Income Based Programs

RPU offers two income based programs

1. Energy Sustainability for our Elderly
2. 4U2 Program

We are excited to announce our partnership with Minnesota Energy Resources in offering a program designed to weatherize and update the equipment efficiencies in the homes of our qualified low-income elderly residents to improve their health, safety, independent living, and reduce energy burden. We recognize that energy expenses can be a significant part of a household's budget. Improving a home's efficiency helps save money, but overcoming the up-front cost associated with installing energy-efficient retrofits can be difficult especially, if you have limited or a fixed income.

HOW IT WORKS

1) DETERMINE IF YOU QUALIFY

All requirements must be met to qualify.

Must have a Minnesota Energy Resources and Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) account in your name that includes natural gas (primary heat source) and electric services in the city of Rochester.
Must be a senior citizen at least 60 years in age.
Is the owner of a single family home (manufactured or mobile homes not eligible, will be referred to the State Weatherization Program).
Must occupy your home as your primary residence and do not currently have your name(s) on another housing waiting list or moving in the next six months.
You are responsible for the direct payment of your natural gas and electric bills.
Your annual income must fall within 250% of the current year Federal Poverty Guideline (FPG). See chart in the application.
For those seniors that are just above low-income guidelines, eligibility will be reviewed.
Program FAQs

2) FILL OUT AN APPLICATION

Mail or email a completed application with income verification to:

Energy Sustainability for our Elderly
Minnesota Energy Resources & Rochester Public Utilities
755 Prior Ave. North, Suite 103B
St. Paul, MN 55104

4U2@franklinenergy.com

3) APPLICATION REVIEW

Your application will be reviewed by our program administrator, Franklin Energy, to determine qualification status.

4) ENERGY AUDIT SCHEDULED

Once your application has been approved, an energy advisor with the Energy Sustainability for our Elderly program will call you to schedule an appointment.

5) DETERMINE SCOPE OF WORK

A free energy audit of your home is conducted to identify cost-effective energy improvements and weatherization opportunities to make your home more energy efficient.

The program covers the installation costs of cost-effective energy efficiency opportunities identified by the audit. Potential services may include:

From RPU:

LED bulbs
Major appliance replacement
Room air conditioners
And, if qualify, central air conditioning

From Minnesota Energy Resources:

Insulation, caulking, and weather stripping
Programmable thermostats
Showerheads and aerators
Carbon monoxide detectors
And, if qualified, major weatherization, heating system, or heating system replacement

These services are performed at no cost however, some restrictions apply. See the application for complete Terms and Conditions.

6) WORK IS SCHEDULED

Contractors complete the identified work.

7) INSPECTIONS

Inspections are performed after the contractor work is completed to ensure energy savings.

For more program information, complete terms and conditions, and income guidelines for the Energy Sustainability for our Elderly program, please review the application. For additional questions, please call 800-778-3421 or email customercare@rpu.org.

Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) is committed to making energy efficiency improvements affordable for income-qualified customers. RPU and Minnesota Energy Resources are working together to help eligible low-income households improve their home’s energy efficiencies while reducing overall energy costs. By working together, we are able to offer more energy efficiencies to those in need.