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MGE Energy Inc.

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FY2007 Annual Report · MGE Energy Inc.
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2007 Summary Annual Report

innovation at work

innovation at work

Table of Contents

1 

2 

6  

8  

10 

12 

14 

15 

16 

17 

17 

18 

20 

21	

 2007 Highlights 

To Our Shareholders

New energy solutions at work

Putting our economy to work

Environmental commitments that work

Community connections at work

Consolidated Statements of Income

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Statements of Capitalization

Cumulative Five–Year Total Return Comparison

Corporate Leadership

Shareholder Information

Corporate	Profile

MGE Energy, Inc.
MGE Energy is an investor-owned public utility holding company headquartered 
in the state capital of Madison, Wis. MGE Energy is the parent company of  
Madison Gas and Electric Co. The utility provides natural gas and electric service 
in south-central and western Wisconsin. Assets total $1.1 billion. In 2007,  
revenue	was	more	than	$537	million.	See	the	Corporate	Profile	on	page	21.

About the Cover

We put innovation to work 
when we constructed our 
first	wind	farm—built	in	
1999 in Kewaunee County, 
Wis. At the time, it was  
the largest wind project 
east of the Mississippi.

Nathanial and Olivia Theys 
are now growing up  
everyday with this wind 
technology in their  
backyard. As the next  
generation of energy  
consumers, they will  
benefit	from	a	cleaner	
environment and a  
responsible energy future.

Building on this vision  
and initiative, MGE Energy 
recently completed its  
second major wind farm 
in Iowa. Our $58 million, 
30-megawatt wind farm 
began operation in  
early 2008.

As you read this report, 
you’ll learn how we  
constantly build on our 
experience and knowledge 
to manage our company. 
We put innovation to work 
for our customers and  
loyal investors.

Gross Domestic Product Growth
(2001–2005 current dollars)

27.5%

23%

19.3%

2007 Highlights

Projected CO2 Emission Rate
(lbs. per kilowatt-hour)

2.01

1.80

MGE Energy (MGEE)

Wisconsin

U.S.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis

Madison

Year at a Glance
(Thousands, except per-share amounts)

2005

2015

2007 

2006 

Increase/ 
(Decrease) 

%
Change

Wind Energy Capacity
(megawatts)

Projected CO2 Emission Rate
(lbs. per kilowatt-hour)

Operating Revenues 
Net Income 
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share 
Dividends Declared Per Share 
Dividend Payout Ratio 
Average Shares Outstanding 
Shares Outstanding at Year End 
Return on Average Common Equity 
Book Value Per Share 
Market Price Per Share (Dec. 31) 
Total Market Value (Dec. 31) 
Total Assets 
Total Electric Sales (kWh) 
Total Gas Deliveries (therms) 
2005

2015

2007

1.80

2.01

11

87

2008

$  537,594   
48,825   
$ 
2.27   
$ 
1.41   
$ 
62.1 % 
21,520   
21,950   
12.1 % 
19.88   
$ 
35.47   
$ 
$  778,567   
$  1,111,587   
  3,431,509   
215,193   

Dividends Paid Per Share
(rounded)

MGEE Assets
($ billions)

$1.41

$1.112

$.982

$.917

$.829

$.726

$0.60

$.982

2006

  5.9
MGEE Assets
  15.1
($ billions)
  10.2
$.917
  1.4
(8.0)
  4.6
  4.6
  1.0
  8.9
(3.0)
2005
  1.5
  13.2
  2.5
  6.0

$1.112

2007

$.726

$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 

507,546    $  30,048  
6,402  
42,423     $ 
0.21  
2.06    $ 
0.02  
1.39    $ 
$.829
(5.4 ) 
67.5 % 
956  
20,564   
975  
20,975   
0.12  
12.0 % 
1.63  
18.25    $ 
$ 
(1.11 ) 
36.58    $ 
$ 
$  767,266    $  11,301  
$  982,232    $  129,355  
83,808  
  3,347,701   
12,199  
202,994   

2003

2004

Earnings Per Share

$2.27

$2.06

$1.77

$1.71

$1.57

2003

2004

2005

2006
1977

2007
2007

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

For detailed financial information, see the 2007 MGE Energy Form 10-K.

1

Earnings Per Share

$2.27

$2.06

$1.77

$1.71

$1.57

1977

2007

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

Gross Domestic Product Growth

(2001–2005 current dollars)

27.5%

23%

19.3%

Wisconsin

U.S.

Madison

Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis

Wind Energy Capacity

(megawatts)

87

11

2007

2008

Dividends Paid Per Share

(rounded)

$1.41

$0.60

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
to our shareholders

built on innovation 

Gary J. Wolter, MGE Energy 
Chairman, President and  
Chief Executive Officer,  
with the city of Madison,  
Wisconsin’s state capital,  
in the background.

2

F or generations, we have put innovation to work at MGE Energy. 

It is embedded in our culture. For us, innovation is not just a 
new product or technology. Instead, innovation is fundamental 

to how we conduct and build our business. It is an integral part of 
our process. At MGE Energy, we encourage our employees to gener-
ate	ideas	and	take	initiative—to	imagine	how	things	can	be	better.

Because of our innovative approach, MGE Energy stands out year 
after	year	as	an	industry	leader—in	financial	performance,	in	 
serving customers and in environmental stewardship. We create  
the solutions that address the challenges we face.

Gross Domestic Product Growth

(2001–2005 current dollars)

27.5%

23%

19.3%

Projected CO2 Emission Rate

(lbs. per kilowatt-hour)

2.01

1.80

Wisconsin

U.S.

