Voluntary electricity conservation requested for Rochester electric customers

Media Contact
Tom Jorgenson, Communications Coordinator
Direct: 507.280.1634 | E-mail: rpucommunications@rpu.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Voluntary electricity conservation requested for Rochester electric customers

Rochester, Minn. (Saturday, Jan. 24) — The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), the regional electric grid operator that oversees much of the Midwest, has issued a regional grid emergency alert and is requesting voluntary electricity conservation due to high demand and reduced generation.

Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) is asking Rochester electric customers to reduce non-essential electricity use for the next 48 hours. Community-wide conservation during peak conditions helps reduce strain on the regional grid and can help prevent mandatory load shedding or outages.

RPU recommends customers take the following steps when possible:

• Delay running large appliances such as laundry, dishwashers, and dryers
• Turn off unnecessary lights and electronics
• Limit use of space heaters and other large electric loads

Reducing electricity use during this period helps support reliability across the region. RPU will continue monitoring grid conditions and will provide updates as needed.

About Rochester Public Utilities

As the municipal utility of Rochester, Minn., for over 120 years, RPU has provided high-quality and reliable electricity to more than 59,000 customers, along with water services to over 42,000 customers. RPU is governed by a five-member Utility Board and the Rochester City Council. The utility continually explores innovative technologies to help customers maximize the value of the services they receive, with current initiatives including photovoltaic offerings, wind energy, energy and water-efficient equipment, and electric vehicle charging.

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