Rochester, Minn. — Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) has received approval from the Rochester City Council, following a recommendation from the RPU Utility Board, to move forward with a long-term wind energy purchase agreement that will serve as the foundation of RPU’s renewable energy future.

The agreement accounts for approximately 5% of RPU’s typical annual electric usage. It will provide predictable, stable energy costs while helping RPU achieve its goal of delivering 100% renewable energy.

“This contract represents a critical step in securing Rochester’s renewable energy future,” said RPU General Manager Tim McCollough. “It is the first of several contracts that give us both cost certainty and a clear path toward compliance with Minnesota’s Carbon Free Standard, while also laying the groundwork for Rochester’s local 100% net renewable energy strategy.”

“This agreement demonstrates RPU’s commitment to sustainable, forward-looking solutions that benefit our entire community,” said Wendy Turri, RPU Board Vice President. “By investing in local and regional renewable energy resources, we are taking meaningful steps toward meeting our 100% renewable energy goal while keeping affordability at the forefront.”

About the Project

The project is located in Adams, Minnesota, a little over 30 miles from Rochester, and was recently acquired by Restore Renewable II, LLC – a company based in Rochester. The project will operate as acquired until it is repowered soon with upgraded turbines.

Strategic Benefits

By executing this contract ahead of the April 1, 2030, expiration of RPU’s current supply agreement with the Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (SMMPA), RPU can take advantage of federal renewable energy tax credits extended by the Inflation Reduction Act and reaffirmed in the federal reconciliation bill signed July 4, 2025, for repowering the facility. This early adoption locks in financial benefits before the credits sunset and provides flexibility to bank renewable energy credits (RECs) for future compliance.

“This project sets the first stone for a strategy that not only strengthens our portfolio with reliable renewable resources but also protects customers against rising and unpredictable market prices over the long term,” said Bill Bullock, RPU Director of Power Resources.

Looking Ahead

The addition of this project positions RPU to meet state requirements while delivering on its commitment to sustainability and cost-conscious energy planning. Together with existing resources like Lake Zumbro Hydro and Valley High Solar, the contract advances RPU’s mission to achieve a fully renewable energy portfolio.

Two more wind projects, recommended by the RPU Utility Board, are expected to come before the Rochester City Council for approval in the near future. If approved, these projects will further expand RPU’s renewable energy resources and strengthen its path toward a 100% renewable energy future.

Rochester, Minn. – Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) is pleased to announce that trails and bridges impacted by the Marion Road Duct Bank Project are now open to the community. With the underground duct bank construction substantially complete, crews have shifted their focus to cleanup and site restoration, allowing residents to once again enjoy these popular routes through Slatterly Park, Bear Creek, and Soldier’s Field Park.

The Marion Road Duct Bank Project is designed to strengthen Rochester’s electrical system and prepare for future growth by installing underground power lines connecting the new Marion Road Substation to southeast and downtown Rochester. Reopening the trails marks a significant step forward for both the project and the community.

“We know how important these trails and parks are to our community, and we’re excited to see them open again,” said RPU General Manager Tim McCollough. “We greatly appreciate the patience and support of Rochester residents as we complete this work to build a stronger, more reliable energy system for the future.”

As restoration efforts wrap up, some additional short-term closures of trail and bridge crossings will take place later this year when crews begin installing electrical cable in the new duct bank. Each closure is expected to last only a few days to a week. Over the next one to two years, there may also be temporary closures of trails and sidewalks as crews address identified quality issues.

RPU remains committed to minimizing disruptions as the Marion Road Duct Bank Project progresses and thanks the community for its continued cooperation during this important infrastructure improvement.

About Rochester Public Utilities

As the municipal utility of Rochester, Minn., for over 130 years, RPU provides high-quality and reliable electricity to more than 61,000 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.

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.

June 10, 2024—Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) in conjunction with West Side Solar Partners LLC proudly announces that the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources has designated the solar installation on Valleyhigh Drive as a Minnesota Habitat Friendly Solar Project. This recognition underscores RPU’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

The Minnesota Habitat Friendly Solar Standard, established by the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, acknowledges projects that demonstrate significant benefits to local ecosystems, particularly gamebirds, songbirds, and pollinators. The Valleyhigh Drive site has met and exceeded these standards, contributing positively to the region’s biodiversity.

To ensure ongoing compliance with the standard, project owners or managers are required to submit an assessment form for established projects at the end of the third year of vegetation establishment, with subsequent assessments every three years thereafter.

“We are honored to receive this designation from the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources. As we were working on the Valleyhigh Solar project and establishing the 71 acres to accommodate 10 megawatts of solar energy, we also had plans to ensure we were good stewards of the land and environment,” said RPU General Manager Tim McCollough.

For more information about Rochester Public Utilities and its environmental stewardship efforts, please visit www.rpu.org.

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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