Rochester Public Utilities | Blog

2024 Lake Zumbro Dam Spring and Summer Pool

March 6, 2024- Due to warmer weather, Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) will be slowly restoring the reservoir to the summer pool elevation of 914.5 MSL the week of March 11th.  Lake Zumbro will be maintained at normal summer pool (914.5 MSL) throughout the rest of the spring and summer season, to the extent possible. However, the public should be aware that the Zumbro Hydroelectric Plant has extremely limited capacity to pass flood flow, resulting in occasional high water events that exceed normal pool.

Real-time lake level information is available on the RPU web site (www.rpu.org). For additional information regarding the Zumbro Dam and Hydroelectric Facility please contact Tony Benson 280-1534 or Todd Osweiler, 280-1589.

Tips for safe boating:

Watch the weather. Be aware of changing water levels and conditions that would expose logs, snags or cause floating debris. Be cautious when boating in the vicinity of the dam. Do not proceed past the warning signs and buoys. Tell someone where you are going, who is with you, and how long you will be away. Avoid standing, and when changing seats, stay low and near the centerline of your boat. Be ready for trouble when a powerboat passes you in a narrow channel. Maintain a safe operating speed. Always wear approved personal flotation devices (PFD).

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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Posted: Mar 06, 2024 by Tony B | Comments Off on 2024 Lake Zumbro Dam Spring and Summer Pool

Sixty-Seven Public Power Systems Earn Excellence in Public Power Communications Awards

Sixty-seven public power electric utilities and utility organizations earned Excellence in Public Power Communications Awards from the American Public Power Association. The awards were presented this week at APPA’s Customer Connections Conference in San Antonio, Texas.

The annual awards recognize excellence in communications. The entries are judged in three categories: Print & Digital, Web & Social Media, and Video. Awards were given to those that showed ingenuity and creativity in telling their stories through outstanding copy, design, financial data presentation, graphics, social media engagement, video editing, and web layout and interactivity.

This year’s awards were judged by Jakub Konysz, Founder and CEO, Global Navigators; Steven M. Mandurano, Principal: Marketing, Membership & Communications, Association CMO LLC; and Lidia Varesco Racoma, Brand Strategist & Marketing Designer, Lidia Varesco Design.

The winners are:

Class A: Gross revenues of $400 million or more

Print/Digital

Video

Web/Social Media

Class B: Gross revenues of $200 million-$399,999,999

 Print/Digital

Video

Web/Social Media

Class C: Gross revenues of $75 million-$199,999,999

Print/Digital

Video

Web/Social Media

Class D: Gross revenues of less than $75 million

Print/Digital

Video

Web/Social Media

Posted: Dec 15, 2023 by Tony B | Comments Off on Sixty-Seven Public Power Systems Earn Excellence in Public Power Communications Awards

2023 Lake Zumbro Dam Fall Drawdown

ROCHESTER, MN—The fall drawdown of Lake Zumbro is scheduled to begin on October 29th. The drawdown is necessary for planned maintenance at the hydroelectric facility and shoreline restoration work.  The public should be aware that the drawdown planned for this fall will be substantially greater than normal.  A typical fall drawdown is less than two feet; whereas this year a four foot drawdown will be attempted.  These plans are subject to change depending on rainfall and resulting runoff.  RPU’s drawdown plan is as follows:

The drawdown plan is subject to change depending on weather conditions.

During the months of December through March, Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) will attempt to maintain the lake level at the winter pool of 913.0 MSL.

Real-time lake level information, along with Lake Zumbro hydro updates are available on the RPU web site (www.rpu.org). For additional information regarding the Zumbro Hydroelectric Facility please contact Tony Benson at (507) 280-1534.

Tips for lake ice safety:

Be extremely careful during winter activities that involve Lake Zumbro such as ice fishing, snowmobiling or just walking out on the frozen lake.

Watch the weather and river flow conditions.

Ice thickness and condition can vary greatly. Be very cautious.

Look out for ice heaves and exposed logs and snags.

Be cautious in the vicinity of the dam. De-icing equipment has been installed along the upstream face of the dam resulting in open water and/or thin ice.

Do not proceed past the warning signs and buoys.

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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Posted: Oct 06, 2023 by Tony B | Comments Off on 2023 Lake Zumbro Dam Fall Drawdown

Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) Celebrates Public Power Week, October 1-7

September 29, 2023 – ROCHESTER, MN – Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) is celebrating Public Power Week, Oct. 1-7, along with 2,000 other community-powered, not-for-profit electric utilities that collectively provide electricity to 49 million Americans.

“This year, we are focusing on how RPU is building for the future to ensure reliable, affordable, sustainable, and customer-focused service to our community for many years to come,” said Tim McCollough, RPU General Manager. “That means we’re working hand-in-hand with customers and community leaders to make sure our utility reflects the long-term goals and needs of members of our community.”

“Since we operate right here in Rochester and serve our friends and neighbors, we care a great deal about things like customer service, helping folks save energy and money, providing reliable service, and keeping the community safe,” said McCollough. “We are proud of the work we do in Rochester.”

RPU invites community members to participate in a variety of Public Power Week events.

Activities include:

Follow us on social media as we celebrate the week and tell us what local ownership means to you.

Today, RPU has over 200 employees that continue to serve our community.

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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.

Posted: Sep 29, 2023 by Tony B | Comments Off on Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) Celebrates Public Power Week, October 1-7

Proposed 2024 and 2025 budget and rate increase notification

Click link to access full notification https://cms.cws.net/content/rpu.org/files/RPU_2024Rates_4_97x22_5_proof2.pdf

Posted: Sep 27, 2023 by Tony B | Comments Off on Proposed 2024 and 2025 budget and rate increase notification