Madison

Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis

2005

2015

MGEE Assets

($ billions)

$.982

$1.112

$.917

$.829

$.726

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

Earnings Per Share

$2.27

$2.06

$1.77

$1.71

$1.57

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

Projected CO2 Emission Rate

(lbs. per kilowatt-hour)

2.01

1.80

2005

2015

MGEE Assets

($ billions)

$.982

$1.112

$.917

$.829

$.726

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

3

Earnings Per Share

$2.27

$2.06

$1.77

$1.71

$1.57

Wind Energy Capacity

(megawatts)

87

11

2007

2008

Dividends Paid Per Share
(rounded)

$1.41

$0.60

1977

2007

Gross Domestic Product Growth
(2001–2005 current dollars)

27.5%

23%

19.3%

Top Credit Quality
(MGE)

S&P
Corporate Credit: AA-
Outlook: Stable

Wisconsin

Madison

U.S.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis
Moody’s
Secured: Aa2
Outlook: Stable

Wind Energy Capacity
(megawatts)

87

11

2007

2008

Dividends Paid Per Share

(rounded)

$1.41

$0.60

1977

2007

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

Financial performance
Innovation turns creativity into success. Innovation drives business 
growth, increases the bottom line and produces results for our  
shareholders. 

MGE Energy reached a milestone when its assets topped $1 billion in 
2007. In the last five years, assets have grown from $726 million to 
$1.1 billion. 

This steady growth in assets helped produce record earnings of $2.27 
per share in 2007. Sales growth in electric deliveries to the residential 
and commercial sectors also contributed to these earnings. Your  
company has produced record earnings for four of the last five years.

In 2007, your Board of Directors raised the regular quarterly dividend 
to $0.355 per share on the company’s common stock. The amount 
of the dividend increase was double 2006’s change and the largest 
increase in 15 years. Cash dividends paid in 2007 totaled $1.41 per 
share. MGE Energy is one of only 95 U.S. companies and one of  
six electric utilities to raise dividends annually for 30 or more  
consecutive years.

Independent rating agencies have taken note of our performance. 
Madison Gas and Electric Co. (MGE), our main subsidiary, maintained 
the highest bond rating (AA-) of all investor-owned, combination 
utilities in the nation from Standard & Poor’s. Likewise, Moody’s 
Investor Service gives MGE the high mark of Aa2 for its sound 
business strategy and supportive regulatory environment. MGE 
Energy’s financial performance earned one of Value Line’s top ratings 
for financial strength and its highest ranking for a safe investment. 

Energy future
Technology is shaping the future of our industry. We are investing  
in new projects that provide reliable energy and environmental  
stewardship. 

I am proud that we recently commissioned a new 30-megawatt,  
MGE Energy wind farm. In the last year, our wind energy capacity 
increased from 11 to 87 megawatts with the new project and two 
other wind farms from which we purchase energy. 

to our shareholders

This increase in renewable energy has allowed us to significantly expand our green pricing  
program and lower the cost of our green pricing for customers. Our Green Power Tomorrow  
program provides a clean mix of solar and wind power. 

While these renewable energy projects are moving forward, we also are developing new baseload 
energy. MGE Energy is investing in a cleaner coal power plant expansion on Lake Michigan. This 
state-of-the-art generation facility will supply affordable, reliable energy with far lower emission 
rates than standard coal-fired plants. 

Commitments to the environment 
As we modernize our fleet of electric generation, we recognize our responsibility to protect the  
environment. MGE developed a 10-year electric supply plan—called Energy 2015—that is anticipated 
to produce significantly lower emission rates. We expect the combination of more green energy, 
switching to new coal generation, greater customer conservation and new technologies to drive 
down emission rates for carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, particulates and mercury.

Part of the way we pursue environmental innovation is to invest in demonstration projects. For ex-
ample, we have more than a dozen solar photovoltaic demonstrations in our service area. We learn 
which specific solar technologies are most effective in our climate and best serve our customers. 

Prospering economy 
Innovation goes hand-in-hand with the rapidly growing, knowledge-based economy in our service 
area. Madison is in the center of the Midwest’s I-Q Corridor. In fact, bizjournals.com lists Madison 
as the fourth “brainiest” medium-sized city in the nation. 

For years, our company has been in step with the area’s emerging economies—first the high-tech 
fields and more recently the biotech industry. Life sciences is a $5 billion industry in Wisconsin, 
and it’s centered in Madison. With $125 million earmarked for a new federal bioenergy research 
center here, we expect the biofuels sector to be the next significant frontier.

Our service territory is not just a high-tech powerhouse. The greater Madison area also is a  
wonderful place to live. Middleton, a flourishing suburb, was named No. 1 of the 100 “Best Places 
to Live” nationally by Money magazine. It’s no wonder our area is growing. From 2000 to 2030,  
Dane County’s population is estimated to grow 36%—adding more than 150,000 new residents.  

Projects to meet growing demand 
This vibrant growth requires infrastructure to meet increasing energy demands. In addition to 
investing in new generation, we also continually improve the systems that deliver energy. Just 
southwest of Madison, Fitchburg and Verona are rapidly expanding. In 2007, MGE installed  
new natural gas lines and other facilities to boost gas capacity for this area.

Minneapolis
★

Madison

★ 

Milwaukee
★

Chicago

★

The Midwest’s I-Q Corridor is  
a region packed with ideas and 
a knowledge-based economy— 
especially in biotech, biofuels 
and technology development. 

4

Left photo: Tim Caruso (left) and 
Tony Masino help oversee an MGE 
natural gas expansion project. 

Right photo: Ken Alderson (left) and 
Scott Lindloff check control panels 
in MGE’s East Campus Substation. 

MGE made significant upgrades to the electric system serving parts of downtown Madison and 
the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. To power this fast-growing area, the capacity of 
the East Campus Substation was increased by 50%. Three new building developments—with a 
total of $380 million in construction—are significantly increasing electric load within blocks of 
the substation.

