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
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.
Elk River Municipal Utilities (ERMU) has received its electricity supply from the Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (MMPA) as a member since 2018. ERMU benefits from a diverse mix of energy sources, including wind, solar, biomass, and hydroelectric power. MMPA’s portfolio of renewable resources supports meeting the Minnesota Renewable Energy Standard (RES) and customer demand for renewable energy. The RES requires 25% of MMPA’s energy to come from renewable sources by 2025. Let’s take a closer look! Wind MMPA’s renewable energy portfolio includes wind energy from the Agency’s 44 MW Oak Glen Wind Farm , as well as power output from the 78 MW Black Oak Getty Wind Farm and the 110 MW Walleye Wind Energy Center . In addition, the Agency’s Hometown WindPower program locates wind turbines in our member communities, as well as at MMPA’s Faribault Energy Park. Elk River’s Hometown WindPower turbines can be found at the Plants & Things Recreation Complex. Wind power is one of the fastest growing energy sources worldwide, and it produces no carbon emissions or pollution. Biomass In 2013, MMPA built its 8MW Hometown BioEnergy (HTBE) facility located in the member community of Le Sueur. The facility utilizes anaerobic digestion technology to produce biogas from agricultural and food processing wastes. As one of the largest facilities of its kind in the U.S., HTBE produces dispatchable, renewable electricity, heat, and nutrient-rich byproducts. Solar In 2017, MMPA added the Buffalo Solar facility to its power supply portfolio. The 7 MW utility-scale solar project, located near the Agency’s member community of Buffalo, is comprised of more than 25,000 solar panels. The Agency purchases all of the output of the facility under a long-term contract. In addition, the Agency’s Hometown Solar program locates solar installations in our member communities, as well as at MMPA’s Faribault Energy Park. Elk River’s Hometown Solar array can be found at Elk River City Hall. Hydroelectric Two of MMPA’s member communities, East Grand Forks and Olivia , purchase a portion of their power from the Western Area Power Administration . Because it produces no waste and causes no carbon emissions, hydroelectric power is a sustainable form of energy. HOW POWER GETS TO YOUR HOME
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.
Elk River Municipal Utilities (ERMU) has received its electricity supply from the Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (MMPA) as a member since 2018. ERMU benefits from a diverse mix of energy sources, including wind, solar, biomass, and hydroelectric power. MMPA’s portfolio of renewable resources supports meeting the Minnesota Renewable Energy Standard (RES) and customer demand for renewable energy. The RES requires 25% of MMPA’s energy to come from renewable sources by 2025. Let’s take a closer look! Wind MMPA’s renewable energy portfolio includes wind energy from the Agency’s 44 MW Oak Glen Wind Farm , as well as power output from the 78 MW Black Oak Getty Wind Farm and the 110 MW Walleye Wind Energy Center . In addition, the Agency’s Hometown WindPower program locates wind turbines in our member communities, as well as at MMPA’s Faribault Energy Park. Elk River’s Hometown WindPower turbines can be found at the Plants & Things Recreation Complex. Wind power is one of the fastest growing energy sources worldwide, and it produces no carbon emissions or pollution. Biomass In 2013, MMPA built its 8MW Hometown BioEnergy (HTBE) facility located in the member community of Le Sueur. The facility utilizes anaerobic digestion technology to produce biogas from agricultural and food processing wastes. As one of the largest facilities of its kind in the U.S., HTBE produces dispatchable, renewable electricity, heat, and nutrient-rich byproducts. Solar In 2017, MMPA added the Buffalo Solar facility to its power supply portfolio. The 7 MW utility-scale solar project, located near the Agency’s member community of Buffalo, is comprised of more than 25,000 solar panels. The Agency purchases all of the output of the facility under a long-term contract. In addition, the Agency’s Hometown Solar program locates solar installations in our member communities, as well as at MMPA’s Faribault Energy Park. Elk River’s Hometown Solar array can be found at Elk River City Hall. Hydroelectric Two of MMPA’s member communities, East Grand Forks and Olivia , purchase a portion of their power from the Western Area Power Administration . Because it produces no waste and causes no carbon emissions, hydroelectric power is a sustainable form of energy. HOW POWER GETS TO YOUR HOME
