Good news about a great opportunity for affordable rooftop solar electricity for Madison families. We know that our neighborhood cares about sustainability and energy from clean sources, so we’re excited to be part of spreading the word.

This summer, the City’s MadiSUN program is offering a special Solar Group Buy program to help residents save money and install rooftop solar panels together. The group buy simplifies the installation process and lowers costs by working with a pre-qualified, vetted solar company that offers a competitive group price.

Plus, MadiSUN is offering a Solar Energy Loan with a low, fixed interest rate and flexible repayment terms on solar loans up to $20,000.

Visit Madisunsolar.com to learn more.

Putting solar panels on a home is a great way to lower household energy costs. In 2017, the price of installing solar has never been lower: homeowners can receive a Federal Tax Credit for 30% of the cost of their system, and Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy program offers up to $2,000 in additional rebates. And installing solar means switching to a clean, renewable energy source that is great for the community.

Visit Madisunsolar.com and sign up for more information. The Group Buy program is recruiting interested households from now through August.
Want to learn more in person? Plan to attend one of MadiSUN’s free Information Sessions, which begin on May 16th.

Spring is here and the clouds are on the way out so we can more clearly see the Madison of the future. Thanks so much to everyone who attended our Phase 2 Community Meetings to help us plan for and imagine Madison.
 
We want your feedback
If you couldn’t make it to one of our community meetings, you can still provide feedback through our new online interactive activities that just went live. You can vote for (thumbs up) and add your own ideas for strategies to achieve our shared community goals. You can also learn about the Future Land Use Map and make suggestions about how and where we grow and develop as a city. Click here to begin!

What are residents saying?
We’ve already received some feedback both in person and online for Phase 2 of Imagine Madison. Here’s a sample of what your neighbors are saying:

• “A larger focus on transportation solutions that build community, like biking and busses rather than single-person drivers.”
  
• “We need to pay more attention to our urban infrastructure, specifically large trees that improve quality of life for all. They should be prioritized in streetscapes, building & street reconstruction.”
• “Promote Community Schools within walking distance in neighborhoods.”
  

Imagine Madison Planning Pop-Ins
Do you, your friends, neighbors, or coworkers want to have a more in-depth discussion about Imagine Madison and the future of our community? City Planning staff are available for a Planning Pop-In with your group. Let us know where and when you’d like to meet and if there are any specific topics concerning the City’s Comprehensive Plan Update you’d like to talk about. We’d love to meet with you!
 
Videos
Episode 2 of our interview mini-documentary has been posted. Check it out to see what your neighbors want for Madison’s future. If you missed the four community meetings, you can see the first one here. Last, but certainly not least, the Imagine Madison Promotional Video won a 2017 Best of the Midwest Festival Award of Excellence at the Wisconsin Community Media Conference.  Way to go, Madison City Channel!

by Madison Gas and Electric

Want to save money on your electric bill? Madison Gas and Electric Company (MGE) wants to help get you started. Here are five simple ways to save this summer.
 

1. Turn up the air conditioner. Air conditioners are often the biggest users of electricity in the summertime. The higher you set the temperature, the less your electric bill will be. MGE recommends 78 degrees or higher. Turn it off when no one is home.
   
2. Keep the heat out. Close shades or drapes to keep the sun out. Cook outside or use a microwave. Turn off lights when not needed. (They produce heat.)
   
3. Keep cool. Use exhaust fans to remove heat and moisture from cooking or showering. Use ceiling fans to cool your skin and get wet (take a cool shower, play with the kids in a wading pool, or run through a lawn sprinkler).
   
4. Buy energy-saving appliances. Appliances which use less energy save you money. Look for the ENERGY STAR® label. It means you are buying an appliance which will save you energy.
   
5. Develop energy-saving habits. Turn off televisions, computers, and other electronics when you are not using them. Wear lightweight clothing. Use cold water to wash clothes.
   

 
For more information, call MGE's Home Energy Line at 252-7117 or visit mge.com.