The RPU Board Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, November 13^th has been moved to Tuesday, November 20^th. The agenda will be dedicated to the 2019 budget, which includes the proposed rate adjustments for 2019 for both electric and water.

The November 20^th meeting will be held at the usual time of 4pm in the RPU Board Room at the RPU Service Center. All RPU Board Meetings are open to the public and allow for public comment at the beginning of each meeting.

For more information regarding RPU Board Meetings, contact Tony Benson at 507.280.1534.

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 54,000 customers. Water customers number more than 40,000. RPU continually investigates innovative technologies to help customers realize the best value from the services they receive. Current initiatives include photovoltaic offerings, wind energy, energy and water efficient equipment, and electric vehicle charging.

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October 30, 2018 RPU Board Meeting

2019 Budget Presentation

Board Study Session Rate Structure Presentation

The Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) Board approved the 2014 budget including a rate increase of 3% in the electric utility and 1.5% in the water utility. The last electric rate increase was in 2009 and the last water rate increase was in 2007. The 2014 budget will require final approval from the City Council. If final approval is given, the budgets and rate increases will take effect on January 1, 2014.  

“The RPU Board considered numerous budget scenarios, but settled on the one that they felt would best serve all of the RPU customers in 2014,” said general manager Larry Koshire.

With the rate increases applied, an average residential bill will increase $2.34 per month for electric service and $0.17 per month for water service. RPU can assist customers to help lower their electric and water usage through RPU’s Conserve & Save® rebate program for purchases of qualifying efficient equipment.

Final budget approval will be requested from the Rochester City Council on November 18 at 7 p.m.

For more information on RPU or the 2014 budget, please contact Tony Benson at 507-280-1534 or email at tbenson@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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The Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) board approved the 2013 budget, with no rate increase for either the water or electric utility, as presented by staff at the October 30 meeting. This marks the fourth straight year without a rate increase for the electric utility and sixth straight year without a general rate increase for the water utility.

RPU is committed to being fiscally sound during the continued tough economic times. However, keeping budget levels flat over the last three years has proven to be challenging due to increased operating costs.

In order to sustain the reductions from the 2011 and 2012 budgets, RPU staff has worked diligently to ensure that reductions were made in places that will not compromise core components of RPU’s business. Some of the significant business drivers for the electric utility in 2013 include:

·         Commitment to community to maintain rates during continuing slow economic times while supporting our mission statement and strategic initiatives;

·         Continue at approved staffing levels, holding some positions open for evaluation;

·         SMMPA’s Board approved rates with no increase for 2013, SMMPA, continues to be a significant operating expense at approximately $88 million or about 68% of our operating costs;

·         Lack of demand and low prices in the MISO market have allowed RPU to project purchases at a low cost. However, sales into the market are projected to be low;

·         Achieving our energy conservation goals through continued work with residential and commercial customers; and

·         Continuing our participation in CAPX 2020 initiative to expand the electric transmission grid to ensure reliable and affordable service.

Significant business drivers for the water utility include:

·         Continued water conservation programs and education;

·         New reservoir to be constructed in 2013 and 2014

Final budget approval will come from the Rochester City Council on November 19 at 7 p.m.

For more information on RPU or the 2013 budget, please contact Tony Benson at 507-280-1534 or email at tbenson@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 47,000 customers.  Water customers number more than 36,000.  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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