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:
- Ask to see a valid peddler’s license (required for door-to-door sales in Rochester).
- Contact RPU Customer Care at 507-280-1500 or customercare@rpu.org to verify any solar-related claims.
- Report any suspicious activity to local authorities.
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
Parts of Slatterly Park to be closed for RPU Construction Project
September 17, 2024—Starting September 23, Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) will close parts of Slattery Park to ensure safety for the RPU Duct Bank Project.
The project will allow RPU to serve load growth in the southern part of Rochester and Downtown Rochester. The duct bank phase of the project will provide pathways for electric distribution circuits that can deliver electrical energy along its route. As part of this project, other City infrastructure will be installed or upgraded along the route to limit near-term future disturbances.
The closure outline:
- The closure will extend off 9th St SE into the park
- The west side of the park will be closed off heading south along the west side of the baseball fields
- At 10th St SE the close will extend to the east across the Bear Creek bridge and will terminate on the east side of the bridge
Barricades and signage will be placed around the affected park spaces and left for the remainder of the work. A date for reopening the space has not been determined and depends on weather conditions leading up to winter.
The bridge to the north, approximately 1,300 feet long, will remain open during construction for access into Slattery Park from the east.
For more information and to view the project storymap, please visit the city of Rochester, MN city projects website- https://city-projects-rpu.hub.arcgis.com/.
About Rochester Public Utilities
As the municipal utility of Rochester, Minn., for more than 120 years, RPU has provided high-quality and reliable electricity to over 59,000 customers. Water customers number more than 42,000. RPU is governed by a five-member Utility Board and the Rochester City Council. 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: Sep 17, 2024 by Tony B | Comments Off on Parts of Slatterly Park to be closed for RPU Construction Project