INCOME-BASED PROGRAMS
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 offer energy efficiencies to those in need through two programs:
- The Energy Sustainability for our Elderly Program provides weatherization and updates the equipment efficiencies in the homes of our qualified low-income elderly residents to improve their health, safety, independent living, and reduce energy burden.
- The 4U2 Program helps eligible low-income households improve their home’s energy efficiencies while reducing overall energy costs.
HOW THE PROGRAMS WORK
Below is a brief step-by-step guide to how the programs work. After reviewing these steps, please read the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for each program:
Energy Sustainability for the Elderly Program FAQs
For more program information, complete terms and conditions, and income guidelines, please review the applications. For additional questions, please contact RPU Customer Care at 507-280-1500 or customercare@rpu.org.
DETERMINE IF YOU QUALIFY FOR A PROGRAM
Energy Sustainability for the Elderly Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be a senior citizen at least 60 years in age.
- Must be the owner of a single-family home, townhome, or twinhome with no intention of moving within the next six months. If a renter, you are not eligible for this program.
- Must have an active Minnesota Energy Resources and Rochester Public Utilities account in your name that includes natural gas (primary heat source) and electric services in the city of Rochester.
- Must be responsible for the direct payment of your natural gas and electric bills.
- Manufactured or mobile homes will be referred to the State Weatherization Program.
- For those seniors that are just above low-income guidelines, eligibility will be reviewed.
4U2 Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be the owner or renter of the property with no intention of moving within the next six months. If a renter, the owner’s authorization section of the application must be completed.
- Must have an active Minnesota Energy Resources and Rochester Public Utilities account in your name that includes natural gas (primary heat source) and electric services in the city of Rochester.
- Must be responsible for the direct payment of your natural gas and electric bills.
- Multifamily properties with four units or less are eligible to participate. Properties with five units or more will be referred to the Multifamily Energy Savings Program.
- Manufactured or mobile homes will be referred to the State Weatherization Program.
FILL OUT AN APPLICATION
- Download an Energy Sustainability for the Elderly Program application.
- Download a 4U2 Program application.
Complete the application and mail or email with income verification to:
Energy Sustainability for our Elderly / 4U2 Programs
Minnesota Energy Resources & Rochester Public Utilities
755 Prior Ave. North, Suite 102B
St. Paul, MN 55104
APPLICATION REVIEW
Your application will be reviewed by our program administrator, Franklin Energy, to determine qualification status.
ENERGY AUDIT SCHEDULED
Once your application has been approved, an energy advisor with the program will call you to schedule an appointment.
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 qualified, 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 applications for complete Terms and Conditions.
WORK IS SCHEDULED
Contractors complete the identified work.
INSPECTIONS ARE PERFORMED
Inspections are performed after the contractor work is completed to ensure energy savings.
For more program information, complete terms and conditions, and income guidelines, please review the applications. If you have additional questions, refer to the program FAQs or contact RPU Customer Care at 507-280-1500 or customercare@rpu.org.