How it started
History
The company's roots in the Madison area date back more than 150 years to its predecessor company, the Madison Gas Light and Coke Co., which was founded in 1855. The Madison Electric Light and Power Co. began delivering electric service in 1888. At the time, Madison had a population of 13,000.
In 1892, the Four Lakes Light and Power Co. bought Madison Electric Light and Power Co. and operated as Madison's electricity provider for the next four years.
In 1896, the Four Lakes Light and Power Company and the Madison City Gas Light and Coke Co. combined and incorporated to become Madison Gas and Electric Co.
The Madison Gas and Electric Company Powerhouse was built in 1902. In 1915, it was remodeled at a cost of $150,000. The building was designated a landmark by the Madison Landmarks Commission in 2002. The main offices of MGE are located in a complex surrounding the former Chicago and North Western Railway station in Madison.
In 2001, the company formed a holding company named MGE Energy, Inc. and Madison Gas and Electric Co. became its main subsidiary.
From Wikipedia’s article on Madison Gas and Electric, shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.2