As your local "energy experts," we continue to offer learning opportunities for our customers that cover a wide range of topics. Scroll down below for a full listing of educational opportunities.

Community Education Classes

Neighborhood Energy Challenge

Neighborhood Energy Challenge Class

RPU and Minnesota Energy Resources have teamed up with the Center for Energy and Environment to offer Rochester homeowners the Neighborhood Energy Challenge (NEC), a full-service residential energy audit program.

Learn more about the Neighborhood Energy Challenge

 

Solar Energy for Your Home or Business

Is solar right for you? Does solar work in Minnesota? How much energy can it produce? What are the costs? What incentives are available? Is there maintenance? Come learn the answers to these questions and more. There will be many photos of installations. An optional video tour of a local solar home will follow the class for those who would like to see a system in action. Cosponsored with Rochester Public Utilities (RPU).

Instructor: Micah Johnson

Bio: Micah is the Vice President and Chief Technology Officer for Solar Connection of Rochester, MN.  In business since 2010, Solar Connection installs solar energy systems for commercial, residential, and farm applications. Solar Connection is a licensed general and electrical contractor, and NABCEP™ Certified for PV Installation. NABCEP is the National Board of Certified Energy Practitioners.

Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025

Time: 10:00 am-12:00 pm

Cost: FREE (registration required)

Location: Northrop Community Education Center: Room 319
201 8th St NW
Rochester, MN 55901

Registration: Registration for this Community Education class is not yet available.

Also, check out the many classes that Community Education has to offer on Electric Vehicles, Heat Pumps, and more by clicking here.

 

Electrify Everything 2025 - Free Workshop Series

Rochester Public Utilities is proud to be a cosponsor of Electrify Everything Rochester 2025, a free workshop series designed to help homeowners navigate the process of weatherization and electrification for a more comfortable, healthier, and safer home. Participants will receive step-by-step guidance on electrification, explore financial incentives and planning resources, and have their home electrification questions answered by experts.

Workshop Series:

  • Get Amped: The Basics of Electrifying Your Home – Thursday, April 3, 6–7:30 p.m.
  • Stay Cool, Stay Warm: Heat Pumps Demystified – Thursday, May 8, 6–7:30 p.m.
  • Hot Stuff: Electrifying Water Heating, Cooking, and Clothes Drying – Thursday, June 12, 6–7:30 p.m.

All workshops will be held at the Development and Infrastructure Building, 4001 West River Pkwy NW, Suite 100, Rochester, MN 55901.

Learn more at Electrify Everything Minnesota.