Rochester Public Utilities | Blog

Archive for March, 2013

Neighborhood Energy Challenge Program Receives National Honor

Thursday, March 28th, 2013

Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) is pleased to announce that the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), a nonprofit research group based in Washington, D.C., has recognized the Neighborhood Energy Challenge as an “exemplary program” as part of a national awards program to honor America’s leading energy efficiency programs. The Neighborhood Energy Challenge is a partnership between RPU, Minnesota Energy Resources, and the Center for Energy and Environment to promote energy efficiency to homeowners in Rochester, MN.

Programs selected for this honor were judged to be especially noteworthy for their effectiveness and innovation in helping customers achieve greater levels of energy efficiency in their homes, businesses, and industries. “These programs are delivering energy savings that are critical in helping customers reduce their energy costs, plus they make an important environmental contribution by reducing pollution from the use of fossil fuels,” noted ACEEE Utilities Program director Dan York, Ph.D.

“ACEEE conducted this national review to recognize outstanding energy efficiency programs and honor the people and organizations responsible for their success,” explained Seth Nowak, ACEEE’s lead analyst on this review. He added: “Programs such as the Neighborhood Energy Challenge demonstrate the very real value of energy efficiency to the customers.”

Over the course of the past 30 months, the Neighborhood Energy Challenge has hosted 24 workshops and introduced energy efficiency to nearly 1,100 Rochester residents. In addition, over 800 customers have signed up for an energy audit of their home.

For a full listing of honored programs, see: http://aceee.org/press/2013/03/aceee-recognizes-exemplary-energy-ef

For more information about the awards or ACEEE, contact Dan York, ACEEE Utilities Program Director at dwyork@aceee.org.  

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Tree trimming location

Tuesday, March 5th, 2013

RPU has a regular tree trimming cycle to manage and maintain tree clearance for overhead lines in Rochester. The map below shows where crews will be starting on Friday, March 8. Depending on the location, it may take several weeks for the crews to adequately trim back and remove vegitation.


Click image to enlarge