Rochester Public Utilities | Blog

Archive for November, 2015

RPU warns of utility scams

Tuesday, November 10th, 2015

Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) has heard from customers that scam calls are being made to some RPU customers. RPU staff has collected information regarding the scam from customers to share with all RPU customers and the Rochester community.

The Scam- The caller says that they are a representative from your utility company (sometimes they do not even name RPU) and that you are past due. They say that if payment isn’t paid over the phone, then you will be disconnected. Be aware though, that sophisticated technology and newer phone systems make it look like they are calling from RPU’s customer service phone number (507.280.1500).

Payment Method Requested- The caller usually will require you to purchase a pre-paid debit card and to provide the number of the card over the phone. Sometimes a credit card over the phone will be requested. Payments from a pre-paid debit card cannot be reversed.

Identifying a Scam- RPU will never request bank or secure personal information from you over the phone unless you ask to discuss your account. The RPU representative will then ask for information to identify who you are.

What to do if you receive a scam call

–          If someone calls threatening to cut off your power if you don’t pay, hang up.

–          Call RPU at 507.280.1500 to report the scam.

–          Never give personal or financial information to an unknown caller.

–          Remember that RPU will never use threatening language or make forceful demands for payment.
If you ever feel pressured or feel that something is not right, hang up and call RPU directly 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 50,000 customers.  Water customers number more than 37,000.  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.

 

 

 

###

RPU may have a check for you!

Friday, November 6th, 2015

The unclaimed check may be from a credit on your account or a rebate check that has not been cashed. These funds must be claimed soon or, by state law, the funds will be paid to the State of Minnesota. To see if you have unclaimed funds with RPU,  click here to see the most updated list.

Make sure to have a recent RPU bill available to reference your Business Partner Number.

If you see your Business Partner Number listed, contact RPU at 507.280.1500.

Center for Energy and Environment and Neighborhood Energy Challenge partners Honored with Rochester Energy Commission Community Partnership Award

Friday, November 6th, 2015

IMG_5708
Pictured l-r- Greg Ernst, Stacy Boots Camp (CEE), Rory Lenton (MER), Stephanie Humphrey (RPU)

For Release November 5, 2015

Media: Tim Hanrahan, 612-244-2419, thanrahan@mncee.org

NEWS RELEASE

Center for Energy and Environment and Neighborhood Energy Challenge partners Honored with Rochester Energy Commission Community Partnership Award

November 5, 2015, Minneapolis — The Rochester Neighborhood Energy Challenge was recognized this week with a Community Partnership award from the Rochester Energy Commission. Center for Energy Environment shares the honor with its program partners Minnesota Energy Resources, Rochester Public Utilities (RPU), and energy audit contractor G.A. Ernst & Associates, Inc.

“Collaboration is crucial for our work,” explains Stacy Boots Camp, CEE’s outreach coordinator. “The Neighborhood Energy Challenge Program wouldn’t be possible without administrative coordination, clear communication, technical expertise, financial backing, and more. Each shared effort contributes to the program’s overall success, leading to a triple payoff for Rochester residents — homes with lower energy bills that are also more comfortable and easier on our environment.”

The sustainable community awards were presented by Rochester’s Committee on Urban Design and Environment, a group within the Energy Commission that focuses on efforts contributing to Rochester’s environmental and aesthetic enhancement. Attendees for the Tuesday morning breakfast ceremony at the Mayo Civic Center included Rochester Mayor Ardell Brede, several city council members, and local media. The full 2015 awardee list, by category:

  • Commercial: Olmsted Medical Group — Health Pavilion
  • Community Site Enhancement: Farmer’s Market Mural
  • Rehabilitation: Forager — 1005 6th Street NW
  • Energy Updates and Renewable Energy: Assisi Heights
  • Community Partnership: Rochester Neighborhood Energy Challenge Program
  • New Building — Public: Transit Operations Center
  • Education: Cascade Meadows Wetlands and Environmental Science Center

In addition to its work with Neighborhood Energy Challenge and other regional programs, CEE is an active partner in Rochester’s community and energy development. At the request of the Destination Medical Center (DMC) Corporation’s board of directors, The McKnight Foundation engaged CEE this year to provide recommendations to advance the DMC’s energy and climate goals, coordinate energy infrastructure strategies and operating principles, and identify metrics by which various benefits can be measured.

About Rochester Neighborhood Energy Challenge

Neighborhood Energy Challenge is a full-service residential energy audit program that includes a free home energy workshop, a home visit and installation of energy-saving materials, and help with additional steps for energy efficiency as needed. If the home visit discovers opportunities for additional savings by improving insulation, attic air sealing, or replacing old heating equipment, the program can also help connect homeowners to qualified contractors, financing, incentives, and rebates. The first step toward a home energy audit is to sign up for the next free workshop:

Rochester Homeowners “Saving Energy 101” Workshop

Monday, November 16, 2015, 6:30 pm

Bamber Valley Elementary School

2001 Bamber Valley Rd SW

For more info, visit www.rpu.org/your-home/rebates-programs/energy-audits.html.

About Center for Energy and Environment

The Center for Energy and Environment is a Minnesota nonprofit that promotes energy efficiency to strengthen the economy while improving the environment. For over 35 years, CEE has provided a range of practical and cost-effective programs to help Minnesota homeowners, businesses, nonprofits and governments reduce energy waste and save money. Online at mncee.org.

“Be Bright” Campaign information

Wednesday, November 4th, 2015

 

 

MNS1007_poster_v1_17x11_UTIL:Layout 1.qxd

 

Be Bright this fall!  Through December 31, while supplies last, our residential electric customers are eligible for reduced pricing on ENERGY STAR® qualified LED light bulbs.  We’ve partnered with the participating retailers listed below to offer discounted LED bulbs.

ENERGY STAR-labeled LEDs use 80% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent light bulbs – but less watts doesn’t mean less light!   LEDs produce bright light for less cost because they use less electricity and last longer than incandescent and compact fluorescent bulbs – saving time and money on replacements.

By replacing the five most used bulbs in your home with energy-efficient LEDs, you can save about $40 in energy costs during the first year alone.  LEDs also produce less heat than incandescents – improving safety.

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

Remember, supplies are limited, so get your discounted LEDs before they sell out!

List of Rochester retailers

ARROW ACE HARDWARE
10 17TH AVE SW

ARROW ACE HARDWARE
905 37th ST NW

ARROW ACE HARDWARE
1500 NORTH BROADWAY

ARROW ACE HARDWARE
1201 SOUTH BROADWAY

BATTERIES + BULBS
2950 41st St NW

HOME DEPOT
3050 41ST ST NW

HY-VEE
500 Crossroads Dr SW

LOWES
4550 Maine Ave SE

MENARDS
3000 S BROADWAY

MENARDS
5150 HWY 52 N

SAM’S CLUB
3410 55th St NW

TARGET
3827 Marketplace Dr NW

TARGET
4611 Maine Ave SE

WALMART
25 25TH ST SE

WALMART
3400 55TH ST NW