Robert Cooke

Rochester Public Utilities has a strategic plan to achieve 100% net renewable energy by 2030. This plan involves leveraging a combination of energy sources, including solar power from projects such as the West Side Solar Project, hydro power from the Lake Zumbro facility, and wind generation. The utility aims to provide safe and affordable power, reduce the community's carbon footprint, and demonstrate local control and commitment to environmental stewardship for future generations.

The meeting agenda included approval of the agenda and a safety moment. Key items for consideration involved the review of accounts payable for January 10, 2026, through February 8, 2026, totaling $11,892,701.49, and the acceptance and award of bids for Underground Medium Voltage Cable, with purchases from RESCO, IRBY, and Border States Electric recommended. The regular agenda addressed authorizing an agreement with Mayo Clinic to establish responsibility for future repair, replacement, and upgrade costs for dedicated electric facilities. Informational items included a Water Demand Forecast for Master Planning and an update on the Advanced Metering Project.

The meeting agenda included the approval of the previous board meeting minutes from December 16, 2025, and review of accounts payable for the period spanning December 9, 2025, to January 9, 2026, totaling $21,024,810.07. Key actions involved seeking approval for a 2026-2029 ESRI Citywide Small Government Enterprise Agreement Renewal and approving a resolution for generation fuel purchases up to $500,000 from HTP Energy. The Regular Agenda covered actions such as adopting a resolution for the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Project budget amendment and authorizing expenditure for SAP S4HANA deployment. Furthermore, the Board adopted a resolution recommending the City Council approve the Joint Development Agreement for the Mankato to Mississippi River Transmission Project, with a total authorized amount of $33,216,600. Authorization was also sought to execute a Letter of Agreement with SMMPA regarding battery storage project documentation. Informational items included a review of the RPU Index of Board Policies and division reports for January 2026.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda. A safety moment was presented, focusing on statistics and reminders for pedestrian safety during Halloween. The main business involved discussions and approvals related to utility rates and budgets. The board reviewed and approved rate adjustments, including recommending a 4% general rate increase for 2026 instead of the previously recommended 6% for the electric utility, due to a reduction in wholesale cost from a supplier. The board approved rate resolutions for the water utility and the electric utility (for 2026 and 2027, with the 2027 tariff details to follow). The electric and water utility budgets for 2026 and 2027 were subsequently approved. Finally, the board addressed the 2025-2026 insurance renewals, noting a significant premium increase primarily driven by the need to increase coverage limits for power resources facilities, and approved the total renewal cost of $1.744 million. Discussions also touched upon the status of the advanced metering project, which is on track for a pilot program in January.

This document provides an update on Rochester Public Utilities' 2025 Budget, outlining strategic alignment across five key areas: Reliability, Rates, Responsibility, Reputation, and Relationships. It details the financial strategy for both Water and Electric utilities, focusing on financial stability, cost-based and regionally competitive rates, and resource provision to enrich lives, support businesses, and promote community welfare. The update presents budget drivers, capital investments, and rate recommendations for the 2025-2029 period to ensure continued service and growth.