Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) along with its Partnering Sponsors – Maier Tree & Lawn, Rochester Parks & Recreation, Sargent’s Gardens, and Jim Whiting Nursery & Garden announce a Free Arbor Day Tree Giveaway on April 30^th.

Over 800 burr oak seedlings will be handed out at the tree giveaway, while supplies last.

The tree giveaway will be a drive-thru event on April 30^th from 11am-1pm at Three Links- Silver Lake Park located at 840 7th St NE in Rochester. Staff from the sponsor organizations and the city of Rochester will be handing out tree seedlings, along with a proclamation reading from Mayor Kim Norton at 11am. Please wear a mask when you drive up to receive your tree seedling.

RPU usually hosts an annual Arbor Day Celebration, but due to Covid-19 restrictions and to ensure safety for RPU staff, sponsor staff, and the community, the celebration event was canceled this year.

For more information on the Arbor Day Tree Giveaway, visit the RPU website at www.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 56,000 customers.  Water customers number more than 40,000.  RPU continually investigates innovative technologies to help customers realize the best value from the services they receive.  Current initiatives include photovoltaic offerings, wind energy, energy and water efficient equipment, and electric vehicle charging.

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April 5, 2021 – ROCHESTER, MN – Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) announces the Neighbors Chipping In Program, a voluntary, ongoing fundraising program to benefit RPU customers in need of help. It allows RPU customers to help other RPU customers by agreeing to have their monthly utility bill “rounded up” to the next whole dollar or by an amount of their choosing.

“There has been a growing need in the Rochester community for resources and support with paying utility bills. We wanted to customize a program that would provide the assistance needed, as well as, leverage our existing local resources and partnerships,” said Krista Boston, RPU Director of Customer Relations.

Customers interested in participating in this new program can donate two ways. One, they can choose to have their monthly total bill rounded up to the nearest dollar each month. Or two, they can pick a fixed amount (e.g. $5, $10, or any dollar amount of their choosing). The rounded up amount or fixed amount will then appear on their monthly utility bill.

RPU is collaborating with Three Rivers Community Action to allocate the collected funds to customers who qualify and already participate in the Energy Assistance Program. When there are not enough EAP funds available, Neighbors Chipping In will help supplement the need within our community.

If you are interested in signing up, please visit the RPU website and click the Neighbors Chipping In link under Residential Programs.

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 56,000 customers.  Water customers number more than 40,000.  RPU continually investigates innovative technologies to help customers realize the best value from the services they receive.  Current initiatives include photovoltaic offerings, wind energy, energy and water efficient equipment, and electric vehicle charging.

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