Madison Gas and Electric, Alliant Energy and Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) announced their plans to retire the approximately 1,100-megawatt (MW) coal-fired Columbia Energy Center near Portage, Wis. The plan represents another step in MGE's ongoing transition toward greater use of cleaner energy sources and deep carbon reductions. In May 2019, MGE was one of the first utilities in the nation to commit to a goal of net-zero carbon electricity by 2050. MGE expects to achieve carbon reductions of 65% by 2030. MGE is a minority owner of the plant, which is co-owned by Alliant Energy and WPS. Alliant Energy operates the plant. Together, the co-owners intend to retire Unit 1 by the end of 2023 and Unit 2 by the end of 2024.