Employee innovation
We encourage our employees to make business improvements through innovation. Our employees 
were resourceful in creating a flexible database to manage compliance with new federal electric 
reliability standards. These standards are designed to protect the country’s electric system. Other 
utilities have turned to MGE for advice on creating their own databases. 

Another group of creative employees faced a daunting task last summer. Raging floodwaters  
submerged parts of western Wisconsin where MGE provides natural gas service. Worst hit was 
the village of Gays Mills. Drawing on their ingenuity, our employees used the assistance of a swift- 
water rescue team to safely turn off submerged gas valves. Later, employees isolated the areas 
with the worst flooding to keep other customers in service.

Director changes 
Londa J. Dewey, president of The QTI Group, was elected to the Board of Directors effective  
Feb. 1, 2008. Donna K. Sollenberger resigned from the board in 2007 after seven years of  
dedicated service. We wish her well in her new job in Houston.

Built on innovation  
You can count on us to combine innovation and initiative with our sound business principles. We 
are committed to excellent customer service and outstanding shareholder returns.  

Thank you for your confidence in MGE Energy.

Gary J. Wolter

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

5

We use new electric generation technologies  
to create a cleaner energy future. 

innovation 
new energy solutions at work

Our experience with wind 
energy illustrates that 
innovation is core to how 
we conduct our business. 
In the early 1980s, we 
began monitoring potential 
wind sites. By 1984, MGE 
had three of its own pilot 
wind projects.

In 1999, MGE took a bold 
step and constructed the 
largest wind farm east of 
the Mississippi. This wind 
farm remains an integral 
part of our growing renew-
able energy mix. 

In the last year, we grew 
our wind power capacity 
by	nearly	eight	times— 
from 11 to 87 megawatts. 
We are harvesting clean 
wind energy from a new 
$58 million MGE wind  
farm and purchasing  
energy from two other 
installations.

Innovating with technology 
is one key to meeting  
tomorrow’s energy needs.

6

At MGE Energy’s new wind farm, a crane hoists the blades to the top of a 260-foot-tall tower.

Modernizing generation assets. MGE’s Energy 2015 plan is 
a comprehensive 10-year electric generation strategy. We are retiring old, 
less efficient coal generation while investing in a cleaner coal power plant 
with state-of-the-art emission controls. Our renewable wind resources have 
increased nearly eight times. In 2005, MGE commissioned a natural gas-fired 
cogeneration facility, one of the cleanest and most efficient power plants in 
the Midwest. MGE works to provide the best balance of cost and efficiency  
to deliver reliable energy with the least environmental impacts.

MGE Energy is a partner in We Energies’ Oak Creek power plant expansion. This 
cleaner coal facility is under construction and set to come online beginning in 2009.

Improving reliability. We look for win-win situations that can  
benefit local businesses while improving electric reliability for all customers. 
In 1998, MGE launched a new program—the Backup Generation Service.  
Since then, the program’s success has been firmly established. Customers in 
the program pay a charge for the assurance of backup generation. If power 
to the customer’s facility is interrupted, the generator automatically starts. 
The program’s 55 generators also provide an additional 45 megawatts of 
generating capacity for MGE to use during peak electric use periods. 

Bob Connor (right), an MGE account manager, and Kevin Snitchler, a Dean Health  
System administrator, check the large generator behind them. The Dean West Clinic 
and Urgent Care uses backup generation service.

Demonstrating technologies. For years, MGE has invested in 
pilot technology projects to better understand highly efficient and renewable 
energy systems. The geothermal heat pump, an evolving technology, is an 
example. MGE recently installed geothermal heat pumps to handle the  
heating and air-conditioning needs at Madison’s new Lussier Community 
Center. The unit extracts the earth’s heat and uses it to help warm the  
building in the winter and cool it in the summer. We expect an overall  
energy savings of 30%. MGE gains expertise from technology projects  
that we then share with customers.

A geothermal heat pump uses a series of looped pipes to capture the earth’s  
temperature. Fluid circulates through the pipes and transfers the energy to  
pumps that amplify the heating or cooling.

7

MGE Energy helps seed future economic growth. We  
support the discoveries that spur our local high-tech,  
biotech economy. 

innovation 
putting our economy to work

MGE has long encouraged 
business incubators. In 
1989, the MGE Innovation 
Center opened with space 
for 12 tenants at the UW 
Research Park. The very 
first	tenant	was	a	small	
biotech start-up called 
Novagen—now	a	successful	
Madison-based company. 
In total, the Innovation 
Center has spawned over 
70 high-tech and biotech 
firms.

We have provided support 
for eight business incuba-
tors. Madison has more 
business incubators per 
capita than most U.S.  
cities. In fact, Madison is 
one of 30 “Fast Cities” 
around the world, according 
to Fast Company magazine. 
Fast Cities are places 
“where the most  
important ideas and  
the organizations of  
tomorrow are centered.” 

MGE Energy is dedicated 
to promoting economic 
success. 

8

Anthony Lauer is an associate scientist at Mirus Bio Corp.—a leader in gene therapy and gene silencing.  
Mirus is graduating from the MGE Innovation Center and expanding into a new facility with 50% more space.

Tapping the potential. Bioenergy research is gaining a strong 
foothold in Madison with the new Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center. The 
University of Wisconsin-Madison earned a $125 million federal grant to fund 
the new center, which will research ways to convert plant matter into fuel for 
automobiles and power plants. MGE is one of the center’s corporate partners 
and was instrumental in helping UW-Madison secure the grant. The center 
may become a magnet in Madison for bioenergy companies. 

Phyllis Wilhelm (left), MGE’s economic development director, and Molly Jahn,  
dean of the UW’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, collaborated to secure  
the bioenergy grant.

