Rochester Public Utilities | Blog

Archive for the ‘Utility Board’ Category

Solar agreement for 10 MW solar farm

Wednesday, November 27th, 2019

At Tuesday’s RPU Board Meeting, the board approved an agreement for a 10 megawatt (MW) solar farm to be built locally from which RPU would buy the energy output from.

The impact to RPU customers once the solar farm goes commercial in late 2021 would be approximately $0.47 per month to an average residential customer.

This agreement will be on the December 2, 2019 Rochester City Council Meeting Agenda for final approval. If you have questions or comments, please reach out to your City Council Member or attend the December 2 meeting.

For more details, please visit the Rochester City Council web page.

2020 Rate Change Notification

Wednesday, November 6th, 2019

RPU Board selects 100% renewable energy by 2030 scenarios

Tuesday, July 23rd, 2019

The Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) Utility Board selected two Resource Plan scenarios that include 100% renewable energy by 2030 at the July 23rd RPU Utility Board Meeting.

After a presentation of scenario options and costs of varying renewable energy levels and resources, the RPU Utility Board voted unanimously to direct staff to further pursue two 100% renewable scenarios, one including a peaking generator and one involving battery storage.

This historic vote comes after significant engagement with Rochester citizens, along with many hours of work and research by RPU staff.

“RPU prides itself on its commitment to work with the Rochester community and to be good stewards of resources. Today’s decision to go to 100% renewable energy by 2030 is a testament to the commitment by  RPU Board, RPU staff, and Rochester citizens working together to find the best outcome for all,” said RPU General Manager Mark Kotschevar.

Rochester joins the cities of St. Paul, Minneapolis, and St. Louis Park as Minnesota cities committed to 100% renewable energy.

The Resource Plan scenarios selected call for RPU to meet all of its energy needs through 100% renewable energy sources and remaining capacity requirements with either a new 220 megawatt natural gas powered facility or battery storage.

The Resource Plan presentation is available on the RPU website at www.rpu.org. For additional questions, 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 55,000 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 Board to discuss and select Resource Plan scenario for Rochester’s energy future

Monday, July 22nd, 2019

The Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) Utility Board will discuss and select a scenario for Rochester’s energy needs beyond 2030 at its July 23rd meeting.

Burns & McDonnell Engineering Company Inc. will present scenarios to the RPU Board showing different energy mix scenarios for RPU after 2030, when RPU’s contract with Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (SMMPA) concludes. Scenarios will include an array of different energy mixes including a 100% renewable energy option.

Minnesota cities that currently have chosen a 100% renewable energy direction include St. Paul, Minneapolis, and St. Louis Park.

All RPU Utility Board Meetings are open to the public. The July 23rd meeting will be held in the RPU Community Room at the RPU Service Center and will begin promptly at 4pm.

After the presentation of the Resource Plan, it will be made available on the RPU website at www.rpu.org. For additional questions, 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 55,000 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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July RPU Board Meeting Date Changed to July 23rd

Monday, July 1st, 2019

The RPU Board Meeting for July has been moved to July 23rd. Time and location remain the same. https://www.rpu.org/about-rpu/board-meetings-minutes.php