MGE ENERGY INC

Previous wording

We are subject to extensive government regulation in our business, which affects our costs and responsiveness to changing events and circumstances.

Current wording

We are subject to extensive government regulation in our business, which affects our costs and ability to respond to changing events and circumstances.

Previous wording

Our business is subject to regulation at the State and federal levels. The regulations adopted by the State and federal agencies affect how we do business, our ability to undertake specified actions since pre-approval or authorization may be required for projects, the costs of operations, and the rates charged to recover those costs. Our ability to attract capital also depends, in part, upon our ability to recover our costs and obtain a fair return for shareholders.

Current wording

Our business is subject to regulation at the local, state, and federal levels. The regulations adopted by local, state, and federal agencies affect how we do business, our ability to undertake specified actions since pre-approval or authorization may be required for projects, the costs of operations, and the rates we are authorized to charge to recover those costs. Our ability to attract capital also depends, in part, upon our ability to recover our costs and obtain a fair return for shareholders.

Previous wording

MGE Energy is subject to regulation as a holding company by the PSCW. The PSCW regulates MGE's rates; terms and conditions of service; various business practices and transactions; financing; the closure of generating facilities and related cost recovery; and transactions between it and its affiliates, including MGE Energy. MGE is also subject to regulation by the FERC, which regulates certain aspects of its business.

Current wording

MGE Energy is subject to regulation as a holding company by the PSCW. The PSCW regulates MGE's rates; terms and conditions of service; various business practices and transactions; financing; the closure of generating facilities and related cost recovery; and transactions between it and its affiliates, including MGE Energy. MGE is also subject to regulation by the FERC, which regulates certain aspects of its business, including certain accounting policies.

Previous wording

Our utility customer rates have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity. Our ability to obtain adjustments to those rates depends upon timely regulatory action under applicable statutes and regulations. These proceedings typically involve multiple parties, including governmental bodies and officials, consumer advocacy groups, and various consumers of energy, who focus on differing elements of the rate setting process, including environmental matters and addressing affordability concerns. Decisions are subject to judicial review, potentially leading to additional uncertainty associated with the approval proceedings. Rate regulation provides us an opportunity to recover costs that have been reasonably incurred and the ability to earn a reasonable rate of return on invested capital. However, we have no assurance that our regulators will consider all of our costs to have been reasonably incurred. In addition, our rate proceedings may not always result in rates that fully recover our costs or provide a reasonable return on equity. We estimate the impacts of changes in customer growth and weather as part of our customer rates. Any reduction of sales from these factors may not result in rates that fully recover our costs and may require adjustments to our rates, which we cannot guarantee will be approved.

Current wording

Our utility customer rates have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity. Our ability to obtain adjustments to those rates depends upon timely regulatory action under applicable statutes and regulations. These proceedings typically involve multiple parties, including governmental bodies and officials, consumer advocacy groups, and various consumers of energy, who may focus on differing elements of the rate setting process, including environmental matters, addressing affordability concerns. Decisions are subject to judicial review, potentially leading to additional uncertainty associated with the approval proceedings, including with respect to outcome and timing. Rate regulation provides us an opportunity to recover costs that have been reasonably incurred and the ability to earn a reasonable rate of return on invested capital. However, we have no assurance that our regulators will consider all of our costs to have been reasonably incurred. In addition, our rate proceedings may not always result in rates that fully recover our costs or provide a reasonable return on equity. We estimate the impacts of changes in customer growth and weather as part of our customer rates. Any reduction of sales from these factors may not result in rates that fully recover our costs and may require adjustments to our rates, which we cannot guarantee will be approved.

Previous wording

Our subsidiaries have incurred and may continue to incur costs from more stringent regulation of GHG from power plants, natural gas delivery, GHG used in power distribution, and efficiencies lost during power distribution. While it is difficult to know the extent of possible legislation or regulatory activity, the federal government may consider, and could pass, some form of greenhouse gas legislation or regulations. In addition, litigation by environmental nongovernment organizations targeting GHG emissions from the electric power industry may also occur if the federal government fails to act on greenhouse gas initiatives.

Current wording

Our subsidiaries have incurred and may continue to incur costs from more stringent regulation of GHG from power plants, natural gas delivery, GHG used in power distribution, and efficiencies lost during power distribution. Compliance with such regulation may result in increased capital and operating costs, including expenditures for equipment, technology, and monitoring activities. While it is difficult to know the extent of possible legislation or regulatory activity, the federal government may consider, and could pass, some form of greenhouse gas legislation or regulations. In addition, litigation targeting GHG emissions from the electric power industry may also occur if the federal government fails to act on greenhouse gas initiatives.

