Cold Weather Rule
The Cold Weather Rule is in effect from October 1 through April 30. The rule is designed to protect customers, under certain conditions, from being disconnected in the winter months.
RESIDENTIAL
COMMERCIAL
ERMU water department staff will be flushing the city’s 1,300 fire hydrants April 20 - June 5. This practice is critical to ensure that your hydrants are operating correctly while removing sediment from the lines. Thank you for your patience while we complete this necessary maintenance. A couple things to keep in mind during hydrant flushing: Refrain from washing clothes or using water while ERMU staff is flushing in your neighborhood; you could draw discolored water into your home. If you have discolored water, run COLD water for 15-20 minutes. If the discoloration persists, contact our customer service department at 763.441.2020. Click the link below to view a map of the hydrant flushing schedule by neighborhood. Please note, as we encounter faster or slower flushing rates, there is potential for +/- one day to this schedule.  2026 Hydrant Flushing Schedule/Map
Elk River Municipal Utilities (ERMU) has been awarded the Diamond Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3)® designation from the American Public Power Association (APPA), the highest level of recognition for public power utilities committed to reliability, safety, workforce development, and system improvement. The RP3 designation is awarded based on a rigorous evaluation of utility programs, procedures, and outcomes. Criteria include reliability metrics, safety protocols, employee training, long term planning, and investment in infrastructure and system resilience. ERMU is among approximately 5% of public power utilities nationwide to earn the Diamond level, representing the top tier of performance and continuous improvement in the industry. “We are incredibly proud to earn this distinguished designation,” said General Manager Mark Hanson. “Our staff is committed to providing safe, reliable, and affordable service to our community, every home, every business, every day. We see it as leading the way to a stronger community, so it’s nice to see the hard work recognized on the national level.” ERMU received its first RP3 designation in 2012 and has held the platinum level since 2020. The Diamond designation is awarded to utilities that reach between 98%-100% in scoring criteria. The designation lasts for three years.
*Although ERMU works with customers that choose to explore solar options, we do not endorse, partner, or affiliate with any solar companies. Residential Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Installation is an investment homeowners should thoughtfully consider before making a final commitment. At ERMU, we are here to help. If you’re considering home installation, make an informed decision with these residential solar tips. Learn what to know about PV installation before you buy. Please note, customers requesting monthly electric usage information must make this request via email at customerservice@ermumn.com for identity verification and allow 24 hours for us to respond. TIP 1: GET MULTIPLE BIDS As with any major household purchase, it is important to get multiple bids for comparison. It is also good practice to ask for references from prior clients who are willing to share their experience regarding both installation and customer service satisfaction. TIP 2: DETERMINE PERFORMANCE WITH THE PVWATTS CALCULATOR With the PVWatts calculator , homeowners can determine the performance of proposed solar PV installations by evaluating their operation and efficiency. If you are having trouble navigating the calculator, please call ERMU at 763.441.2020 and we can walk you through it. TIP 3: FIGURE TIME FOR RECOVERING COSTS Determine how long it will take to recover the cost of installation. Use the total cost of your installation, along with the annual value ($) information from the PVWatts calculator . Apply the following formula: [Cost of Solar PV Installation] / [Annual Value ($)] = Number of years to recover installation costs For example, a $22,522 project (cost of installation) with a $785 annual value (from PVWatts calculator) means it will take 28.69 years to recover installation costs.* *This example does not include any tax credits TIP 4: OTHER CONSIDERATIONS You may also want to keep in mind other factors, including: Age/condition of your existing roof Number of years you plan to live in the home How this will affect the home’s resale value Increase in insurance for the addition of a solar PV system Annual maintenance costs of a solar PV system Years of warranty for solar equipment TIP 5: TRY ALTERNATIVE CLEAN ENERGY PROGRAMS If you are committed to supporting renewable energy but are not sure if you should move forward with solar PV installation, we have options. You may want to consider ERMU’s Clean Energy Choice program. Customers can elect to have 50, 75, or 100 percent of their electricity come from environmentally friendly, renewable sources for only $1 to $3 per month. This program is affordable and predictable, and you can subscribe or cancel anytime. ERMU IS HERE TO HELP When it comes to photovoltaic (PV) installation, we hope these residential solar tips provided insight to help you make an informed decision. Please contact us if you have any questions.
