June 10, 2024—Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) in conjunction with West Side Solar Partners LLC proudly announces that the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources has designated the solar installation on Valleyhigh Drive as a Minnesota Habitat Friendly Solar Project. This recognition underscores RPU’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

The Minnesota Habitat Friendly Solar Standard, established by the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, acknowledges projects that demonstrate significant benefits to local ecosystems, particularly gamebirds, songbirds, and pollinators. The Valleyhigh Drive site has met and exceeded these standards, contributing positively to the region’s biodiversity.

To ensure ongoing compliance with the standard, project owners or managers are required to submit an assessment form for established projects at the end of the third year of vegetation establishment, with subsequent assessments every three years thereafter.

“We are honored to receive this designation from the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources. As we were working on the Valleyhigh Solar project and establishing the 71 acres to accommodate 10 megawatts of solar energy, we also had plans to ensure we were good stewards of the land and environment,” said RPU General Manager Tim McCollough.

For more information about Rochester Public Utilities and its environmental stewardship efforts, please visit www.rpu.org.

About Rochester Public Utilities

As the municipal utility of Rochester, Minn., for more than 120 years, RPU has provided high-quality and reliable electricity to over 59,000 customers. Water customers number more than 42,000. RPU is governed by a five-member Utility Board and the Rochester City Council. 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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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.

The Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) Utility Board selected two Resource Plan scenarios that include 100% renewable energy by 2030 at the July 23^rd 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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The Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) Utility Board will discuss and select a scenario for Rochester’s energy needs beyond 2030 at its July 23^rd 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 23^rd 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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