RPU announces the Neighbors Chipping In Program to help customers in need
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.
###