Previous wording

Changes in federal income tax policy or our inability to use or generate tax credits may adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows, as well as our credit ratings.

Current wording

Changes in federal income tax policy, including provisions under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), or our inability to use or generate tax credits, may adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows, and credit ratings.

Previous wording

If corporate tax rates or policies are changed, we may be required to take material charges against earnings. If tax rates are increased, there could be timing delays before regulated rates provide for recovery of those tax increases in revenues. In addition, certain IRS tax policies, such as tax normalization and Treasury Regulations and guidance issued in connection with the IRA, may impact our ability to economically deliver certain types of resources relative to market prices. There is uncertainty regarding whether and how the current and future Presidential administrations or U.S. Congress will address tax policy and regulation.

Current wording

If corporate tax rates or policies change, we may be required to record material charges against earnings. Increased tax rates could create timing delays before regulated rates allow recovery of those tax increases in revenues. In addition, IRS tax policies such as tax normalization, Treasury Regulations, and evolving guidance under the IRA and OBBBA may impact our ability to economically deliver certain types of resources relative to market prices. OBBBA includes provisions for the phase-out of certain tax credits over time, creating uncertainty around long-term project economics and potentially accelerating investment timelines. These changes could require us to modify resource plans, accelerate construction schedules, or seek alternative financing structures, all of which may increase costs and risk. There is uncertainty regarding whether and how the current and future Presidential administrations or U.S. Congress will continue to address tax policy and regulation.

Previous wording

We have historically reduced our consolidated federal and state income tax liability with the use of various tax credits under the applicable tax codes. We may not be able to fully use tax credits if our future federal and state taxable income and related income tax liability is insufficient to permit their use or if we are unable to transfer tax credits to a third party. In addition, any future disallowance of some or all of those tax credits as a result of legislation or an adverse determination by one of the applicable taxing jurisdictions could materially affect our tax obligations and financial results. The IRA introduced new labor requirements that are conditions to qualification for renewable tax credits. Failure to meet these requirements on renewable projects that began construction after January 28, 2023, could result in a significant reduction in the amount of renewable tax credits, which could adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

We have historically reduced our consolidated federal and state income tax liability through various tax credits. We may not be able to fully use these tax credits if future taxable income is insufficient or if transferability options are limited. Any future disallowance of credits due to legislative changes or adverse determinations could materially affect our tax obligations and financial results. The IRA introduced new labor requirements that are conditions to qualification for renewable tax credits. Failure to meet these requirements on renewable projects that began construction after January 28, 2023, could result in a significant reduction in the amount of renewable tax credits, which could adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations. OBBBA introduces additional eligibility requirements, including compliance with Foreign Entity of Concern (FEOC) rules, which may restrict the use of certain equipment or components in renewable projects. Failure to meet FEOC requirements could disqualify projects from tax credits, significantly increasing costs and reducing expected returns.

Previous wording

Our utility business currently owns and operates renewable energy generating facilities. These facilities produce PTC and ITC used to reduce our federal tax obligations. The amount of tax credits we earn depends on the date the qualifying generating facilities are placed in service and various operating and economic factors, including facility generation, transmission constraints, unfavorable trends in pricing for wind or solar energy, adverse weather conditions, the breakdown or failure of equipment, and the applicable tax credit rate. These factors could significantly reduce the PTC and ITC produced by our wind or solar farms, resulting in increased federal income tax expense. We could also be forced to replace lost generation capacity with additional power purchases from third parties, potentially leading to increased costs. Any of the considerations mentioned above could have an adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations, which could be material depending upon the cause of the disruption and its duration.

Current wording

Our utility business owns and operates renewable energy generating facilities that produce PTC and ITC credits. The amount of credits earned depends on facility in-service dates and operating factors, including generation output, transmission constraints, pricing trends, adverse weather conditions, equipment reliability, and the applicable credit rates. These factors, combined with labor requirements under IRA and FEOC compliance risks and credit phase-outs under OBBBA, could reduce credits and increase federal income tax expense. We could also be forced to replace lost generation capacity with additional power purchases from third parties, potentially leading to increased costs. Any of the considerations mentioned above could have an adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations, which could be material depending upon the cause of the disruption and its duration.

