Basis of Presentation

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Basis of Presentation Disclosure [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

1.       Basis of Presentation - MGE Energy and MGE.

       This report is a combined report of MGE Energy and MGE. References in this report to "MGE Energy" are to MGE Energy, Inc., and its subsidiaries. References in this report to "MGE" are to Madison Gas and Electric Company.

       MGE Power West Campus and MGE Power Elm Road own electric generating assets and lease those assets to MGE. Both entities are variable interest entities under applicable authoritative guidance. MGE is considered the primary beneficiary of these entities as a result of contractual agreements. As a result, MGE has consolidated MGE Power West Campus and MGE Power Elm Road.

       The accompanying consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2011, and for the three and nine months ended, are unaudited, but include all adjustments that MGE Energy and MGE management consider necessary for a fair statement of their respective financial statements. All adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature except as otherwise disclosed. The year-end consolidated balance sheet information was derived from the audited balance sheet appearing in MGE Energy's and MGE's 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles in the United States of America. These notes should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes on pages 55 through 109 of the 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K.