Rochester Public Utilities

09/04/2026

RPU will be closed Monday, Sept. 7, in observance of Labor Day.

Crews remain available 24/7 to respond to outages and emergencies. To report an outage, call 507-280-9191.

09/02/2026

POWER OUTAGE UPDATE

RPU crews have been working throughout the day to restore power following last night’s severe weather. Approximately 900 customers remain without power.

This is not a typical outage situation. Winds reaching more than 60 mph caused widespread and varying damage, including downed trees and vegetation, damaged power lines and poles, and other storm-related issues. In some cases, additional electrical work may also be needed before service can be safely restored.

Each outage is different, requiring crews to assess the damage, determine the repairs needed, and safely complete that work. Because of the extent and varying nature of the damage, we are unable to provide specific restoration times for individual outages at this time.

All available RPU crews remain actively working, with the goal of restoring power to the remaining customers later this evening. Restoration times may vary depending on the damage encountered at each location.

We understand how difficult it is to be without power and sincerely appreciate our customers’ continued patience and understanding. Safely restoring service to all customers remains our top priority.

We will continue to share updates here as restoration efforts progress.

09/02/2026

POWER OUTAGE UPDATE

Approximately 1,600 RPU customers are currently without power.

All available RPU crews continue to work on restoring outages across Rochester as quickly and safely as possible.

Our power outage map is back up and running and is displaying current outage information.

For your safety, please stay clear of any downed power lines.

Thank you for your continued patience. We will share additional updates here as more information becomes available.

09/02/2026

Please help our crews respond safely by reporting storm damage and staying clear of any trees, branches or debris near power lines. See the City of Rochester, MN Government’s post below for important reporting information.

The City of Rochester and Rochester Public Utilities crews are actively responding to storm damage.

If you're seeing downed trees or storm debris blocking a road, sidewalk or other public area, please report it to Rochester 311.

Phone lines may be busy. You can report issues through the Rochester 311 app or online at rochestermn.gov/311 to help get information to crews as quickly as possible.

IMPORTANT: If you see a downed tree, branches or other debris touching or near a power line, stay away and do not touch it. Report the hazard to RPU at 507-280-9191 or the non-emergency dispatch line at 507-328-6800 so crews can respond safely.

Thank you for helping us identify and respond to storm damage across Rochester.

09/02/2026

POWER OUTAGE UPDATE

Power has been restored in some areas of Rochester. Approximately 3,000 customers remain without power.

Due to widespread outages and vegetation damage caused by high winds, restoration in some areas will take longer. All available RPU crews are actively responding to outages throughout the community and working to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.

Please continue to stay clear of downed power lines and always assume they are energized.

OUTAGE MAP UPDATE: We are currently experiencing technical difficulties with our power outage map. The map is temporarily unavailable and may not reflect current outage information.

Thank you for your continued patience as our crews work to restore power. We will continue to provide updates here as more information becomes available.

09/02/2026

RPU crews are responding to multiple power outages across Rochester, currently affecting approximately 9,400 customers.

Our crews are working to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. For your safety, please stay clear of any downed power lines and always assume they are energized.

Thank you for your patience as our crews work to restore service. We will continue to share updates here as more information becomes available.

08/21/2026

💧August 16 was National Backflow Prevention Day! Which is an opportunity to highlight an important part of keeping Rochester’s drinking water safe.

Backflow prevention helps protect our public water system by preventing contaminants from flowing backward into the water supply.

At RPU, safety means protecting every individual. Our backflow prevention and cross-connection control efforts are one of the many ways we work behind the scenes every day to provide safe, reliable water to our community.

Thank you to our staff, certified testers, plumbing professionals, businesses and property owners who help protect Rochester’s water.

Learn more about RPU’s cross-connection & backflow prevention program here: https://www.rpu.org/water/water-programs/cross-connection-backflow-prevention-program/

08/12/2026

Join RPU’s FREE virtual Neighborhood Energy Challenge workshop and discover simple ways to save energy and money at home, all from the convenience of your lunch hour.

You’ll learn about:
• Practical energy-saving tips
• Available rebates and resources
• Home improvements that can help lower your utility bills

📅 Wednesday, Aug. 19
⏰ 7-8 p.m.
💻 Online via Zoom

✅ Register today: https://share.hsforms.com/2FpruOjbSRvKfwyS8NIVwMQ3eb60

Learn more and view upcoming workshops here: https://www.rpu.org/rebates-programs/energy-audits-and-workshops/

08/11/2026

⚡Drive electric. Save more. Get rewarded.

Thinking about making the switch to an electric vehicle or already driving one? RPU residential customers may qualify for EV rebates when enrolled in a Time-of-Use (TOU) Rate.

🚗 $500 bill credit for your first qualifying EV
🚙 $150 bill credit for each additional qualifying EV

Already enrolled in a TOU Rate? You may still qualify for a $150 bill credit for each qualifying EV.

Plus, the savings can continue beyond the rebate. RPU customers with EVs enrolled in the TOU Rate save an average of $211.97 annually.

Learn more about EV rebates, TOU rates and how to apply at:https://www.rpu.org/media/ohsn3r0c/2026-electric-vehicle-rebate-application-fillable-form-final-uae.pdf

08/11/2026

RPU staff had a blast supporting the 31st Annual Rochester the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Golf Outing at Willow Creek Golf Course!

Beyond a fun day on the course, the annual outing helps raise funds for scholarships, academic awards, ASHRAE research and local robotics programs, supporting education and the next generation of professionals in our community.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by to see our team at Hole 10! ⛳☀️