2.01

Projected CO2 Emission Rate
(lbs. per kilowatt-hour)

Healthy economy. Madison, with its wealth of high-tech and biotech 
companies, is well positioned to compete in the global economy of the 21st 
century. One important indicator is the growth of Madison’s gross domestic 
product (GDP), which is stronger than the state’s or nation’s. The GDP is a 
key instrument used to measure an economy. And, Madison’s success has not 
gone unnoticed. In 2007, Madison was named in the nation’s top 10 metro 
areas for income growth and in the top 15 metro areas for companies actively 
looking to expand or relocate their facilities.

1.80

Madison’s gross domestic product surpassed the state’s and nation’s from 2001 to 
2005. The GDP measures the total market value of goods and services produced.

2005

2015

Locally grown. MGE’s Shared Savings financing program is about to 
reach the $25 million mark after 15 years of helping grow local businesses. 
Firms can use a Shared Savings loan to finance energy efficiency improve-
ments to their businesses. The companies pay off the financing with savings 
$.982
in their energy budgets. Businesses save energy and money, while MGE is  
able to help support the local economy. A recent loan to Eflexgroup.com,  
an innovator in the flexible spending account industry, helped the company 
relocate to a new, larger corporate facility. 

MGEE Assets
($ billions)

$1.112

$.726

$.829

$.917

Ric Joyner (left), COO of Eflexgroup.com, worked with Randy Popp, an MGE engineer, 
to secure a $200,000 loan for high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment.

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

9

Earnings Per Share

$2.27

$2.06

$1.77

$1.71

$1.57

Gross Domestic Product Growth
(2001–2005 current dollars)

27.5%

23%

19.3%

Wisconsin

U.S.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis

Madison

Wind Energy Capacity
(megawatts)

87

11

2007

2008

Dividends Paid Per Share

(rounded)

$1.41

$0.60

1977

2007

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

 
Innovation is key to our efforts to create 
a healthier environment. 

innovation 
environmental commitments that work

More than 30 years ago, 
MGE and the Wisconsin 
Utilities Association built 
an experimental solar-
powered home. As the 
technology advanced, so 
did we. In the mid-1980s, 
MGE conducted various 
solar photovoltaic energy 
research projects. 

By the early 2000s, solar 
technology was far more 
efficient.	We	launched	new	
demonstration projects 
including solar installations 
on all the high schools in 
our electric service area.

We learn about renewable 
technology	options	to	find	
ways to offer innovative 
programs. Now, we are 
launching a new program 
to encourage customers  
to install their own solar 
units that feed into our 
electric grid.

Renewable energy is  
growing at MGE Energy. 

1010

New solar panels collect energy on the 100-year-old home of MGE customers Jean and Dr. Jonathan Patz,  
a university professor and a member of a U.N. climate change panel awarded the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize.

Gross Domestic Product Growth

(2001–2005 current dollars)

27.5%

23%

19.3%

Projected CO2 Emission Rate
(lbs. per kilowatt-hour)

2.01

1.80

Wisconsin

U.S.

Madison

Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis

2005

2015

MGEE Assets
($ billions)

$.982

$1.112

$.917

$.829

$.726

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

Earnings Per Share

$2.27

$2.06

$1.77

$1.71

$1.57

Wind Energy Capacity

(megawatts)

87

11

2007

2008

Dividends Paid Per Share

(rounded)

$1.41

$0.60

1977

2007

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

Reducing emissions. We work to protect our environment while  
providing reliable energy. MGE anticipates its Energy 2015 plan will produce 
lower emission rates across the board—even though electric use is growing. 
Energy 2015 is a balanced plan that combines building more renewable  
energy, retiring older coal facilities, switching to cleaner coal generation 
and encouraging greater customer conservation. This combination is  
projected to lower emission rates for carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide,  
nitrogen oxide, particulates and mercury by 2015. 

Even though carbon dioxide (CO2) is not currently regulated, MGE is working to 
reduce CO2 emissions. We project a decrease in MGE’s CO2 emission rates. For more 
details, see our Environmental Responsibility Report on mgeenergy.com. 

Renewable fuels. MGE has supported Virent Energy System’s ground-
breaking work to turn plant sugars into fuel for generators and engines. 
Virent is a local company commercializing technology that can help us move 
from a fossil-fuel economy to one using renewable fuels. In a demonstra-
tion project, Virent’s SuperNatural™ gas prototype system fuels an internal 
combustion engine that can generate 10 kilowatts of electricity for MGE 
customers. We recognize how this type of visionary technology is needed to 
drive a cleaner future. 

Greg Keenan, vice president of business development at Virent Energy Systems, leads 
engineering and business development. MGE was an early, local supporter of Virent 
that has grown significantly since it was founded in 2002.

Mercury free. MGE is a leader in installing mercury-free encoders in 
the meters on customers’ homes and businesses. When MGE decided to install 
an automated meter reading system, we asked the manufacturer to develop 
mercury-free encoders—which have now become the industry standard in the 
United States. We look for opportunities to go beyond compliance in day-to-
day operations and pursue clean options.

This small encoder allows MGE to read meters remotely. With about 275,000  
encoders throughout our service area, it was important to us that the devices be 
mecury free and environmentally friendly.

1111

We work hard to listen and stay connected. This is  
how we make a difference in the communities we serve. 

innovation 
community connections at work

Responding to customer 
needs is a long-standing 
commitment. In the 1980s, 
when the United States 
faced an energy crisis,  
MGE stepped up its conser-
vation efforts. Our home 
energy audit program 
ranked second in the  
nation in 1983.

More recently, open  
discussions at our town-
hall meetings, called  
Community Energy  
Conversations, helped  
us better understand our  
customers’ preferences 
for future energy supply. 
The discussions shaped  
our Energy 2015 plan.

