FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JANUARY 17, 2007
CONTACT: Tony Benson
Communications Coordinator
507-280-1534
tbenson@rpu.org

RPU sends resources to help efforts to restore power in Missouri

ROCHESTER, MN— Three Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) line workers left for Nixa, Missouri on Monday to help with efforts to restore power and rebuild infrastructure after severe damage was caused by ice and wind storms.

RPU answered a mutual aid response sent out by the Missouri Public Utility Alliance to the Minnesota Municipal Utility Association (MMUA). This is the first time that RPU has sent a crew to help with restoration efforts outside the state of Minnesota.

Jeff Wagenaar, Chuck Floeter, and Matt Tupper will join other utilities from Minnesota in the power restoration effort. The three RPU line workers also brought a bucket truck and a digger to help with downed power lines and poles. A high-level of caution is required when working around power lines that have been damaged by ice and wind because of the extreme weather conditions in the area and the existence of energized power lines down.

“We wanted to help in anyway that we could to help respond to the request from MMUA and the community of Nixa, Missouri. By sending Jeff, Chuck, and Matt they will have more manpower available to help, but more importantly will have three line workers that are very knowledgeable on safety in extreme weather situations,” said Larry Koshire, RPU General Manager.

Nixa, Missouri is approximately 300 miles southeast of Kansas City, Missouri.

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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