ERMU water department staff will be flushing the city’s 1,300 fire hydrants April 20 - June 5. This practice is critical to ensure that your hydrants are operating correctly while removing sediment from the lines. Thank you for your patience while we complete this necessary maintenance. A couple things to keep in mind during hydrant flushing: Refrain from washing clothes or using water while ERMU staff is flushing in your neighborhood; you could draw discolored water into your home. If you have discolored water, run COLD water for 15-20 minutes. If the discoloration persists, contact our customer service department at 763.441.2020. Click the link below to view a map of the hydrant flushing schedule by neighborhood. Please note, as we encounter faster or slower flushing rates, there is potential for +/- one day to this schedule.  2026 Hydrant Flushing Schedule/Map
Elk River Municipal Utilities (ERMU) has been awarded the Diamond Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3)® designation from the American Public Power Association (APPA), the highest level of recognition for public power utilities committed to reliability, safety, workforce development, and system improvement. The RP3 designation is awarded based on a rigorous evaluation of utility programs, procedures, and outcomes. Criteria include reliability metrics, safety protocols, employee training, long term planning, and investment in infrastructure and system resilience. ERMU is among approximately 5% of public power utilities nationwide to earn the Diamond level, representing the top tier of performance and continuous improvement in the industry. “We are incredibly proud to earn this distinguished designation,” said General Manager Mark Hanson. “Our staff is committed to providing safe, reliable, and affordable service to our community, every home, every business, every day. We see it as leading the way to a stronger community, so it’s nice to see the hard work recognized on the national level.” ERMU received its first RP3 designation in 2012 and has held the platinum level since 2020. The Diamond designation is awarded to utilities that reach between 98%-100% in scoring criteria. The designation lasts for three years.
*Although ERMU works with customers that choose to explore solar options, we do not endorse, partner, or affiliate with any solar companies. Residential Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Installation is an investment homeowners should thoughtfully consider before making a final commitment. At ERMU, we are here to help. If you’re considering home installation, make an informed decision with these residential solar tips. Learn what to know about PV installation before you buy. Please note, customers requesting monthly electric usage information must make this request via email at customerservice@ermumn.com for identity verification and allow 24 hours for us to respond. TIP 1: GET MULTIPLE BIDS As with any major household purchase, it is important to get multiple bids for comparison. It is also good practice to ask for references from prior clients who are willing to share their experience regarding both installation and customer service satisfaction. TIP 2: DETERMINE PERFORMANCE WITH THE PVWATTS CALCULATOR With the PVWatts calculator , homeowners can determine the performance of proposed solar PV installations by evaluating their operation and efficiency. If you are having trouble navigating the calculator, please call ERMU at 763.441.2020 and we can walk you through it. TIP 3: FIGURE TIME FOR RECOVERING COSTS Determine how long it will take to recover the cost of installation. Use the total cost of your installation, along with the annual value ($) information from the PVWatts calculator . Apply the following formula: [Cost of Solar PV Installation] / [Annual Value ($)] = Number of years to recover installation costs For example, a $22,522 project (cost of installation) with a $785 annual value (from PVWatts calculator) means it will take 28.69 years to recover installation costs.* *This example does not include any tax credits TIP 4: OTHER CONSIDERATIONS You may also want to keep in mind other factors, including: Age/condition of your existing roof Number of years you plan to live in the home How this will affect the home’s resale value Increase in insurance for the addition of a solar PV system Annual maintenance costs of a solar PV system Years of warranty for solar equipment TIP 5: TRY ALTERNATIVE CLEAN ENERGY PROGRAMS If you are committed to supporting renewable energy but are not sure if you should move forward with solar PV installation, we have options. You may want to consider ERMU’s Clean Energy Choice program. Customers can elect to have 50, 75, or 100 percent of their electricity come from environmentally friendly, renewable sources for only $1 to $3 per month. This program is affordable and predictable, and you can subscribe or cancel anytime. ERMU IS HERE TO HELP When it comes to photovoltaic (PV) installation, we hope these residential solar tips provided insight to help you make an informed decision. Please contact us if you have any questions.