Previous wording

There is also uncertainty as to when or how credit rating agencies, capital markets, the FERC, or state public utility commissions will treat impacts of any future federal or state tax regulation. These impacts could subject us to credit rating downgrades. In addition, certain financial metrics used by credit rating agencies, such as our funds from operations-to-debt percentage, could be negatively impacted by future rulings.

Current wording

There is also uncertainty as to when or how credit rating agencies, capital markets, the FERC, or state public utility commissions will treat impacts of any future federal or state tax regulation. These impacts could result in credit rating downgrades or negatively affect financial metrics such as funds from operations-to-debt ratios.

Previous wording

The demand for electricity and gas is affected by weather. Very warm and very cold temperatures, especially for prolonged periods, can dramatically increase the demand for electricity and gas for cooling and heating, respectively, as opposed to the softening effect of more moderate temperatures. Our electric revenues are sensitive to the summer cooling season and, to a lesser extent, the winter heating season. Similarly, very cold temperatures can dramatically increase the demand for gas for heating. A significant portion of our gas system demand is driven by heating. Extreme summer conditions or storms may stress electric systems, resulting in increased maintenance costs and limiting our ability to meet peak customer demand.

Current wording

The demand for electricity and gas is affected by weather. Very warm and very cold temperatures, especially for prolonged periods, can dramatically increase the demand for electricity and gas for cooling and heating, respectively, as opposed to the softening effect of more moderate temperatures. Our electric revenues are sensitive to the summer cooling season and, to a lesser extent, the winter heating season. Similarly, very cold temperatures can dramatically increase the demand for gas for heating. A significant portion of our gas system demand is driven by heating. Extreme summer conditions or storms may stress electric systems, resulting in increased maintenance costs and limiting our ability to meet peak customer demand. As a result, our overall operating results may fluctuate substantially on a seasonal basis.

Previous wording

We could be adversely affected by changes in the development, and utilization by our customers, of power generation, storage, and use technologies.

Current wording

We could be adversely affected by changes in the development, and utilization by our customers, of power generation, storage, and use technologies, as well as emerging technologies such as AI.

Previous wording

Our revenues and the timing of the recovery of our costs could be adversely affected by improvements in power generation, storage, and use technology.

Current wording

Our revenues and the timing of cost recovery could be adversely impacted by improvements in power generation, storage, and use of technology to minimize energy use. Advancements in distributed generation, including commercial and residential solar installations and commercial micro turbines, continue to improve the cost-effectiveness of customer self-supply of electricity. Similarly, improvements in energy storage technology, such as batteries and fuel cells, enable customers to meet their around-the-clock electricity needs without relying on the electricity we provide.

Previous wording

Advancements in power generation technology, including commercial and residential solar generation installations and commercial micro turbine installations, are improving the cost-effectiveness of customer self-supply of electricity. Improvements in energy storage technology, including batteries and fuel cells, could also better position customers to meet their around-the-clock electricity requirements. It is possible that legislation or regulations could be adopted supporting the use of these technologies that permit third-party sales from such facilities, and allow these facilities to interconnect to our distribution system. Improvements in the energy efficiency of lighting, appliances, and equipment will also affect energy consumption by customers. Customers could engage in individual conservation efforts by voluntarily reducing their consumption of electricity through changes in energy use and through the use of more energy efficient lighting, appliances, and equipment. Such developments could reduce customer purchases of electricity but may not necessarily reduce our investment and operating requirements due to our obligation to serve customers, including those self-supply customers whose equipment has failed for any reason to provide the power they need whether due to inadequate on-site resources, restricted operating hours, or equipment failure. In addition, since a portion of our costs are recovered through charges based upon the volume of power delivered, a reduction in electricity deliveries will affect the timing of our recovery of those costs and may require changes to our rate structures.

Current wording

Legislation or regulations could support these technologies, permit third-party sales, and allow interconnection to our distribution system. Improvements in energy efficiency and voluntary conservation efforts will also affect consumption. AI-driven energy management tools could also enable customers to optimize usage and further reduce purchases from us. Such developments could reduce customer purchases of electricity but may not reduce our investment and operating requirements due to our obligation to serve customers, including those whose self-supply resources fail. Because a portion of our costs are recovered through volumetric charges, reductions in electricity deliveries could affect the timing of our recovery of those costs and may require changes to rate structures.

