Make an Impact with MGE Connect®

MGE's program for smart devices helps MGE manage the grid.   

Managing our collective energy use is one of our key strategies for achieving MGE's carbon reduction goals. Smart technologies can help manage your energy use—and help MGE manage our electric grid.    

If you're looking to upgrade to a smart thermostat or already own one, consider enrolling in MGE Connect, our demand response program for devices like smart thermostats. With customers' permission, minor temperature adjustments (called "events") are made to their smart thermostats to reduce energy use during periods of high demand.  
 

Understanding peak demand 

Electric use peaks during stretches of hot, humid days when air conditioners are running in a majority of homes and businesses. These periods of high electric use put pressure on utilities to generate and distribute enough electricity to everyone who needs it. Programs like MGE Connect as well as Charge Ahead, which serves our customers with electric vehicles, help us better understand the potential for using smart technologies to manage energy demand.  
 

Looking at summer 2024 

In 2024, customer participation in MGE Connect helped to reduce electric usage by an average of 4.8 megawatts (MW) per event. That's equal to the energy use of more than 1,400 homes during those events or to the amount of power produced by nearly 15,000 solar panels. Nine events were called between June and September, and at least 6,000 households participated in each event. MGE thanks our customers for their participation! 

If your small business or household would like to participate in MGE Connect, visit mge.com/mgeconnect to learn more about eligibility and request to enroll.  
 

Managing smart water heaters 

MGE Connect will be adding smart water heaters to its demand response program in the near future. Stay tuned for more details on mge2050.com. 

published: Feb-27-2025