View the proposed water rate design for all customer rate classes. Public comment will be taken at the October 27 RPU Board Meeting prior to the Board voting on the proposed three-year rate plan and, if approved, recommending approval by the City Council on November 2.
The Rochester Public Utility Board accepted and placed on file a 2015 Update of the RPU Infrastructure Plan that serves as the model for investments and strategies related to the supply of power and energy to the city of Rochester. In a presentation by Mike Borgstadt, Manager of Resource Planning for Burns & McDonnell, an engineering firm from Kansas City Missouri, the Board was presented several options to meet the current demand and future growth within the City of Rochester through 2035.
Highlights from the presentation include;
The plan update was driven by increased coal plant retirements in the region, environmental stewardship and changes in the Midcontinent Independent System Operation distribution market, in which RPU is a member.
The options considered in the study included renewables and conservation, bi-lateral market purchases and natural gas-fired units.
“As part of RPU’s environmental stewardship core value, RPU is laying out this comprehensive update to the infrastructure plan in order to solidify our commitment to being proactive and fiscally responsible with planning for future electric generation,” said Jerry Williams, RPU Board President.
RPU staff recommended a preferred scenario that meets Rochester’s growth and does so economically, reliably and is environmentally responsible.
The infrastructure plan and the update are available to view on the RPU website, www.rpu.org.
About Rochester Public Utilities
As the municipal utility of Rochester, Minn., for more than 110 years, RPU provides high-quality and reliable electricity to over 50,000 customers. Water customers number more than 37,000. RPU continually investigates innovative technologies to help customers realize the best value from the services they receive. Current initiatives include fuel cell research, wind power, and photovoltaic offerings
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Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) has heard from customers that scam calls are being made to some RPU customers. RPU staff has collected information regarding the scam from customers to share with all RPU customers and the Rochester community.
The Scam- A caller usually from a blocked or 800 number says that they are a representative from your utility company (sometimes they do not even name RPU) and that you are past due. They say that if payment isn’t paid over the phone, then you will be disconnected. Be aware though, that sophisticated technology and newer phone systems can mimic the look of an RPU phone number.
Payment Method Requested- The caller usually will require you to purchase a pre-paid debit card and to provide the number of the card over the phone. Sometimes a credit card over the phone will be requested. Payments from a pre-paid debit card cannot be reversed.
Identifying a Scam- RPU will never request bank or secure personal information from you over the phone unless you ask to discuss your account. The RPU representative will then ask for information to identify who you are.
What to do if you receive a scam call
– If someone calls threatening to cut off your power if you don’t pay, hang up.
– Call RPU at 507.280.1500 to report the scam.
– Never give personal or financial information to an unknown caller.
– Remember that RPU will never use threatening language or make forceful demands for payment.
If you ever feel pressured or feel that something is not right, hang up and call RPU directly at 507.280.1500.
About Rochester Public Utilities
As the municipal utility of Rochester, Minn., for more than 110 years, RPU provides high-quality and reliable electricity to over 50,000 customers. Water customers number more than 37,000. RPU continually investigates innovative technologies to help customers realize the best value from the services they receive. Current initiatives include fuel cell research, wind power, and photovoltaic offerings.
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View the Electric Cost of Service Study, which was presented at the July 29, 2014 RPU board meeting. Customers are invited to provide feedback or comment on the study at the August 26 board meeting.
