RPU to Study Water Conservation Rates
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 1, 2009
CONTACT: Tony Benson
Communications Coordinator
507-280-1534
tbenson@rpu.org
RPU to Study Water Conservation Rates
ROCHESTER, MN— RPU is currently conducting a study to implement water conservation rates. Conservation rates are put into place to encourage people to use water wisely. The focus of the study will be on residential customers and creating an equitable manner to provide water for purposes of sustaining health and welfare benefits, at the same time discouraging wasteful use of water.
In addition to establishing the water conservation rates, the study will provide guidance on educational programs to help customers reduce water consumption and rebate programs to replace inefficient water appliances. Recently, RPU has partnered with Olmsted County to provide a rain barrels to residents to be used for gardening and lawn applications. Programs like this will be introduced for consideration for the future conservation program.
“Communities throughout Minnesota have been implementing water conservation rates due to the legislature requiring conservation rates,” said Jerry Williams, RPU Board President. “RPU is implementing the water conservation rates not only because it is the law but because it aligns with one of RPU’s core values of stewardship.”
For a complete background on the new water conservation rates, please reference Minnesota Statutes section 103G.291 subd. 3 and 4.
The first presentation of the water conservation study and proposed rate structures will be held at the September 29, 2009, RPU Board Meeting. The meetings are at 4:00 pm at the RPU Service Center and are open to the public.
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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