Previous wording

More recently, our operations have been impacted by domestic and global supply chain disruptions which are delaying the delivery of materials, equipment, and other resources that are critical to our business operations and projects under construction, including our renewable energy projects. Supply interruptions could affect our ability to operate and maintain our system and ability to implement our long-term goals. Inflation has also increased prices of equipment, materials, employee wages and benefits, and other resources. Inflationary pressures in the economy could lead to higher expenses which may adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

Our operations have been, and may continue to be, impacted by domestic and global supply chain disruptions which are delaying the delivery of materials, equipment, and other resources that are critical to our business operations and projects under construction, including our renewable energy projects. Supply interruptions could affect our ability to operate and maintain our system and ability to implement our long-term goals. Inflation has also increased prices of equipment, materials, employee wages and benefits, and other resources. Inflationary pressures in the economy could lead to higher expenses which may adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

Generation, transmission systems, and natural gas pipelines are part of an interconnected system. Therefore, a disruption caused by the impact of a cyber security incident on the regional electric transmission grid, natural gas pipeline infrastructure or other fuel sources of our third-party service providers' operations, could also negatively impact our business.

Current wording

Generation, transmission systems, and natural gas pipelines are part of an interconnected system. Therefore, a disruption caused by the impact of a cybersecurity incident on the regional electric transmission grid, natural gas pipeline infrastructure or other fuel sources of our third-party service providers' operations, could also negatively impact our business.

Previous wording

We maintain security measures to protect our information technology and control systems, network infrastructure and other assets. While we have not been subject to cyber incidents that have had a material impact on operations to date, the safeguards we have may not always be effective due to the evolving nature of cyber attacks. Moreover, the rapid evolution and increased adoption of artificial intelligence technologies may intensify our cybersecurity risks. We cannot guarantee that the protections we have in place will be completely successful in the event of a cyber attack. If the technology systems were to fail or be breached by a cyber attack, and not be recovered in a timely fashion, we may be unable to fulfill critical business functions, equipment may fail to work and confidential data could be compromised, any additional costs may not be recoverable in rates, or may exceed cyber insurance limits, or may not be covered by cyber insurance and could adversely impact our results of operations.

Current wording

We maintain security measures to protect our information technology and control systems, network infrastructure and other assets. Despite such measures, we have been and may in the future be subject to cyber incidents. While we have not been subject to cyber incidents that have had a material impact on operations to date, the safeguards we have may not always be effective due to the evolving nature of cyber attacks. Moreover, the rapid evolution and increased adoption of AI technologies may intensify our cybersecurity risks. We cannot guarantee that the protections we have in place will be completely successful in the event of a cyber attack. If the technology systems were to fail or be breached by a cyber attack, and not be recovered in a timely fashion, we may be unable to fulfill critical business functions, equipment may fail to work and confidential data could be compromised, any additional costs may not be recoverable in rates, or may exceed cyber insurance limits, or may not be covered by cyber insurance and could adversely impact our results of operations.

Previous wording

A terrorist attack, war, natural disaster, wildfire, severe storms, pandemic virus or disease, or other catastrophic or unpredictable event could adversely affect our future revenues, expenses and operating results by: interrupting our normal business operations; causing employee absences or casualties, including loss of our key employees; interrupting or affecting supplier operations; requiring substantial expenditures and expenses to repair, replace and restore normal business operations; and reducing investor confidence. No assurance can be given that future losses for such events will not exceed the limits of our insurance coverage, if applicable. Facilities for electric generation, transmission, and gas and electric distribution are potential targets of terrorist threats and activities, including both physical or cyber attacks. A terrorist act or catastrophic event at our facilities or the facilities of other companies to which we are interconnected could result in a disruption of our ability to generate, transmit, transport, purchase, or distribute electricity or natural gas. Such an event would have additional adverse effects, including environmental ramifications, increased security and insurance costs, as well as general economic volatility or uncertainty within our service territories. The inability to maintain operational continuity and any additional costs incurred for repairing our facilities or making alternative arrangements could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

A terrorist attack, war, natural disaster, wildfire, severe storms, pandemic virus or disease, or other catastrophic or unpredictable event could adversely affect our future revenues, expenses and operating results by: interrupting our normal business operations; causing employee absences or casualties, including loss of our key employees; interrupting or affecting supplier operations; requiring substantial expenditures and expenses to repair, replace and restore normal business operations; reducing investor confidence; and disrupting, or causing volatility in, capital markets. No assurance can be given that future losses for such events will not exceed the limits of our insurance coverage, if applicable. While we maintain insurance coverage for certain losses arising from catastrophic events, such coverage may be subject to limits, retentions (deductibles), exclusions, or delays in recovery, and may materially increase in cost in the future. Uninsured or underinsured losses could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Facilities for electric generation, transmission, and gas and electric distribution are potential targets of terrorist threats and activities, including both physical or cyber attacks. A terrorist act or catastrophic event at our facilities or the facilities of other companies to which we are interconnected could result in a disruption of our ability to generate, transmit, transport, purchase, or distribute electricity or natural gas. Such an event would have additional adverse effects, including environmental ramifications, increased security and insurance costs, as well as general economic volatility or uncertainty within our service territories. The inability to maintain operational continuity and any additional costs incurred for repairing our facilities or making alternative arrangements could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

