decrease in cash flows from investing activities
(94.2)
(91.5)
Capital Expenditures
The following table shows MGE Energy's forecasted capital expenditures for 2025 through 2030:
Forecasted
2025(a)
2030
282,000
277,000
272,000
325,000
246,000
38,000
35,000
37,000
40,000
41,000
45,000
Utility plant total
320,000
312,000
314,000
366,000
291,000
Nonregulated
10,000
11,000
14,000
15,000
9,000
MGE Energy total
330,000
323,000
328,000
327,000
375,000
301,000
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Forecasted capital expenditures are based upon management's assumptions with respect to future events, including the timing and amount of expenditures associated with environmental compliance initiatives, legislative and regulatory action, supply chain and market disruptions, customer demand and support for electrification and renewable energy resources, energy conservation programs, load growth, the timing of any required regulatory approvals, and the adequacy of rate recovery. Actual events may differ materially from these assumptions and result in material changes to those forecasted amounts.
MGE is targeting net-zero carbon electricity by 2050. Solar, wind, and battery storage projects are a major step toward deep decarbonization and greater use of clean energy sources in pursuit of our goal. In addition, natural gas generation projects help enable MGE's clean energy transition and ensure reliability for customers as the energy supply is decarbonized.
Our forecasted capital expenditures reflect the following significant renewable and storage projects that are currently under construction or pending regulatory approval:
Share ofGeneration/Storage
Share ofEstimatedCosts(b)
In-Service or Estimated Date of Commercial Operation
Paris(a)
$25 million(c)(d)(f)
June 2025
Darien(a)
$63 million(c)(d)(f)
March 2025 Solar2026 Battery
Koshkonong(a)
$104 million(c)(d)(f)
2026 Solar2027 Battery
Sunnyside(a)
20 MW/40 MW
$112 million(c)(d)
High Noon(a)
$99 million(c)(d)
Columbia Energy Dome(a)
$17 million(c)(d)(g)
Fox(e)
10 MW
$26 million
Superior(e)
$39 million
Akron(e)
$51 million
Dawn Break(e)
18 MW/18 MW
$78 million
Emerald Bluffs(e)
22.5 MW
$57 million
MGE continues to assess the potential impact of procurement disruptions on current and future solar projects that 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 further information on procurement disruptions discussed under "Other Matters" section below.
Elm Road Gas Fuel Flexibility Project: In October 2025, MGE and other co-owners filed a joint application with the PSCW for upgrades to the Elm Road Units. The project would convert existing coal-fired boilers to natural gas. MGE holds an 8.33% ownership interest in the facility. MGE's estimated cost is approximately $11 million. If approved, the project is expected to be placed in service in 2028.
45
Other local solar and battery storage projects: In 2025 through 2028, electric renewable capital expenditures include local investments in solar generation and battery storage. Forecasted total capital expenditures for those years is approximately $90 million.
Electric and Gas Distribution: In 2025 through 2030, electric and gas capital expenditures include investment in enhanced metering solutions to provide customers with more timely and detailed energy use information. Investments in advanced metering infrastructure will provide additional benefits including outage and demand response and automated meter reading capabilities. Forecasted total capital expenditures for those years is approximately $62 million.
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 nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to the same period in 2024, were as follows:
Change in short-term debt borrowings, net
63.5
Lower distributions to parent (MGE Energy) from noncontrolling interest, representing distributions from MGE Power Elm Road and MGE Power West Campus(a)
4.5
Higher cash distribution from parent (MGE Energy)
Issuance of common stock
Higher cash dividends paid, dividend rate per share ($1.375 vs. $1.305)
(3.0)
Higher cash dividends to parent (MGE Energy)
(6.5)
Other financing activities
(0.2)
Increase in cash flows from financing activities
61.5
63.3
Capitalization Ratios
MGE Energy's capitalization ratios were as follows:
60.7%
61.5%
35.8%
38.5%
3.5%
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. See Footnote 8.a. of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report for additional details on where the EPA has taken regulatory action or similar formal steps since making the announcement. MGE is closely monitoring the EPA's administrative efforts in these areas and will evaluate appropriate responses as developments occur.
46
See the discussion of environmental matters included in the 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as updated by Footnote 8.a. of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report.