Former MGE Chairman 
Frederick Mackie (above) 
explained our position well 
in 1976: “We do want our 
customers and stockholders 
to understand the decisions 
we must make are for 
the sake of running our 
business properly and in 
response to their needs. 
This presents a real chal-
lenge, but we believe it 
can be met.”

It’s a challenge we still 
meet today.

12

Mayra Medrano, an MGE customer service representative, meets with MGE green power customers  
Vickie Hackbarth and Mark Shimasaki.

Solar lighting. MGE and the University of Wisconsin-Madison worked 
closely with the community to plan the West Campus Cogeneration Facility.  
This natural gas-fired plant provides electricity to MGE customers and heating/
cooling to the campus. MGE and UW-Madison joined with others and made 
commitments to improve our local environment. Now, we are completing our 
final commitment with solar lighting along a new campus bike path. This 
$220,000 photovoltaic technology project draws attention to renewable energy 
while providing safe lighting at night. The bike path opens in 2008.

Bob Stoffs (left), an MGE community services manager, and Rob Kennedy, a UW- 
Madison transportation supervisor, check a solar panel during bike path construction. 

Community ties. We continuously create opportunities for  

stakeholders to engage with us. MGE asked community  
members to serve on an advisory committee to help shape  
our Environmental Cooperative Agreement with the Wisconsin 
Department of Natural Resources. We recently renewed the 
voluntary five-year agreement that commits us to superior environmental 
performance at Blount Generating Station. 

Several Community Environmental Advisory Group members meet at MGE including 
(left to right) John Shenot, DNR environmental assistance coordinator; Rich Bogovich,  
a local environmentalist; Michael Ricciardi, MGE’s environmental director; and  
Judy Olson, former Madison alderperson. 

Power of working together. When we partner with others, we 
can reach customers more effectively. For example, we are working with the 
City of Madison on the city’s Clean Energy Challenge to reduce greenhouse 
gases. Some of our most rewarding collaborations involve teaching the next 
generation. MGE reaches thousands of students through classroom programs. 
Last summer, we took another step with the Boys and Girls Club and sponsored 
a series of energy education projects. 

Jesse Shields (right), an MGE marketing representative, helps Anthony Washington  
cook a hot dog in a solar oven. Children at the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County 
constructed solar ovens to learn more about clean, renewable energy sources.

13

Consolidated Statements of Income

For the years ended December 31 
(in thousands, except per-share amounts)

Operating Revenues

2007 

2006 

   2005

  Regulated revenues ............................................................................................................  $  532,413  

$  504,138   

$  511,517 

  Nonregulated revenues .....................................................................................................  

5,181  

3,408   

 1,853

  Total Operating Revenues ............................................................................................  

  537,594  

  507,546   

 513,370

Operating Expenses

  Fuel for electric generation ............................................................................................. 

56,694  

49,227  

65,016

  Purchased power ................................................................................................................ 

77,594  

77,164  

81,676

  Natural gas purchased ...................................................................................................... 

  140,838  

  129,331  

  146,110

  Other operations and maintenance .............................................................................. 

  130,831  

  126,086  

  117,552

  Depreciation and amortization....................................................................................... 

32,199  

31,342  

29,275

  Other general taxes ........................................................................................................... 

15,771  

15,402  

13,269

  Total Operating Expenses ............................................................................................ 

  453,927  

  428,552  

  452,898

Operating Income .................................................................................................................. 

83,667  

78,994  

60,472

  Other income, net .............................................................................................................. 

6,069  

4,329  

4,938

Interest expense .................................................................................................................. 

 ( 13,056 ) 

(15,001 ) 

(13,448 )

Income before income taxes ...................................................................................... 

76,680  

68,322  

51,962

Income tax provision ......................................................................................................... 

(27,855 ) 

(25,899 ) 

(19,871 )

Net Income ...............................................................................................................................  $  48,825  

$  42,423  

$  32,091

Earnings Per Share of Common Stock (basic and diluted) ...................................... $  

2.27  

Dividends Paid Per Share of Common Stock ............................................................... $  

1.41  

$ 

$ 

2.06  

1.39  

$ 

$ 

1.57

1.37

Average Shares Outstanding (basic and diluted) ........................................................ 

21,520  

20,564  

20,436

14  innovation at work

For detailed financial information, see the 2007 MGE Energy Form 10-K.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the years ended December 31 
(in thousands)

2007 

2006 

2005

Operating Activities
  Net income ...........................................................................................................................  $  48,825  

$  42,423   

$  32,091 

Items not affecting cash:
  Depreciation and amortization .................................................................................. 
  Deferred income taxes .................................................................................................. 
  Amortization of investment tax credits .................................................................. 
  AFUDC – equity funds .................................................................................................. 
  Equity earnings in ATC* ................................................................................................ 
  Employee benefit plan expenses ............................................................................... 
  Provision for doubtful accounts receivable ............................................................ 
  Amortization of debt issuance costs and discount .............................................. 
  Reserve for fuel refund ................................................................................................. 
  Gain on sale of investments ....................................................................................... 
  Other items ...................................................................................................................... 

32,199  
750  
(410 ) 
(1,927 ) 
(6,047 ) 
8,101  
3,080  
543  
—  
(778 ) 
1,950  

31,342   
5,241   
(432 ) 
(554 ) 
(5,317 ) 
10,178  
3,230  
595  
2,312  
—  
653  

  Changes in working capital items:

(Increase) decrease in current assets ................................................................... 
Increase (decrease) in current liabilities ............................................................. 
  Proceeds from Congestion Cost and Line Loss Allocation Agreement ............... 
  Dividend income from ATC* ............................................................................................. 
  Cash contributions to pension and other postretirement plans ............................ 
  Other noncurrent items, net ........................................................................................... 
  Cash Provided by Operating Activities..................................................................... 