Our capital projects, such as our renewable generation and storage projects, are subject to various completion risks that could cause increases in costs or delays in completion. These risks include shortages of, the inability to obtain, the cost of, and the consistency of, labor, materials and equipment; the inability of the contractors to perform under their contracts; the inability to agree to terms of contracts or disputes in contract terms; work stoppages; adverse weather conditions; the inability to obtain necessary permits in a timely manner; changes in applicable laws or regulations; adverse interpretation or enforcement of permit conditions; governmental actions or tariffs; legal action; and unforeseen engineering or technology issues. In the case of our renewable generation projects, we may face delays in the completion of the necessary transmission system connections or upgrades to accommodate the project.

Current wording

Our capital projects, such as our renewable generation and storage projects, are subject to various completion risks that could cause increases in costs or delays in completion. These risks include shortages of, the inability to obtain, the cost of, and the consistency of, labor, materials and equipment; the inability of the contractors to perform under their contracts; the inability to agree to terms of contracts or disputes in contract terms; work stoppages; adverse weather conditions; the inability to obtain necessary permits in a timely manner; changes in applicable laws or regulations; adverse interpretation or enforcement of permit conditions; governmental actions or tariffs; legal action; and unforeseen engineering or technology issues. Our capital projects may also be adversely affected by geopolitical instability, trade policy changes, or shortages of critical materials and equipment. Disruptions in global supply chains could delay project completion, increase costs, or affect system reliability. In the case of our renewable generation projects, we may face delays in the completion of the necessary transmission system connections or upgrades to accommodate the project.

Previous wording

If a capital project exceeds the approved project costs approved by the PSCW, we may not be able to recover those excess costs through regulated customer rates. If that happens, we may have to finance overruns through cash from operations, which may delay other projects, or by securing additional financing. Any or all of these methods may not be available when or in the amounts needed or may adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Current wording

If a capital project exceeds the approved project costs approved by the PSCW, we may not be able to recover those excess costs through regulated customer rates. If that happens, we may have to finance overruns through cash from operations, which may delay other projects, or by securing additional financing. Any or all of these methods may not be available when or in the amounts needed, on reasonable terms or at all.

Previous wording

Inability to recover excess costs, or inability to complete the project in a timely manner, could adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations. Further, our revenues and cash flows may not increase immediately following our expenditure of funds on a particular project, which could affect our liquidity and financial position.

Current wording

Inability to recover excess costs, obtain additional financing when or if needed on reasonable terms or complete the project in a timely manner, could adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations. Further, our revenues and cash flows may not increase immediately following our expenditure of funds on a particular project or in the period during which the expenditure occurs, which could affect our liquidity and financial position.

Previous wording

Some of our current long-term goals include MGE's targeting of net‐zero carbon electricity by 2050 and MGE's Energy 2030 framework, which describes our plan for growth in renewables generation. MGE is working to achieve a more sustainable energy future using cost‐effective renewable generation and storage technologies. Management established these goals in conjunction with our board of directors based upon a number of different internal and external factors that characterize and influence our current and expected future activities. These long-term goals are based on certain assumptions regarding the timing, scope, and relative costs of technological advancements, including generation, storage and energy use technologies; levels of customer participation in programs and partnerships, which will be critical to the achievement of the goals; our ability to transition or displace existing coal-fired resources; our ability to complete renewable generation and storage projects in a timely manner and within approved budgets; our ability to obtain recovery of costs in rates; and our ability to obtain the necessary permits or licenses for such projects. These assumptions may differ materially from actual future results. Accordingly, we may not achieve our stated long-term goals in the timeframe projected or at all.

Current wording

Some of our current long-term goals include MGE's target of net‐zero carbon electricity by 2050 and MGE's Energy 2030 framework, which describes our plan for growth in renewables generation. MGE is working to achieve a more sustainable energy future using cost‐effective renewable generation and storage technologies. Management established these goals in conjunction with our board of directors based upon a number of different internal and external factors that characterize and influence our current and expected future activities. These long-term goals are based on certain assumptions regarding the timing, scope, and relative costs of technological advancements, including generation, storage and energy use technologies; levels of customer participation in programs and partnerships; our ability to transition away from or displace existing coal-fired resources; our ability to complete renewable generation and storage projects in a timely manner and within approved budgets; our ability to obtain recovery of costs in rates; and our ability to obtain the necessary permits or licenses for such projects. These assumptions may differ materially from actual future developments. Accordingly, we may not achieve our stated long-term goals in the timeframe projected or at all.

Previous wording

We must attract, train, and retain a workforce to meet current and future needs. Events such as an aging workforce without sufficient replacement workers, mismatch of skill sets to future needs, labor market conditions, evolving employee culture expectations, or unavailability of contract resources may lead to operating challenges and increased costs. Some of the challenges include lack of resources, loss of knowledge, and time required for replacement employees to develop necessary skills. Failure to identify qualified replacement employees could increase costs as a result of decreased productivity and increased safety incidents. If we are unable to attract and retain an appropriately qualified workforce, our operations could be negatively affected. We are also subject to multiple collective bargaining agreements covering approximately 314 employees. Future negotiation of these collective bargaining agreements could lead to work stoppages or other disruptions to our operations, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

Because we operate in an industry that requires employees with specialized technical skills, we must attract, train, and retain a specialized workforce to meet current and future needs. Events such as an aging workforce without sufficient replacement workers, mismatch of skill sets to future needs, labor market conditions, evolving employee culture expectations, or unavailability of contract resources may lead to operating challenges and increased costs. Some of the challenges include lack of resources, loss of knowledge, and time required for replacement employees to develop necessary skills. Failure to identify qualified replacement employees could increase costs as a result of decreased productivity and increased safety incidents. If we are unable to attract and retain an appropriately qualified workforce, our operations could be negatively affected. We are also subject to multiple collective bargaining agreements covering approximately 318 employees as of December 31, 2025. Future negotiation of these collective bargaining agreements could lead to work stoppages or other disruptions to our operations, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

Prevailing interest rates affect our assessment and determination of discount rates and are a key assumption in the determination of the costs and funding of our defined benefit pension plans. Changes in rates may impact the amount of expense and timing of contributions to those plans. The performance of the capital markets affects the values of the assets that are held in trust to satisfy the future obligations under our pension and postretirement benefit plans. We have significant obligations in these areas and hold significant assets in these trusts. A decline in the market value of those assets may increase our current and longer-term funding requirements for these obligations. Changes in the value of trust fund assets may affect the level of required contributions to these trusts to meet benefit obligations. Reduced benefit plan assets could result in increased benefit costs in future years and may increase the amount and accelerate the timing of required future funding contributions.

Current wording

Prevailing interest rates affect our assessment and determination of discount rates and are a key assumption in the determination of the costs and funding of our defined benefit pension plans. Changes in rates may impact the amount of expense and timing of contributions to those plans. The performance of the capital markets affects the values of the assets that are held in trust to satisfy the future obligations under our pension and postretirement benefit plans. We have significant obligations in these areas and hold significant assets in these trusts. A decline in the market value of trust fund assets may increase our current and longer-term funding requirements by increasing the level of contributions required to meet benefit obligations. In addition, changes in workforce demographics, retirement patterns, life expectancy, or eligibility requirements for Social Security or Medicare could increase benefit costs and funding requirements for our pension and postretirement benefit plans.

Previous wording

MGE Energy is a holding company, with no operations of its own, and its ability to pay dividends on our common stock is dependent on the earnings and cash flows of operating subsidiaries and their ability to pay upstream dividends or to repay funds to MGE Energy. Our subsidiaries have financial obligations that must be satisfied before funding MGE Energy. These obligations include debt service and obligations to trade creditors, among others. Our subsidiaries are also subject to contractual and regulatory restrictions on the payment of dividends.

Current wording

MGE Energy is a holding company, with no operations of its own, and its ability to pay dividends on our common stock is dependent on the earnings and cash flows of operating subsidiaries and their ability to pay upstream dividends or to repay funds to MGE Energy. Our subsidiaries have financial obligations that must be satisfied before funding MGE Energy. These obligations include debt service and obligations to trade creditors, among others. Our subsidiaries are also subject to contractual and regulatory restrictions that may limit or impair their ability to pay dividends to MGE Energy. Certain regulatory orders impose conditions on dividend payments based on specified financial metrics or capital structure requirements, which could restrict the amount or timing of dividends paid to MGE Energy.