Rochester Public Utilities | Blog

Archive for March, 2016

RPU’s Arbor Day Celebration!

Wednesday, March 30th, 2016

RPU_AD16_FBPost

Mark this on your calendar today!

Click here for full event details!

RPU preparing for possible snow storm

Wednesday, March 23rd, 2016

Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) is preparing for significant snow storms forecasted to be in the Rochester area this afternoon into tomorrow. All necessary RPU staff are preparing to support electric and water operations in the event of a large snow storm. RPU is always prepared for emergency and outage situations.

In the event of the snow storm knocking down trees, tree limbs, or overhead power lines, do not go near the downed lines and call RPU’s outage line at 507.280.9191 immediately.

View RPU’s outage map at www.rpu.org and follow RPU outage updates on Twitter @rpuoutages.

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.

 

 

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Lake Zumbro Spring and Summer Pool

Wednesday, March 9th, 2016

Due to warmer weather and heavy runoff, the level of Lake Zumbro is currently above normal summer pool elevation. 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 maintained at normal summer pool (914.5 MSL) 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 occasional 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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RPU may have a check for you!

Friday, March 4th, 2016

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.