Other Matters
Rate Matters
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 September 2025, MGE agreed to a 2026/2027 settlement of the proposed rate proceeding with an increase of 0.04% for electric rates and a 2.77% increase for gas rates in 2026. The application addresses rates for 2027 proposing a 3.76% increase for electric rates and a 2.04% 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 settlement are as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
Average Rate Base(a)
Average CWIP(b)
Return on Common Equity(c)
Electric (2025 Test Period)
1,241,502
7,106
56.06%
Gas (2025 Test Period)
341,369
Electric (2026 Test Period)(d)
1,346,235
37,232
56.09%
Gas (2026 Test Period)(d)
375,594
7,764
Electric (2027 Test Period)(d)
1,537,938
33,082
56.05%
Gas (2027 Test Period)(d)
393,558
8,912
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.
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 Prevention 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
47
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, from 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. The U.S. International Trade Commission issued a final injury ruling in favor of the tariffs, which went into effect in June 2025. In August 2025, the U.S. Court of International Trade ruled that the two-year moratorium on these duties was illegal and therefore Customs and Border Protection may collect retroactive tariffs on imports that occurred during the moratorium. The case has been appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the order is stayed pending appeal. MGE continues to assess the potential impact of these tariffs on current and future solar projects, which may result in increased costs, delays in construction timelines, or a new and potentially material financial liability due to retroactive tariffs. 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.
Tariffs
U.S. and international trade policies, including tariffs, port fees, trade sanctions, and other import/export regulations, continue to evolve, influenced by geopolitical developments and economic priorities. MGE is proactively evaluating the potential effects of these changes on operating costs and capital investments, particularly for renewable energy and battery storage initiatives. Such policy shifts could lead to higher costs or delays in project timelines.
Tax Update - One Big Beautiful Bill Act
On July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was signed into law, introducing significant changes to tax credits and compliance requirements. The OBBBA accelerates the termination of the Clean Electricity Production Tax Credit (PTC) and Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for wind and solar projects placed in service after December 31, 2027, unless construction begins by July 4, 2026. The phase out of PTCs and ITCs does not apply to energy storage, hydroelectric facilities, nuclear, or any other zero emission technology. The OBBBA imposes stringent restrictions on tax credit eligibility, disallowing credits, and other provisions for projects involving material assistance from specified foreign entities or foreign-influenced entities for projects that begin construction after December 31, 2025. The bill also increases domestic content requirements. The Treasury Department issued new beginning of construction guidance in August 2025. MGE has evaluated the impact of the OBBBA and will continue monitoring Treasury Department updates and engaging with industry groups to ensure compliance.
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.
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, except as noted below.
Equity Price Risk - Pension-Related Assets
MGE currently funds its liabilities related to employee benefits through trust funds. These funds, which include investments in debt and equity securities, are managed by various third-party investment managers. Changes in the market value of these investments can have an impact on the future expenses related to these liabilities. The value of employee benefit plan assets increased by approximately 13% during the nine months ended September 30, 2025.
During the third 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 September 30, 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 September 30, 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.
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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 Footnotes 8.a. and 8.b. of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report for more information.
There were no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in Item 1A. Risk Factors in our 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Not applicable to MGE Energy and MGE.
During the three months ended September 30, 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.
Ex. No.
Exhibit Description
31.1
*
Certifications Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 filed by Jeffrey M. Keebler for MGE Energy, Inc.
31.2
Certifications Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 filed by Jared J. Bushek for MGE Energy, Inc.
31.3
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
31.4
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
32.1
**
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.
32.2
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.
32.3
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
32.4
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
XBRL Instance
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema With Embedded Linkbases Document
104.1
Included in the cover page, formatted in Inline XBRL
Filed herewith.
Furnished herewith.
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 thereunto duly authorized.
MGE ENERGY, INC.
Date: November 5, 2025
/s/ Jeffrey M. Keebler
Jeffrey M. Keebler
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
(Duly Authorized Officer)
/s/ Jared J. Bushek
Jared J. Bushek
Vice President - Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
(Chief Financial Officer)
/s/ Jenny L. Lagerwall
Jenny L. Lagerwall
Assistant Vice President - Accounting and Controller
(Chief Accounting Officer)
MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY