October 7, 2024 – ROCHESTER, MINN. – Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) and 14 other utility companies, all part of Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association (MMUA), will head south to the Kissimmee, FL area in preparation for additional impacts by the forthcoming hurricane. During a gathering today at 1:15 p.m., 35 trucks and crews will meet at RPU (4000 East River Rd NE) for brief remarks and then depart, where they will go to Mount Vernon, IL and arrive in Kissimmee, FL by Wednesday morning.

RPU General Manager Tim McCollough highlights, “In times of crisis, mutual aid is not just a lifeline; it is a testament to the strength of our industry. We stand together, and mutual aid exemplifies our commitment to safety and reliability, allowing us to restore power and serve our customers even in the most challenging circumstances. RPU is proud to be part of MMUA and work alongside the 14 other utility partners.”

RPU and other members of MMUA provide mutual aid in times of need, and in the case communities like Rochester were to experience a crisis, the same aid would be provided from communities like Kissimmee, FL and others.  The network of municipal utilities is especially strong and supportive. 

“The MMUA is very proud to again support mutual aid efforts for the Florida public power utilities during hurricane Milton,” shares Mike Willetts, Director of Training and Safety for MMUA. “The MMUA membership utilities have some of the finest lineworkers in the county, and I want to thank them and their families. I also want to thank the member public power systems, allowing them to make this trip to support the public power electric systems in Florida. We are all praying for their safety with work and travels during this time of emergency”

RPU and other members of MMUA have provided mutual aid assistance during other weather-related events, with one of the most recent being in 2022 in Bartow, FL.

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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 58,000 customers.  Water customers number more than 41,000.  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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