(12,312 ) 
3,818  
2,545  
4,441  
(6,346 ) 
(1,846 ) 
76,586  

13,042  
(4,299 ) 
—  
4,003  
(5,779 ) 
4,401  
  101,039  

Investing Activities
  Capital expenditures .......................................................................................................... 
  Capital contributions to ATC* and other investments ............................................. 
  Repayment from ATC* related to WCCF** ..................................................................... 
  Proceeds from sale of property to ATC* ....................................................................... 
  Advance to Wisconsin Electric Power Co. for ATC* work related to Elm Road ....... 
  Other ...................................................................................................................................... 
  Cash Used for Investing Activities ............................................................................ 

  (136,258 ) 
(255 ) 
—  
724  
(138 ) 
1,136  
  (134,791 ) 

Financing Activities

Issuance of common stock, net ...................................................................................... 
Issuance (purchase) of treasury stock ........................................................................... 
  Cash dividends paid on common stock ........................................................................ 
  Repayment of long-term debt ........................................................................................ 
Issuance of long-term debt ............................................................................................. 
Increase (decrease) in short-term debt ....................................................................... 
  Other ...................................................................................................................................... 
  Cash Provided by/(Used for) Financing Activities ................................................. 

32,786  
—  
(30,295 ) 
(15,000 ) 
25,000  
46,500  
—  
58,991  

(92,575 ) 
(1,974 ) 
—  
—  
(808 ) 
916  
(94,441 ) 

17,050  
119  
(28,513 ) 
—  
30,000  
(25,500 ) 
(82 ) 
(6,926 ) 

29,275
10,900

(460 )
(414 )
(4,871 )
9,665
2,080
493
—
—
1,109

(32,323 )
8,515
—
3,550
(5,536 )
(697 )
53,377

(85,771 )
(1,686 )
12,964
—
(1,599 )
359
(75,733 )

2,259
(119 )
(28,054 )
—
20,000
29,225
(1,128 )
22,183

Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents ........................................................................... 
  Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period .................................................. 
  Cash and cash equivalents at end of period ..............................................................  $ 

786  
3,003  
3,789  

(328 ) 
3,331  
3,003  

$ 

(173 )
3,504
3,331

$ 

* American Transmission Co.
** West Campus Cogeneration Facility

For detailed financial information, see the 2007 MGE Energy Form 10-K.

  innovation at work  15

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets

2007 

2006

At December 31 
(in thousands) 

Assets
Current Assets

  Cash and cash equivalents ............................................................................................................................  $ 
  Restricted cash .................................................................................................................................................. 
  Accounts receivable, less reserves of $3,709 and $3,489, respectively ........................................... 
  Other accounts receivable, less reserves of $114 and $107, respectively ........................................ 
  Unbilled revenues ............................................................................................................................................. 
  Materials and supplies, at lower of average cost or market ................................................................ 
  Fossil fuel ............................................................................................................................................................ 
  Stored natural gas, at lower of average cost or market ...................................................................... 
  Prepaid taxes ...................................................................................................................................................... 
  Regulatory assets – current ........................................................................................................................... 
  Other current assets ........................................................................................................................................ 
  Total Current Assets .................................................................................................................................... 
Other long-term receivables .............................................................................................................................. 
Special billing projects ........................................................................................................................................ 
Regulatory assets .................................................................................................................................................. 
Other deferred charges ....................................................................................................................................... 

3,789   
2,896   
43,668   
3,397   
30,370   
14,809   
5,136   
28,483   
14,696   
189   
8,242   
  155,675   
6,166   
999   
53,375   
5,881   

  638,774   
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net ............................................................................................................. 
  205,214   
  Construction work in progress ..................................................................................................................... 
  843,988   
  Total Property, Plant, and Equipment ..................................................................................................... 
Other Property and Investments .................................................................................................................... 
45,503   
    Total Assets ...................................................................................................................................................  $ 1,111,587   

Liabilities and Capitalization 
Current Liabilities
  Long-term debt due within one year .........................................................................................................  $  30,000   
  103,500   
  Short-term debt ................................................................................................................................................ 
58,498   
  Accounts payable .............................................................................................................................................. 
3,964   
  Accrued interest and taxes ............................................................................................................................ 
4,153   
  Deferred income taxes ..................................................................................................................................... 
2,924   
  Regulatory liabilities – current ..................................................................................................................... 
607   
  Pension liability – current .............................................................................................................................. 
16,466   
  Other current liabilities .................................................................................................................................. 
  220,112   
  Total Current Liabilities .............................................................................................................................. 

Other Credits
  Deferred income taxes .................................................................................................................................... 
Investment tax credit – deferred ................................................................................................................. 
  Regulatory liabilities ........................................................................................................................................ 
  Accrued pension and other postretirement benefits ............................................................................. 
  Other deferred liabilities ................................................................................................................................. 
  Total Other Credits....................................................................................................................................... 

  107,393   
3,087   
20,885   
74,056   
25,982   
  231,403   

Capitalization
Common shareholders’ equity ........................................................................................................................... 
Long-term debt ..................................................................................................................................................... 
  Total Capitalization ..................................................................................................................................... 
Commitments and Contingencies .................................................................................................................... 

  427,726   
  232,346   
  660,072   
—   
  Total Liabilities and Capitalization .......................................................................................................  $ 1,111,587   

$ 

3,003
4,243
33,397
4,508
26,038
15,052
6,010
31,465
13,748
4,270
7,679
  149,413
4,631
1,861
50,841
5,874

  632,474
95,949
  728,423
41,189
$  982,232

$  15,000
57,000
45,063
3,430
3,917
2,943
614
15,894
  143,861

  101,700
3,497
24,207
76,050
20,285
  225,739

  375,348
  237,284
  612,632
— 
$  982,232

16  innovation at work

For detailed financial information, see the 2007 MGE Energy Form 10-K.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Capitalization

At December 31 
(in thousands)

Common Shareholders’ Equity
  Common stock – par value $1 per share:
  Authorized 50,000,000 shares

2007 

2006

Issued 21,950,335 and 20,975,392 shares, respectively .......................................................................  $  21,950  
  280,217  
  123,916  
1,643  
  427,726  

  Additional paid-in capital .............................................................................................................................. 
  Retained earnings ............................................................................................................................................. 
  Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax ........................................................................ 
  Total Common Shareholders’ Equity ....................................................................................................... 

