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Fitchburg approves MG&E plan for two level-3 fast chargers at civic campus
Summary
The council approved an agreement allowing Madison Gas & Electric to install two level-3 chargers (four ports) at the civic campus at no cost to the city for five years; drivers will pay per-kWh and the city may assume responsibility only if the legal landscape changes.
The Fitchburg Common Council approved Resolution R-11026 on May 26 to permit Madison Gas & Electric to install two level-3 electric vehicle (EV) fast chargers (four ports) at the civic campus.
MG&E will own and operate the chargers for an initial five-year period at no cost to the city; drivers will pay per-kilowatt-hour (MG&E indicated ~37 cents/kWh for level-3 service). The agreement calls for MG&E to install upgraded transformer capacity and conduit to four parking stalls reserved for the chargers. Existing level-2 chargers already on site will remain; the new equipment is intended to fill regional gaps in fast-charging network coverage and serve drivers who need a rapid re-charge.
The council noted that state law currently constrains municipal ownership of level-3 public chargers; the city would only consider ownership or assume responsibility for the equipment if statutory restrictions change. Councilmembers also asked staff to coordinate an installation timeline, public notice and a ribbon-cutting event for the community once installation is scheduled.
What happens next: City staff and MG&E will agree a construction schedule and notify the council about timing; MG&E anticipates installation this summer, pending transformer and site work schedules. Charging prices and details of operation will be set by MG&E and communicated to the public.
Representative quote: "This fills an identified gap in our public EV network and gives drivers a fast option without cost to taxpayers," a council member said during the meeting.
