Rochester Public Utilities | Blog

Archive for April, 2011

9th Annual Arbor Day Celebration to be held on April 29

Monday, April 25th, 2011

9th Annual Arbor Day Celebration to be held on April 29

Public Invited to Celebrate Arbor Day.

 

ROCHESTER, MN— Rochester Public Utilities (RPU), Maier Forest and Tree and Rochester Park and Recreation will host the 9th annual Arbor Day celebration on Friday, April 29 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Central Park in downtown Rochester, MN. 

 

The fun and free community event will feature a variety of activities and displays that will include: A tree giveaway- over 3,000 trees will be handed out from RPU, Maier Forest and Tree, Sargent’s Gardens and Peoples Cooperative Services. A free lunch of hot dogs, corn on the cob, chips, and soda will be provided (while supplies last), along with live music from Paul Mayasich with Benderheads.  Tree experts will be on hand to answer questions on tree planting and care, information on rain barrels and composting will be available, along with other vendor displays. 

 

Children will be able to enjoy Smokey Bear, balloonists, a scavenger hunt, bean bag toss and much more! 

 

At noon, an awards ceremony will honor the Rochester elementary school student that won this year’s Arbor Day poster contest.  This year’s theme was, “Trees are Terrific in All Shapes and Sizes.”  Nathan Eberhart, a second grader at Churchill Elementary, was the grand prize poster contest winner. Nathan will receive a $100 U.S. savings bond, his winning poster will be featured in 2011 advertising, and a tree will be planted in his honor at Churchill Elementary School. 

 

Other sponsors and participants in the Arbor Day event include Hy-Vee, Jim Whiting Nursery and Garden Center, MN Department of Natural Resources, MN Energy, Olmsted County Public Works, Olmsted Soil & Water Conservation District, RNeighborWoods, Rochester Public Works, Seneca Foods Corporation, Zumbro Watershed Partnership, and Zumbro Valley Audubon.

 

In the event of rain, the celebration will be moved to Graham Arena 3 at Rochester Graham Park.

 

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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Re: Recent mailing for water service protection

Wednesday, April 20th, 2011

RPU has been made aware of a recent mailing from a company stating that they are able to offer a protection service for residential water service. This is not, in any way affiliated with RPU.

RPU offers and stands behind it’s own water protection service called Service Assured®. For a low monthly fee of $1.99, you can enjoy convenience, affordability, and peace of mind knowing that your service will be restored at no charge to you if it does break down.

Call RPU or sign up online today!

AU, OPU, and RPU Announce New Refrigerator and Freezer Recycling Program

Monday, April 18th, 2011

 

NEWS RELEASE

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date:               April, 18, 2011

Contact:         Tony Benson, RPU

                        507-280-1534

                        tbenson@rpu.org

 

 

AU, OPU, and RPU Announce New Refrigerator and Freezer Recycling Program

 

Rochester, Minn.Austin Utilities (AU), Owatonna Public Utilities (OPU) and Rochester Public Utilities (RPU), announced that their Conserve & Save® Refrigerator and Freezer Recycling Program will be launched April 18 and will continue through October 31, 2011.  The program makes it easy for customers to get rid of un-needed, secondary refrigerators and freezers while rewarding them with a $35 incentive.

“An old refrigerator running in a garage or basement typically costs $100 or more per year in electricity consumption”, says Sara Gimberline, RPU Residential Account Representative. “Our new program makes it easy for customers to get rid of their secondary units and start saving money.  All they have to do is call, and we take care of the rest.  Plus, they get a $35 check to boot.”

To participate in the program, customers can visit their utility’s website or call 1-877-341-2259 to schedule a collection date.  Appliance pickups are typically performed between 7:30 am and 6:00 pm Monday through Saturday.

In order to qualify, the appliance must be a secondary, 10-30 cubic feet unit, in working (cooling) order and be owned by an AU, OPU or RPU residential customer.  The appliance will be removed from the home free of charge at the address listed on the billing account, and the $35 incentive will be mailed within six to eight weeks after pickup.

AU, OPU, and RPU are municipal utilities serving their respective communities in Southeast Minnesota with electric, gas and water service (gas service is not available in Rochester).  Their nine year old marketing partnership builds brand awareness and promotes energy efficiency.  “Conserve & Save” is one way they are “Teaming Up to Save You Money.”

Lake Zumbro Spring and Summer Pool Level

Monday, April 4th, 2011

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 4, 2011

CONTACT:      Tony Benson

                        Communications Coordinator

                        507-280-1534

                        tbenson@rpu.org

 

 

 

ROCHESTER, MN— Due to heavy runoff the level of Lake Zumbro is currently above normal pool. This condition will persist until river flows in the South and Middle Forks of the Zumbro River fall to less than the hydraulic capacity of the Zumbro Hydroelectric Plant (approximately 800 cubic feet per second). Lake Zumbro will be operated at normal summer pool (919.7 dam datum) throughout the rest of the spring and summer season, to the extent possible. However, the public should be aware that the Zumbro Hydroelectric Plant has extremely limited capacity to pass flood flow, resulting in frequent high water events that exceed normal pool.

Real-time lake level information is available on the RPU web site (www.rpu.org) For additional information regarding the Zumbro Dam and Hydroelectric Facility please contact Tony Benson 280-1534 or Todd Osweiler, 280-1589.

 

 

Tips for safe boating:

 

Watch the weather. Be aware of changing water levels and conditions that would expose logs, snags or cause floating debris. Be cautious when boating in the vicinity of the dam. Do not proceed past the warning signs and buoys. Tell someone where you are going, who is with you, and how long you will be away. Avoid standing, and when changing seats, stay low and near the centerline of your boat. Be ready for trouble when a powerboat passes you in a narrow channel. Maintain a safe operating speed. Always wear approved personal flotation devices (PFD).

 

 

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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