by Madison Gas and Electric

October is Energy Awareness Month, a time to reflect on how energy shapes our daily lives — from the warmth of a cozy home on a chilly morning to the hum of appliances that keep our day-to-day routines running smoothly. It’s also a time to think about how we can use energy more efficiently, stay safe and even explore careers that help power our communities.

Here are some ways that small choices at home can make a big impact — for your wallet, your safety and your future.

Simple Ways to Save Energy at Home

Imagine this: It’s a crisp fall evening. You’ve just finished dinner, the kids are doing homework and the furnace kicks on. It’s comforting — but it’s also one of the biggest energy users in your home.

Using energy efficiently doesn't mean you have to sacrifice comfort. Try these tips to help reduce your usage while maintaining your home's cozy factor:

• Set your thermostat wisely. Choose one temperature for when you're home and another for when you're away. The closer your indoor temperature is to the outdoor temperature, the less energy you'll use.
• Upgrade to a smart thermostat. These devices can learn your preferences, adjust automatically and be controlled remotely. Plus, MGE customers can get instant discounts and rebates through FOCUS ON ENERGY®. Visit focusonenergy.com/smart for details.
• Lock your windows. Locking — not just closing — your windows helps seal in warm air, improving efficiency.
• Use cold water for laundry. Keep your water heater set to 120°F, wash clothes in cold water and run full loads. If you're heading out of town, switch your water heater to vacation mode.

Looking for more? Visit mge.com/save for more energy-saving tips, or contact the MGE Energy Experts at AskExperts@mge.com or 608-252-7000 (Option 3).

Safety First: Protect What Matters Most

Whether it’s electricity or natural gas, knowing how to stay safe can protect your home and loved ones.

Electric Safety: Everyday Awareness From charging phones to using kitchen appliances, electricity is everywhere. While most electric safety rules are common sense, it's easy to get careless — especially if you're in a hurry.

• Indoors: Don’t overload outlets, keep cords in good condition and never touch appliances with wet hands.
• Outdoors: Stay clear of power lines, substations and utility equipment. Always use outdoor-rated extension cords.

If your power goes out

Storms or accidents are the primary causes of power outages. If your power is out, follow these steps:

• Report the outage online at mge.com/outage, by texting "OUT" to 73904 or by calling MGE at 608-252-7000.
• Stay away from downed wires, which may have high voltage running through them.
• Avoid candles due to fire risk.
• Unplug sensitive electronic equipment and keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed.
• Use a smartphone and battery-powered devices for news updates.

Visit mge.com/electricsafety for more electric safety tips.

Natural Gas: Know the Signs

Natural gas is efficient and reliable — but leaks can be dangerous. If you smell rotten eggs or hear a hissing sound, leave immediately and call 911. Then call MGE at 608-252-7000.

Keep meters and vents clear. Vegetation and other materials can block or damage gas meters and exhaust vents for appliances. This can cause gas to leak, appliances to shut down or carbon monoxide to build up. Be sure to check your meters and vents regularly for blockage. Keep vegetation and materials away year-round. In winter, gently clear snow or ice with your hands — not a shovel.

Learn more about natural gas safety at mge.com/gassafety.

Call Before You Dig

Planning a fall project? Whether you're planting a tree or installing a fence, contact Diggers Hotline at least three days in advance. It’s free, easy and could prevent serious injury or costly damage.

Careers in Energy

When people think of utility companies, they often picture line workers and engineers — but many additional roles behind the scenes help power our communities. Utilities like MGE employ professionals in areas like customer service, communications, finance, IT and environmental planning. From helping neighbors navigate billing questions to designing digital tools and sustainability programs, utility careers offer meaningful ways to serve the community.

Explore opportunities at MGE by visiting mge.com/careers.

Powering Forward—Together

By making smart choices about how we use energy, staying safe and exploring energy careers, we can build a more efficient, resilient and connected community together.