• Charge Ahead gives Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) customers who own electric vehicles (EVs) the opportunity to help MGE manage the grid and manage electricity costs. Plus, eligible customers could earn monthly rewards while charging at home during off-peak times. By participating, you allow MGE to set daily charging times and, at certain points, make small automatic adjustments during busy hours. You still decide your charge level, and your EV will always be ready when you need it.

• After you enroll, you’ll keep plugging in at home the same way you do now. Your EV charging will be automatically shifted to off-peak periods, typically overnight, when electricity demand is lower. At times of especially high energy demand, MGE may make additional adjustments to your charging schedule. These adjustments happen in the background and don’t affect your final charge. If your plans change, you can override the adjustment in your EV or charger app and start charging right away. 

• The program works with certain EVs and Level 2 smart chargers. To participate, your device needs to be connected to Wi-Fi and linked to your manufacturer’s account. Check the eligibility chart for the most up-to-date list of supported devices before you apply.

Note: All sub-models of the CPH50 are eligible, including all plug types, connector types and hardwire/plug-in.

• You can participate in two ways: 
  • By using an eligible Level 2 charger, or
  • By connecting directly through your EV’s built-in telematics system (the onboard computer that communicates with MGE).
    
• Both options allow small charging adjustments in the background, while you remain in control of your charge level.
  

• Yes. Your EV will always reach the charge level you set. Adjustments may delay charging for a short time, but they never reduce your final charge. And if you need to leave earlier than planned, you can override the schedule at any time and charging will start immediately.

• After you apply, MGE will send you an email confirmation. This can take up to four weeks. If we need more information to complete your enrollment, we’ll email you with the next steps.

• You’ll see up to $60 a year in rewards as our thanks for helping support the grid.

• Standard rate customers earn up to $8 per month over the summer and $4 per month the rest of the year paid as Visa gift cards. To qualify, you must charge at least 80% off-peak and must not opt out more than 3 times during the calendar month.
• Customers on a Time-of-Use (TOU) do not receive cash incentive payments. Instead, the app automatically shifts your charging to the cheapest times on your TOU rate, and the savings appear directly on your MGE bill. 
  

• Ongoing participation payments are issued monthly. You’ll get an email with instructions to access and use your card whenever a payment is sent.

• Customers on a Time-of-Use (TOU) rates will see their program savings directly on their monthly bill instead of through program incentives.
  

• Yes. Apartment and condo residents are eligible to participate if your parking stall can be serviced by your electric panel. This is most often the case in townhome style units with attached garages.
  

• Yes. You can opt out of an adjustment at any time by changing your charging settings in your EV or charger app. If you opt out  more than twice a month you won’t receive the participation incentive for that month, but you will remain enrolled in the program.
  

• This depends on your EV or charger manufacturer. Some apps will send you a notification before or during an adjustment. If notifications aren’t available, you can always view and manage charging through your EV or charger app. If you have a Tesla, you can also use the ChargingRewards app to check your charging status.
  

• You can find manufacturer-specific terms and conditions here: terms and conditions. These outline eligibility, rewards, device requirements and how adjustments work.

   

• If you have questions or want to end your participation, email us at MGE@energyhub.com. We’ll be happy to help with eligibility, enrollment, device setup, rewards and anything else.