Rochester Public Utilities | Blog

Archive for October, 2012

No rate increase proposed for electric utility for the fourth straight year and sixth straight year for the water utility

Tuesday, October 30th, 2012

Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) staff will present the 2013 budget proposal at Tuesday’s Board meeting with a recommendation of no rate increase for the electric or water utility. This marks the fourth straight year without a rate increase for the electric utility and sixth straight year without a general rate increase for the water utility. The RPU Board will hear the budget proposal at the October board meeting and will take action on the budget at a special board meeting on November 13.

 

“While the economy is beginning to recover in our area the return has been slow and RPU remains committed to keeping rates to our customers stable. Holding the budgets at 2012 levels is only possible because of the dedication of our employees. We will maintain our current budget levels without compromising our core values of safety and reliability in our service,” said RPU general manager Larry Koshire.

 

RPU is committed to being fiscally sound during the continued slow economic times. However, keeping budget levels flat over the last few years has proven to be challenging due to increased operating costs. It is uncertain how long RPU can continue maintain its services without a rate increase.

 

In order to sustain the reductions from the 2011 and 2012 budgets, RPU staff has worked diligently to ensure that reductions were made in places that will not compromise core components of RPU’s business. Some of the significant business drivers for the electric utility in 2013 include:

 

·         Commitment to community to maintain rates during continuing slow economic times while supporting our mission statement and strategic initiatives;

·         Continue at approved staffing levels, holding some positions open for evaluation;

·         SMMPA’s Board approved rates with no increase for the third year , SMMPA, continues to be a significant operating expense at approximately $88 million or about 68% of our operating costs;

·         Lack of demand and low prices in the MISO market have allowed RPU to project purchases at a low cost. However, sales into the market are projected to be low;

·         Achieving our energy conservation goals through continued work with residential and commercial customers; and

·         Continuing our participation in CAPX 2020 initiative to expand the electric transmission grid to ensure reliable and affordable service.

Significant business drivers for the water utility include:

 

·         Continued water conservation programs and education;

·         New reservoir to be constructed in 2013 and 2014; and

 

 

The RPU Board will act on the proposed electric and water budgets at a special November Board Meeting on Tuesday, November 13 at 4 p.m. at the RPU Service Center. Final budget approval will come from the Rochester City Council on November 19 at 7 p.m.

 

For more information on RPU or the proposed 2013 budget, please contact Tony Benson at 507-280-1534 or email at tbenson@rpu.org.

 

 

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.

 

 

 

###

Lake Zumbro Hydro Drawdown Draws Near

Monday, October 15th, 2012

The level of Lake Zumbro is scheduled to be lowered from normal summer pool (Elevation 919.7 dam datum) to the winter pool beginning on or about October 29.

 

The drawdown to winter pool normally takes approximately a week to complete, however it may take longer if unexpected weather conditions arise.

 

During the months of November through March, Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) will attempt to maintain the lake level within the winter pool range of 918.0 – 918.5, which is about 1.5 to 2 feet below the crest of the dam.

 

Real-time lake level information, along with Lake Zumbro hydro updates are available on the RPU web site (www.rpu.org). For additional information regarding the Zumbro Hydroelectric Facility please contact Tony Benson at (507) 280-1534.

 

Tips for lake ice safety:

 

Be extremely careful during winter activities that involve Lake Zumbro such as ice fishing, snowmobiling or just walking out on the frozen lake.

Watch the weather and river flow conditions.

Ice thickness and condition can vary greatly. Be very cautious.

Look out for ice heaves and exposed logs and snags.

Be cautious in the vicinity of the dam. De-icing equipment has been installed along the upstream face of the dam resulting in open water and/or thin ice.

Do not proceed past the warning signs and buoys.

 

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.

 

 

 

###

2012 “Be Bright” ENERGY STAR CFL Rebate Campaign

Wednesday, October 10th, 2012

Be Bright this fall! Starting October 8 and going through December 31, 2012 (or while supplies last), our residential electric customers are eligible for reduced pricing on ENERGY STAR® qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). We’ve partnered with these participating Rochester retailers to offer CFLs for as little as 99 cents each!

·         Arrow Ace Hardware

·         Home Depot

·         Hy-Vee

·         Lowes

·         Menards

·         Mills Fleet Farm

·         Walmart

ENERGY STAR-rated CFLs use 75% less energy and last up to 10 times longer than incandescent light bulbs, but less watts doesn’t mean less light! Today’s CFLs produce bright light at less cost to consumers and businesses because they use less electricity and last longer than incandescent bulbs – saving time and money on replacements.

By replacing the five most used bulbs in your home with energy-efficient CFLs, you can save about $35 in energy costs during the first year alone. CFLs also produce about 75% less heat than incandescent – improving safety.

With the wide range of CFL shapes, sizes and styles now on the market, consumers can find an energy-efficient bulb for every situation and enjoy reduced energy costs all year long.

While these financial savings are a big draw for consumers, CFLs also offer environmental benefits to help make our community a little greener.

Remember, supplies are limited so get your discounted CFLs before they sell out! Discounted CFLs purchased during this promotion are not eligible for our CFL rebate program.