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Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) Announces Appointment of Tim McCollough as General Manager

Tuesday, May 16th, 2023

May 16, 2023– ROCHESTER, MINN. – The RPU Board has announced the appointment of Tim McCollough as the incoming General Manager for RPU.  Mark Kotschevar, who started with RPU in 1981 and has led RPU since May 1, 2014 and will retire with 42 years of service to the community.  McCollough is anticipated to start July 31, 2023.

McCollough most recently served as the President and Chief Executive Officer for Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative. Prior to serving Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative, he was the Deputy Director of Light and Power Utilities for the City of Fort Collins. McCollough started his career at MidAmerican Energy Company, holding several roles before transitioning to City of Ames Electric where he served as a Power Plant Engineer, Electric Services Operations Superintendent, and Electric Distribution Manager. Tim has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Iowa State University.

“We were pleased to have many qualified candidates apply for the General Manager position, and Tim stood out in several ways. His impressive work history at multiple utilities will bring new insights and best practices to RPU. The utility industry is undergoing rapid change, and his emphasis on continuous improvement and partnering with others for success will allow RPU to continue to set the standard for service.  Finally, his empathetic leadership style with a focus on employee well-being and customer service is integral to our community values and the culture of a hometown utility. We look forward to Tim joining our team,” shares Melissa Johnson, President of the RPU Board.

Key focus areas of the role include:

  • Lead and implement a strategic vision and plan for RPU in collaboration with and under the direction of the RPU Board.
  • Oversee long term infrastructure planning including generation capacity, amount of purchased power, transmission facilities, electric distribution system, well water capacity, water storage facilities and water distribution system.
  • Lead RPU operations in a manner that results in high customer service satisfaction levels, leveraging of resources, and continuous improvement.
  • Serve as an RPU and City representative explaining and discussing views, interests and policies to the RPU Board; City Council; state and national organizations
  • Provide sound fiscal management of RPU budgets and finances.

McCollough highlights, “I am thrilled to join RPU as the next General Manager. I am deeply impressed by the vision and forward-thinking approach that RPU embodies. The opportunity to engage with the Board of Directors and the employee team during the recruitment process has solidified my belief that RPU and the community are comprised of exceptional individuals who are dedicated to serving the well-being of the community with the utmost professionalism and integrity. Together, we will navigate the evolving challenges in the utility industry and continue to provide the highest level of service to the community of Rochester. I look forward to bringing my family to join the community soon.”

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Public Hearing Notice

Tuesday, January 10th, 2023

Consideration of Standards for Demand-Response Practices and Electric Vehicle Charging Programs public hearing on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 beginning at 5:00 PM in the RPU Community Room.

https://www.rpu.org/about-rpu/purpa-standards.php

2023 Recommended Budget Presentation

Thursday, August 11th, 2022

Click here for the 2023 Recommended Budget Presentation from the August 10th Special RPU Board Meeting.

All eligible RPU residential water service customers to be enrolled into RPU’s Service Assured® Water Service Repair Coverage Program on January 1

Tuesday, December 28th, 2021

Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) will transition all eligible residential water service customers into RPU’s Service Assured® Water Service Repair Coverage Program starting on January 1, 2022.

RPU’s Service Assured® Water Service Repair Coverage Program protects homeowners from costly water service repairs in the event that the service has a failure due to old age, improper installation, corrosion, freezing, or valve failure.

The expansion was approved as a part of RPU’s and the City of Rochester’s 2022 budget process. All eligible RPU residential water customers that are not already enrolled in the program will automatically be added and billed $1.99 per month. 

With this new expanded program, RPU will be able to quickly address costly water service repairs with no hassle or worry to customers.

Any customers wishing to not receive the Service Assured® Water protection may opt out of the program by calling RPU Customer Care at 507-280-1500 or by visiting www.rpu.org to complete and submit an opt-out form. However, those customers choosing to opt-out will not be allowed back on the program for 12 months, even if a costly repair is needed. Any repair will be at the customer’s expense if you are not enrolled in the program.

Service Assured® Electric coverage will continue to be an opt-in coverage for underground residential electric service protection. For additional information on RPU’s Service Assured® Underground Service Repair Coverage, please visit 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 56,000 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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RPU Proposed Rate Increase for 2022

Wednesday, September 1st, 2021

On August 31 2021, the RPU Utility Board directed staff to give public notice of the proposed increase to general electric rates and general water rates for 2022 by 2.5% (3.5% for residential electric customers) in the paper of record. 

Changes in the electric rates will result in an average monthly increase of $2.29 for the average residential customer.

Changes in the water rates will result in an increase of $0.57 for the average residential water customer. 

Public comment on the proposed rates will be taken at the September 28, 2021, and October 26, 2021 RPU Board Meetings prior to the Board voting on the proposed budget and rate increase. If approved, the Board will recommend approval by the City Council which is currently scheduled on December 6, 2021.

Please contact Tony Benson at 507-280-1534 or email at tbenson@rpu.org.

See full notification below: