 Welcome to the What's New Blog!
A blog, short for web log, is a page of short, frequently updated posts that are arranged chronologically. Our blog lists new additions and changes to our web site. Visit frequently to view the latest updates!
Monday, July 21, 2008
 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJuly 21, 2008 CONTACT: Tony Benson Communications Coordinator 507-280-1534 tbenson@rpu.org As days get hotter, remember these tips for staying cool and being efficient with your water and electricityROCHESTER, MN--- As the summer days get hotter, RPU wants to remind customers that staying cool and comfortable can still include efficient use of water and electricity. In an effort to reduce the peak demand greatly due to high air conditioning usage, RPU has energy saving tips to help customers reduce their energy usage and to help reduce strain on infrastructure during hot days this summer. Electricity saving tips:
- Set your thermostat at 78º F or higher- Avoid using large appliances between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. - Turn off all unnecessary electric equipment including computers, home electronics, and small appliances - Minimize the use of unneeded lighting and use natural light instead- Businesses can turn off all unneeded processes, office equipment, and reduce lighting Water usage is also higher during warm days, but by using water wisely we can better ensure that water will be available for all customers through hot summer days. Wise water usage tips:- Water your lawn only when it needs it. If it springs back up when you step on it, it does not need any water. If it stays flat, turn on the sprinkler. - When you do water your lawn, deep soak it. Water long enough for the moisture to soak down to the roots. A light sprinkling tends to evaporate quickly and can encourage shallow root systems. - If you have an established lawn, minimize watering. If you have new sod, continue to water, but do so in the early morning hours. - Water during the cool parts of the day. Early morning waterings are generally better than dusk since they help prevent the growth of fungus. - Position your sprinklers so water lands on the lawn or garden, not on paved areas or in your gutters. Also, try not to water when it’s windy. For more information on electricity or water conservation, visit the RPU web site at http://www.rpu.org/.
Monday, July 07, 2008
New RPU Blog "Behind the Meter"RPU will again move to the forefront of utilities this summer by becoming one the first utilities in the nation to leverage the social media phenomenon of recent by redesigning and adding functionality to the RPU blog. RPU has had a blog since late 2004, but the true value of a blog wasn’t realized until the past year. As the utility industries, both water and electric, change we must continue to find ways to keep our key stakeholders (our customers) in the loop and appraised on what we are doing. As our business changes, we are well aware that our customers lives are as well. A mailed letter or a phone call just doesn’t cut it in today’s technologically advanced world, as a satisfactory means of customer communication. The new RPU blog, set to launch later this month, will be a state-of-the-art blog including features that are found in blogs of company’s operating on a much larger scale than RPU. Full video applications will allow for customers to view video clips on subjects such as emission reduction progress, energy conservation ideas, and water quality testing. In addition, the blog will offer a one stop location for everything new at RPU. No more searching for news or reading a full news release for the information that’s important to you. Most importantly though, is that the blog will give you the opportunity to provide unlimited feedback to us about what’s important to you and what your thoughts are on what we’re doing. Whether you agree with certain articles we post or if you completely disagree, we want to hear it all. We’ll be able to learn from all of the feedback that you provide us. As the blog becomes a larger part of the communication process for us, I hope to soon invite other RPU employees and even members of the Utility Board to post articles from other parts of RPU.
Monday, June 30, 2008
 Minnesota Public Utility Commission Public Hearing on CapX2020 Certificate of Need
A public hearing hosted by the MN Public Utility Commission is scheduled for Wednesday, July 2 in Rochester. The meeting will be held in the auditorium at John Adams Middle School at 1 p.m. and at 7 p.m. located at 1525 31st Street NW. The purpose of the public hearing is to assess whether the transmission lines are needed and if they are in the public interest.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Recent News Story Regarding Energy RatesIn spite of recent news reports mentioning a national trend of rising energy rates, RPU has no plans to raise rates for the remainder of 2008. If you have questions or concerns regarding RPU rates, please contact Customer Service at 507-280-1500. If you are interested in ideas on how to lower your energy usage, please visit our Conserve & Save web page for helpful tools and rebates.
 Water Main Break in Southeast Rochester
A water main break on 3rd Avenue between 18th and 19th Street S.E. has been repaired this morning, but clean up and road repairs are still being done. A road detour was necessary in this part of town due to the amount of road that was excavated. All water service in the area is back on.
Thursday, June 05, 2008
 Work on Steam Line to Begin June 9
ROCHESTER, MN--- Work on the steam line from Silver Lake Plant to the Mayo Clinic Prospect Plant is scheduled to begin on June 9. 6th Street NW will be closed to allow for excavation to access the vault located near 6th Street NW and North Broadway.
The excavation on vault #3 located at 6th Street NW and North Broadway is necessary to increase the space of the vault and to change the expansion joint. During the street closing, RPU will be posting signage directing traffic to available parking for the local businesses affected and will have continuous updates in the newspaper and on the RPU web site. 6th Street NW is scheduled to be reopened during the week of September 18.
Other steam line vaults will need to be accessed during this time, but are not projected to require excavation of the road. In addition to vault #3, expansion joints in vaults # 4, 6, 7, 8, and 9 are scheduled to be replaced.
Vaults #1 and #10 are located on RPU property, along with the Water Treatment Plant (WTP). Vaults #2 and #5 have already been addressed and repaired.
The steam line is scheduled to be in service by the week of October 6.
For updates on the steam line project, please visit the RPU web site at http://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 45,000 customers. Water customers number more than 34,000. RPU continually investigates innovative technologies to help customers realize the best value from the services they receive. Current initiatives include fuel cell research, wind power, and photovoltaic offerings.
Friday, May 23, 2008
 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMay 23, 2008 CONTACT: Tony Benson Communications Coordinator 507-280-1534 tbenson@rpu.org RPU Launches New CFL Recycling ProgramROCHESTER, MN--- Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) announces a new recycling program for residential customers to recycle compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) for free at the Olmsted County Hazardous Waste Facility. CFLs are often spiral shaped bulbs that are designed to replace a standard incandescent light bulb. CFL recycling is necessary because of the small amount of mercury in each bulb. RPU promotes the purchase and use of CFLs through the Conserve & Save Rebate Program, by offering a rebate of 50 percent of the cost of the bulbs to residential customers. CFLs use one third of the energy and last up to 10 times longer than standard incandescent light bulbs. In 2007, RPU gave rebates to customers on over 12,000 CFL bulbs. Olmsted County will bill RPU up to $5,000 for recycling and handling services for the CFL recycling program in 2008. “Working with our customers to conserve energy is a top priority for us, and now with the addition of the CFL recycling program, we are able to increase efforts to work with our customers to save energy and to make the right decisions to help the environment,” said Larry Koshire, RPU General Manager. The Olmsted County Hazardous Waste Facility is located at 305 Silver Creek Road NE, Rochester, MN 55906. The RPU Service Center is not a drop off site for CFL recycling due to safety concerns. Click for more information on CFLs or on the CFL recycling program.About Rochester Public UtilitiesAs the municipal utility of Rochester, Minn., for more than 110 years, RPU provides high-quality and reliable electricity to over 45,000 customers. Water customers number more than 34,000. RPU continually investigates innovative technologies to help customers realize the best value from the services they receive. Current initiatives include fuel cell research, wind power, and photovoltaic offerings.
Monday, May 19, 2008
 Olmsted County Solar Initiative Learn about Olmsted County Solar Initiative and see how you can help raise awareness and support solar power in the community.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Pictures from the 6th Annual RPU Arbor Day CelebrationRain and cold weather couldn't keep Rochetser residents and over 400 elementary school students away from the 6th Annual RPU Arbor Day Celebration in partnership with Maier Forest and Tree. The event was moved indoors to the Mayo Civic Center for the first time due to weather. Arbor Day Celebration Pictures
Monday, March 03, 2008
Residential Geothermal Heating and Cooling Community Education ClassName of Class: Residential Geothermal Heating and Cooling Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2008 Time: 6:30 to 8:30pm Location: Northrop - Rm. 201 Instructor: Arnie Lorimor Price: $9.00 Description: Whether you are building a new home or considering a new heating and cooling system for your present one, consider the economical and environmental advantages of geothermal technology. It is the world's most advanced, most cost-effective heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system for new or existing homes. This class will provide you with geothermal basics: what it does and how it works. It uses the ground as a heating and cooling source - learn how. Geothermal heating and cooling systems can provide greater comfort and energy savings. Installation incentives available from Rochester Public Utilities (RPU). Cosponsored with Rochester Public Utilities. Link to Community Education web site: http://activenet6.active.com/rochesterce
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