Rochester Public Utilities | Blog

RPU Launches Customer Survey to Inform Future Decisions

Rochester Public Utilities (RPU), with full support from the RPU Board, has engaged GreatBlue Research, Inc. to conduct a customer survey aimed at guiding key decisions that will shape the future of local utility services. RPU staff are collaborating closely with the research firm to ensure a smooth and effective process.

Customer feedback will play a pivotal role in influencing upcoming choices related to rates, programs, and renewable energy initiatives. Beginning this week, RPU customers with an email address on file will receive a direct link to the online survey. Additionally, some customers may be invited to participate via phone.

RPU General Manager Tim McCollough shares, “Customer feedback is a key part of how we plan for the future at RPU. The survey results will guide important decisions on rates, programs, and renewable energy options. Taking a few minutes to complete it will ensure your voice is part of that process.”

RPU customers should look for an email from GreatBlue Research. If customers do not see it in their inbox, they should check their spam or junk folder. Any questions about the survey should be directed to GreatBlue Research at 860-740-4000.

RPU encourages all recipients to take a few moments to complete the brief questionnaire. The survey will remain open until September 2. Findings will be presented to the RPU Board at its September 30 meeting and are intended to help guide future strategic decisions.

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About Rochester Public Utilities

As the municipal utility of Rochester, Minn., for over 120 years, RPU provides high-quality and reliable electricity to more than 60,000 customers, along with water services to over 42,000 customers. RPU is governed by a five-member Utility Board and the Rochester City Council. The utility continually explores innovative technologies to help customers maximize the value of the services they receive, with current initiatives including photovoltaic offerings, wind energy, energy and water-efficient equipment, and electric vehicle charging.

Posted: Aug 11, 2025 by Raquel Hellman | Comments Off on RPU Launches Customer Survey to Inform Future Decisions

RPU Encourages Caution with Door-to-Door Solar Sales

Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) is committed to helping customers make fully informed decisions about solar energy. Recently, RPU has received reports from customers about door-to-door and phone solicitations promoting third-party solar ownership arrangements. These arrangements are not permitted under Minnesota law and may not accurately reflect the true cost of owning solar.

These sales tactics often involve high-pressure pitches urging quick action before incentives expire and may promote “zero-money-down” deals. Such offers can be misleading, potentially leading to contracts that violate state statutes and utility regulations.

Under the Minnesota Public Utilities Act, electric utilities like RPU have the exclusive right to provide retail electric service within their designated service areas. This means third-party vendors are not allowed to own and operate solar systems that sell electricity directly to customers in Rochester.

RPU strongly supports solar energy and provides trusted resources for customers interested in installing solar systems that comply with Minnesota laws and utility guidelines. More than 700 RPU customers currently own solar and enjoy the benefits of renewable energy.

RPU’s residential and commercial energy advisors are available to help you make an informed decision. If someone approaches you with a solar offer, we recommend the following:

For more information and guidance on going solar, visit: rpu.org/education-environment/distributed-energy-resources-solar.php

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About Rochester Public Utilities

As the municipal utility of Rochester, Minn., for over 120 years, RPU provides high-quality and reliable electricity to more than 60,000 customers, along with water services to over 42,000 customers. RPU is governed by a five-member Utility Board and the Rochester City Council. The utility continually explores innovative technologies to help customers maximize the value of the services they receive, with current initiatives including photovoltaic offerings, wind energy, energy and water-efficient equipment, and electric vehicle charging.

Posted: Jun 30, 2025 by Raquel Hellman | Comments Off on RPU Encourages Caution with Door-to-Door Solar Sales

RPU Recognized as a Smart Energy Provider

November 4, 2024—ROCHESTER, MINN. — Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) has been awarded a Smart Energy Provider (SEP) designation from the American Public Power Association for demonstrating a commitment to and proficiency in energy efficiency, distributed generation, and environmental initiatives that support the goal of providing safe, reliable, low-cost, and sustainable electric service. Erin Miller, Vice President of Programs and Sustainability at American Municipal Power, Inc., and Chair of the SEP Review Panel, presented the designations on October 28 in Louisville, Kentucky during APPA’s annual Customer Connections Conference.

The SEP designation, which lasts for three years (December 1, 2024 to November 30, 2027), recognizes public power utilities for demonstrating leading practices in four key disciplines: smart energy program structure; energy efficiency and distributed energy resources programs; environmental and sustainability initiatives; and customer experience. RPU joins more than 100 public power utilities nationwide that hold the SEP designation.

“SEP-designated utilities have demonstrated their leadership in smart energy programs and services,” said Miller. “This designation celebrates utilities that are committed to serving their customers while taking the extra step to plan for the future. Communities served by utilities that have earned the SEP designation should be proud of their utility’s accomplishments.”

“We are honored to be recognized as a utility at the cutting edge of smart energy best practices,” said Patty Hanson, Director of Customer Relations of RPU. “This SEP designation represents our dedication to offering programs that keep our power affordable, support energy efficiency in our community, and reduce our environmental impact.”

This marks the second time RPU has received the SEP designation, having previously been recognized for the period of 2022-2024 and now extending from 2024-2027.

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About Rochester Public Utilities

As the municipal utility of Rochester, Minn., for over 120 years, RPU has provided high-quality and reliable electricity to more than 59,000 customers, along with water services to over 42,000 customers. RPU is governed by a five-member Utility Board and the Rochester City Council. The utility continually explores innovative technologies to help customers maximize the value of the services they receive, with current initiatives including photovoltaic offerings, wind energy, energy and water-efficient equipment, and electric vehicle charging.

Posted: Nov 04, 2024 by Stephanie Humphrey | Comments Off on RPU Recognized as a Smart Energy Provider

Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) Joins Contingent to Support Hurricane Impacts in Kissimmee, Florida 

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.

Posted: Oct 07, 2024 by Stephanie Humphrey | Comments Off on Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) Joins Contingent to Support Hurricane Impacts in Kissimmee, Florida 

Proposed 2024 and 2025 budget and rate increase notification

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Posted: Oct 01, 2024 by Stephanie Humphrey | Comments Off on Proposed 2024 and 2025 budget and rate increase notification