Rochester Public Utilities | Blog

Archive for September, 2009

Learn more about residential energy audits by viewing the new energy audit video online!

Wednesday, September 9th, 2009

View energy audit video

Learn about residential energy audits by viewing our energy audit video online! The video covers everything you can expect during an audit and why it can be important to your energy savings.

RPU to Study Water Conservation Rates

Tuesday, September 1st, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 1, 2009

CONTACT:        Tony Benson

                        Communications Coordinator

                        507-280-1534

                        tbenson@rpu.org

 

RPU to Study Water Conservation Rates

 

 

ROCHESTER, MN— RPU is currently conducting a study to implement water conservation rates. Conservation rates are put into place to encourage people to use water wisely.  The focus of the study will be on residential customers and creating an equitable manner to provide water for purposes of sustaining health and welfare benefits, at the same time discouraging wasteful use of water. 

 

In addition to establishing the water conservation rates, the study will provide guidance on educational programs to help customers reduce water consumption and rebate programs to replace inefficient water appliances.  Recently, RPU has partnered with Olmsted County to provide a rain barrels to residents to be used for gardening and lawn applications.  Programs like this will be introduced for consideration for the future conservation program.

 

“Communities throughout Minnesota have been implementing water conservation rates due to the legislature requiring conservation rates,” said Jerry Williams, RPU Board President.  “RPU is implementing the water conservation rates not only because it is the law but because it aligns with one of RPU’s core values of stewardship.”

 

For a complete background on the new water conservation rates, please reference Minnesota Statutes section 103G.291 subd. 3 and 4.

 

The first presentation of the water conservation study and proposed rate structures will be held at the September 29, 2009, RPU Board Meeting.  The meetings are at 4:00 pm at the RPU Service Center and are open to the public.

           

 

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.

 

###

A Message from Rochester Public Utilities’ General Manager

Tuesday, September 1st, 2009

RPU 2010 Budget Schedule Established


RPU General Manager Larry Koshire

 

The RPU Board established the upcoming budget/operating plan and rate schedule at the August 25, 2009 meeting.  We recognize that 2010 will be challenging year for our customers and for us as the economy continues to be slow in recovery.  With the continued goal of no overall rate increases to our customers we have been challenged to reduce costs while maintaining safety, reliability and our long term strategic plans.

As always, throughout the budget and rate setting process, our customers and stakeholders will have opportunity to provide input to the RPU Board.  This year we will also be looking into establishing water conservation rates in order to be better stewards of one of our most precious commodities. 

The upcoming schedule to address the budget and rates is:

                Presentation on proposed water conservation rates                       September 29, 2009

                Presentation of the preliminary 2010 operating plan                      October 27, 2009

                Board approval of 2010 operating plan                                           November 10, 2009

                Adoption of the 2010 operating by Council                                     November 16, 2009

 

RPU is a community owned utility, which means our customers are also our owners.  By working with you to conserve both water and energy and looking for more ways to reduce costs, we will all benefit by holding down rate increases.

 

 Sincerely,

Larry Koshire
General Manager