FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARCH 1, 2007
CONTACT: Tony Benson
Communications Coordinator
507-280-1534
tbenson@rpu.org

RPU receives Award for Continued Excellence from American Public Power Association

ROCHESTER, MN— Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) received the 2006 Award for Continued Excellence (ACE) from the American Public Power Association’s Demonstration of Energy-Efficient Developments (DEED).

The ACE award recognizes RPU’s long-term commitment to the DEED program and its support of research and development projects aimed at improving efficiency and renewable resources for public power systems. The DEED program was established in 1980 and has funded over $6 million in energy projects.

“We are excited to be the recipient of the Award for Continued Excellence. As part of our infrastructure plan, we set energy efficiency and renewable energy as top priorities because of the positive impact that it has on the environment and the community of Rochester,” said Larry Koshire, RPU General Manager.

RPU is currently involved in a nationally recognized study called the Hybrid Energy Systems Study (HESS). In partnership with the University of Minnesota, RPU is studying the efficiency of combining a fuel cell with a geothermal heat pump. HESS is scheduled to be completed in 2009.

In addition to studying alternative energy possibilities, RPU is also focused on energy conservation. Through RPU’s demand-side management efforts, over 10,000,000 kilowatt hours we’re saved through a conservation program that promotes and encourages the installation of energy efficient appliances, equipment, and lighting.

The ACE award will be presented to RPU at the APPA annual Engineering and Operations Technical Conference in April.

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.

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