$  20,975
  248,406
  105,386
581
  375,348

Redeemable Preferred Stock
  Cumulative, $25 par value, 1,175,000 authorized but unissued ....................................................... 

—  

—

First Mortgage Bonds
  7.70%, 2028 Series .......................................................................................................................................... 

1,200  

1,200

Other Long-Term Debt
  7.49%, due 2007 ................................................................................................................................................ 
  6.02%, due 2008 .............................................................................................................................................. 
  4.875% 2012 Series, Industrial Development Revenue Bonds ........................................................... 
  5.875% 2034 Series, Industrial Development Revenue Bonds ........................................................... 
  6.58%, due 2012 .............................................................................................................................................. 
  5.26%, due 2017 .............................................................................................................................................. 
  5.25%, due 2017 .............................................................................................................................................. 
  7.12%, due 2032 .............................................................................................................................................. 
  6.12%, due 2028 .............................................................................................................................................. 
  5.68%, due 2033 .............................................................................................................................................. 
  5.19%, due 2033 .............................................................................................................................................. 
  6.247%, due 2037 ............................................................................................................................................ 
  Total Other Long-Term Debt ..................................................................................................................... 

 —

30,000  
19,300  
28,000  
15,000  
20,000  
30,000  
25,000  
20,000  
30,000  
20,000  
25,000  
  262,300  

15,000
30,000
19,300
28,000
15,000
20,000
30,000
25,000
20,000
30,000
20,000
—
  252,300

  Long-term debt due within one year ......................................................................................................... 
  Unamortized discount ..................................................................................................................................... 

(30,000 ) 
(1,154 ) 

(15,000 )
(1,216 )

  Total Long-Term Debt ................................................................................................................................. 

  232,346  

  237,284

  Total Capitalization ....................................................................................................................................  $  660,072  

$  612,632

Cumulative Five–Year Total Return Comparison
Assumes $100 invested on Dec. 31, 2002, in each of the Company's Common Stock, Russell 2000 and the EEI Index.

Cumulative Five-Year Total Return Comparison
(assumes dividends reinvested)

MGEE  

Russell 2000 

EEI Index

$400

$100

$0

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

MGEE

Russell 2000

EEI Index

2002  

$ 100 

2003 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

$ 123 $

$ 147 

$ 144 

$ 161 

$ 163 

$ 100  

 147 

$ 174 

$ 182 

$ 216 

$ 212 

$ 100

$ 123

$ 152

$ 176

$ 213

$ 248

For detailed financial information, see the 2007 MGE Energy Form 10-K.

  innovation at work  17

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate Leadership

Frederic E. Mohs
Partner

Mohs, MacDonald, Widder  
& Paradise, Attorneys at Law
Age 70

Director since 1975

John R. Nevin
 Executive Director, Center for Brand 
and Product Management; Executive 
Director, Grainger Center for Supply Chain 
Management; and Professor, School of 
Business, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Age 64

Director since 1998

H. Lee Swanson
Chairman of the Board and  
President, SBCP Bancorp, Inc.,  
and Chairman of the Board,  
State Bank of Cross Plains

Age 69

Director since 1988

Gary J. Wolter
Chairman, President and Chief  
Executive Officer

MGE Energy, Inc., and 
Madison Gas and Electric Co.

Age 53

Director since 2000

Directors of MGE Energy and MGE

Richard E. Blaney
Retired President

Richard Blaney Seeds Inc.

Age 71

Director since 1974

Londa J. Dewey
President 

The QTI Group, Inc. 
A human resources and staffing company

Age 47

Director since 2008

F. Curtis Hastings
Chairman
J. H. Findorff & Son, Inc.
Commercial and industrial 
general contractors

Age 62

Director since 1999

Regina M. Millner
President

RMM Enterprises Inc.

Attorney, analyst and broker

Age 63

Director since 1996

Note: Ages as of Dec. 31, 2007.
For detailed information on board members, see the MGE Energy Proxy Statement.

18  innovation at work

Officers of MGE Energy and MGE

Gary J. Wolter*
Chairman, President and  
Chief Executive Officer

Age 53

Years of Service, 23

Terry A. Hanson*
Vice President, Chief  
Financial Officer and  
Secretary

Age 56

Years of Service, 26

Jeffrey C. Newman*
Vice President and Treasurer

Age 45

Years of Service, 23 

Lynn K. Hobbie
Senior Vice President

Age 49

Years of Service, 22

James G. Bidlingmaier
Vice President –  
Administration and Chief 
Information Officer

Age 61

Years of Service, 35

Kristine A. Euclide
Vice President and  
General Counsel

Age 55

Years of Service, 6

Scott A. Neitzel
Vice President –  
Energy Supply

Age 47

Years of Service, 10

Peter J. Waldron
Vice President and  
Operations Officer

Age 50

Years of Service, 27

Gregory A. Bollom
Assistant Vice President –  
Energy Planning

Age 47

Years of Service, 25

Craig A. Fenrick
Assistant Vice President –  
Electric Transmission  
and Distribution

Age 48

Years of Service, 25

Joseph P. Pellitteri
Assistant Vice President –  
Human Resources

Age 59

Years of Service, 8

John M. Yogerst
Assistant Vice President –  
Gas Operations

Age 50

Years of Service, 27

*  Officers of MGE Energy and MGE. All others are MGE officers. 

