• Do you want to find ways to lower your energy bills?
• Are you looking for ways to green your lifestyle and improve the environment?
• Would you like to calculate how much energy it takes to run your home’s air conditioning?

If so, subscribe to the Conserve & Save @ Home E-newsletter.  This quarterly non-promotional E-newsletter is geared to our residential customer and focuses on ways that homeowners can improve energy efficiancy and save money.  You will also find articles on new ideas for conserving water, green initiatives, and the latest technology.   

Click here to sign up now!  http://www.myenergytips.com/Register.aspx?accountID=53

Originally Posted:  Tuesday, August 12, 2008

An easy way to save some money through the summer months is to monitor sprinklers and irrigation systems when it rains. Unnecessary watering during rainfalls contributes significantly to reducing our municipal water supply during the summer months. Please turn sprinklers off or set your irrigation system to monitor for precipitation if it looks like it might rain.

RPU water continues to be one of the least expensive water systems in the region, but we are still working hard to preserve our natural resources and to be efficient when we need them.

For more information on water conservation, click on the link below.

water conservation tips

Originally Posted:  Monday, July 21, 2008

July 21, 2008
CONTACT: Tony Benson
Communications Coordinator
507-280-1534
tbenson@rpu.org

ROCHESTER, MN— As the summer days get hotter, RPU wants to remind customers that staying cool and comfortable can still include efficient use of water and electricity.

In an effort to reduce the peak demand greatly due to high air conditioning usage, RPU has energy saving tips to help customers reduce their energy usage and to help reduce strain on infrastructure during hot days this summer.

Electricity saving tips:
– Set your thermostat at 78º F or higher- Avoid using large appliances between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.
– Turn off all unnecessary electric equipment including computers, home electronics, and small appliances
– Minimize the use of unneeded lighting and use natural light instead- Businesses can turn off all unneeded processes, office equipment, and reduce lighting

Water usage is also higher during warm days, but by using water wisely we can better ensure that water will be available for all customers through hot summer days.

Wise water usage tips:

– Water your lawn only when it needs it. If it springs back up when you step on it, it does not need any water. If it stays flat, turn on the sprinkler.
– When you do water your lawn, deep soak it. Water long enough for the moisture to soak down to the roots. A light sprinkling tends to evaporate quickly and can encourage shallow root systems.
– If you have an established lawn, minimize watering. If you have new sod, continue to water, but do so in the early morning hours.
– Water during the cool parts of the day. Early morning waterings are generally better than dusk since they help prevent the growth of fungus.
– Position your sprinklers so water lands on the lawn or garden, not on paved areas or in your gutters. Also, try not to water when it’s windy.

For more information on electricity or water conservation, visit the RPU web site at http://www.rpu.org/.