Madison operates public EV chargers through MGE and the Parking Utility in city garages. New construction requires EV-ready wiring under Madison Sustainable Building Policy. No specific curbside EV regulation yet.
Madison has installed EV charging stations in most downtown parking garages (State Street Capitol, Overture Center, Wilson Street, Buckeye, and others) operated jointly with Madison Gas and Electric (MGE). Fees vary by location and include a time-based parking rate plus energy cost. Residential EV charging on private property is treated as a standard electrical permit under WI SPS 316 and MGO 29; Level 2 chargers require a licensed electrician and a $50-$100 electrical permit. Madison's Sustainable Building Policy and updates to the zoning code (MGO 28.141) require new multi-family and commercial construction to provide EV-ready electrical capacity (conduit + panel capacity) for a percentage of parking stalls. MGE offers rebates for residential Level 2 chargers. Curbside public-right-of-way chargers are limited; the city piloted curbside chargers through the Green Power Partnership. WI Stat 196.495 allows EV charging services by non-utilities.
Parking at charger without charging: $30. Unpermitted electrical install: $100-$500. Blocking charger: tow possible.
Madison, WI
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Madison, WI
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