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.

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January 26, 2022 – ROCHESTER, MN – Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) is starting to hear from customers that are concerned about their water service freezing this winter. Current frost depth is 36” as of January 26th.

RPU advises these water customers to take the temperature of their water and then continue monitoring it until the frost is out of the ground. This is especially important for customers that have experienced frozen water services in the past. Run an inside cold tap and hold a thermometer in the stream for 10-20 seconds for an accurate reading. If your water temperature gets below 35 degrees Fahrenheit, you should immediately start running a continuous pencil-width stream of water from a faucet.

All businesses and residence types could be affected. The age of your home does not matter.

For more information, please contact Tony Benson at 507-280-1534 or email at tbenson@rpu.org.

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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Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) will transition all eligible residential water service customers into RPU’s Service Assured® Water Service Repair Coverage Program starting on January 1, 2022.

RPU’s Service Assured® Water Service Repair Coverage Program protects homeowners from costly water service repairs in the event that the service has a failure due to old age, improper installation, corrosion, freezing, or valve failure.

The expansion was approved as a part of RPU’s and the City of Rochester’s 2022 budget process. All eligible RPU residential water customers that are not already enrolled in the program will automatically be added and billed $1.99 per month. 

With this new expanded program, RPU will be able to quickly address costly water service repairs with no hassle or worry to customers.

Any customers wishing to not receive the Service Assured® Water protection may opt out of the program by calling RPU Customer Care at 507-280-1500 or by visiting www.rpu.org to complete and submit an opt-out form. However, those customers choosing to opt-out will not be allowed back on the program for 12 months, even if a costly repair is needed. Any repair will be at the customer’s expense if you are not enrolled in the program.

Service Assured® Electric coverage will continue to be an opt-in coverage for underground residential electric service protection. For additional information on RPU’s Service Assured® Underground Service Repair Coverage, please visit www.rpu.org.

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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