Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) is alerting customers that are still without power, that the outage could possibly go into the weekend.

The strong winds and rain from last night’s storm knocked over trees and blew branches into power lines across the city. The damage is extensive and the outages are widespread.

Contractors that were working today with RPU crews will be extending their time to help with the restoration effort and RPU crews will be working around the clock to restore power. A mutual aid call has been made to local and regional utilities asking for restoration assistance. RPU will also have additional people on the phones Friday night and into the weekend to answer customer calls.

If customers are without power or are on life support equipment, RPU encourages them to call and give their location, if they have not already done so that their outage can be documented and attended to. Customers are also strongly encouraged to contact RPU if they see any energized wires down or fire caused by power lines. Contact RPU immediately at 507-280-1500 if there is any sign of danger.

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.

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Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) is warning customers and cleanup crews about the electrical dangers associated with storm clean up.

The overnight storms caused a large amount of damage to trees in the community, which proved to be the cause of many of the power outages. Hazards such as down power lines, energized tree branches or poles may exist in, or under the debris. Use extreme caution when uncovering and picking up debris. Additionally, when entering a cleanup area, wear safety equipment including a hard hat and safety gloves. Always survey the area before entering it, including the overhead area for hanging tree limbs on power lines.

If customers or cleanup crews have any concerns or questions about a cleanup area, do not enter the area and contact RPU immediately at 507-280-1500.

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.

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Crews have been working around the clock since 9:30 p.m. Thursday night and will continue rotating through shifts until all customers have power restored. Currently, we still have 1,700 customers without power.

We will be doing system maintenance this weekend from Friday, June 11 at 5:00 p.m through the evening of Sunday, June 13. During this time you will not be able to access your account or make payments online. We apologize for the inconvenience.

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