Note: Ages and years of service as of Dec. 31, 2007.

  innovation at work  19

Shareholder Information

2008 Annual Shareholder Meeting
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 
Marriott Madison West 
1313 John Q. Hammons Drive 
Greenway Center 
Middleton, Wis.

Stock Listing
•  MGE Energy common stock trades on  

The Nasdaq Stock Market®

•  Stock symbol: MGEE

•  Listed in newspaper stock tables as MGE  

or MGE Engy

Shareholder Services

We welcome inquiries from 
shareholders. Please notify 
us promptly if:
•  A stock certificate is lost 

or stolen. 

•  A dividend check or 

statement is not received 
within 10 days of the 
scheduled payment date. 

•  Your name or  

address changes. 

Shareholder Services: (from left) 
Jerilyn Geishirt, Lynne Harper, 
Kari Foster, Ken Frassetto.

Materials Available
More financial information is available upon  
request or on the company’s Web site, including:
•  Form 10-K (filed with the Securities and  

Exchange Commission). 

• Dividend Reinvestment and Direct Stock Purchase Plan.

Dividend Reinvestment and Direct Stock  
Purchase Plan
MGE Energy’s Dividend Reinvestment and Direct Stock 
Purchase Plan allows investors to:
• Buy common stock directly through the company.
• Reinvest dividends or receive cash payments.
• Deposit certificates for safekeeping.

National Association of Investors Corp.

MGE Energy is a corporate sponsor of  
the NAIC and participates in a number of

programs including the Low Cost Investment Plan, 
Investor’s Information Report (Green Sheet), Own Your 
Own Shares of America and regional investor fairs.  
Web Address: betterinvesting.org

20  innovation at work

2008 Expected Record and Dividend  
Payment Dates

MGEE Common Stock

Record Dates 
March 1 
June 1 
Sept. 1 
Dec. 1  

Payment Dates
March 15
June 15
Sept. 15
Dec. 15 

Contact MGE Energy Shareholder Services 
E-mail: 
Web Address: 
Madison Area: 
Continental U.S.: 
Business Hours: 

investor@mgeenergy.com
mgeenergy.com
(608) 252-4744
1-800-356-6423
 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 
(Central Time) 
Monday through Friday
  MGE Energy Shareholder Services 
Post Office Box 1231 
Madison, WI 53701-1231
133 S. Blair St. 
Madison, WI 53703

Mailing Address: 

Location:    

Online Account Access
Registered shareholders can now access their account 
information online. Visit MGE Energy's Web site to log on 
through the secure My Shareholder Account link.

Contact shareholder services for a security code to help 
you set up private access to your account.

Go to the home page at mgeenergy.com and click the  
My Shareholder Account button.

Eliminate Duplicate Proxy Mailings
If you receive more than one proxy mailing from  
MGE Energy, you can reduce the mailbox clutter.

• Registered shareholders: call or e-mail MGE Energy

• Brokerage shareholders: contact your broker

Sign Up For Electronic Delivery
You may choose to receive e-mail alerts when annual 
meeting invitations, proxy materials, the annual  
report and newsletters are available on our Web site. 
Registered shareholders can sign up by visiting  
mgeenergy.com/paperless. If your MGEE shares are  
held in a brokerage account, contact your broker.

Independent Registered Public  
Accounting Firm
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
One N. Wacker Drive 
Chicago, IL 60606

 
 
 
Corporate Profile

MGE Energy is the parent company of Madison Gas and 
Electric Co. (MGE) and its divisions, which serve natural 
gas and electric customers in south-central and western 
Wisconsin.

MGE Power owns assets in the West Campus Cogeneration 
Facility in Madison, Wis., and the Elm Road coal plant under 
construction at Oak Creek, Wis.

MGE Transco Investment owns interest in the American 
Transmission Co. through its members, MGE and MGE Energy.

MGE Construct provides construction services for building 
new generation facilities.

Central Wisconsin Development Corp. promotes business 
growth in MGE’s service area.

MAGAEL holds title to properties acquired for future utility 
plant expansion.

MGE Electric Services
Generation and Distribution
Customers: 136,000
Population: 290,000
Area: 315 square miles

Communities served: Cross Plains,  
Fitchburg, Madison, Maple Bluff,  
Middleton, Monona and Shorewood Hills

Generating facilities:  
Blount Station, West Campus Cogeneration 
Facility, combustion turbines and solar units at 
Madison, Columbia Energy Center at Portage,  
natural gas combustion turbine at Marinette, 
MGE wind farm in Kewaunee County, Top of Iowa 
Wind Farm in north-central Iowa and Elm Road 
Power Plant expansion at Oak Creek, scheduled 
for completion in 2009 and 2010. 

MGE Natural Gas Services
Purchase and Distribution 
Customers: 140,000
Population: 404,000
Area: 1,625 square miles
Counties served: Columbia, Crawford,  
Dane, Iowa, Juneau, Monroe and Vernon

Learn more at  
mgeenergy.com

Madison Gas 
and Electric Co.
Est. 1896

MGE Transco
Investment LLC
Est. 2005

MGE Construct LLC
Est. 2002

Central Wisconsin
Development Corp.
Est. 1986

MAGAEL, LLC
Est. 1973

Viroqua Gas Division
Acq. 1992

Elroy Gas Division
Acq. 1993

Prairie du Chien
Gas Division
Acq. 2001

MGE Power LLC
Est. 2002

MGE Powe r
West Campus, LLC
Est. 2003

MGE Power
Elm Road, LLC
Est. 2003

  innovation at work  21

P.O. Box 1231 
Madison, WI 53701-1231

mgeenergy.com

MGE is committed to environmental stewardship. 
This report is printed on recycled paper produced 
with renewable energy.