Rochester Public Utilities | Blog

AU, OPU, and RPU Announce New Refrigerator and Freezer Recycling Program

 

NEWS RELEASE

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date:               April, 18, 2011

Contact:         Tony Benson, RPU

                        507-280-1534

                        tbenson@rpu.org

 

 

AU, OPU, and RPU Announce New Refrigerator and Freezer Recycling Program

 

Rochester, Minn.Austin Utilities (AU), Owatonna Public Utilities (OPU) and Rochester Public Utilities (RPU), announced that their Conserve & Save® Refrigerator and Freezer Recycling Program will be launched April 18 and will continue through October 31, 2011.  The program makes it easy for customers to get rid of un-needed, secondary refrigerators and freezers while rewarding them with a $35 incentive.

“An old refrigerator running in a garage or basement typically costs $100 or more per year in electricity consumption”, says Sara Gimberline, RPU Residential Account Representative. “Our new program makes it easy for customers to get rid of their secondary units and start saving money.  All they have to do is call, and we take care of the rest.  Plus, they get a $35 check to boot.”

To participate in the program, customers can visit their utility’s website or call 1-877-341-2259 to schedule a collection date.  Appliance pickups are typically performed between 7:30 am and 6:00 pm Monday through Saturday.

In order to qualify, the appliance must be a secondary, 10-30 cubic feet unit, in working (cooling) order and be owned by an AU, OPU or RPU residential customer.  The appliance will be removed from the home free of charge at the address listed on the billing account, and the $35 incentive will be mailed within six to eight weeks after pickup.

AU, OPU, and RPU are municipal utilities serving their respective communities in Southeast Minnesota with electric, gas and water service (gas service is not available in Rochester).  Their nine year old marketing partnership builds brand awareness and promotes energy efficiency.  “Conserve & Save” is one way they are “Teaming Up to Save You Money.”