elk-river-municipal-utilities

Tree Trimming in Elk River

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 14:54:19 GMT

Elk River Municipal Utilities will begin tree trimming in the Elk River area the week of October 19. The work will be performed by ERMU’s approved contractor, Carr’s Tree Service, as part of our ongoing efforts to maintain safe, reliable electric service by keeping trees and vegetation clear of power lines.

As part of this routine maintenance, free wood chips may be available for delivery upon request within ERMU's service territory. For more information or to request a delivery, please contact customer service at 763.441.2020.

Learn more: ermumn.com/programs-rebates/safety/tree-trimming

Request for Bid - 4/0 Wire

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 20:00:44 GMT

PROJECT: 4/0 Wire Bid

Elk River Municipal Utilities, Elk River, Minnesota, will receive sealed bids until 2 :00 P.M. Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

PROPOSALS RECEIVED

Elk River Municipal Utilities, Elk River Minnesota, will receive sealed bids in duplicate until

2:00 p.m., Tuesday November 3, 2026, to furnish 41.250 LF 4/0 Primary of Electrical Wire as more fully described in the specifications. Bids will be opened and read at that time.

The Elk River Utilities Commission will consider and possibly award a contract at its next regular scheduled monthly meeting. Proposals should be addressed:

Mark Hanson, PE, General Manager

Elk River Municipal Utilities

13069 Orono Parkway

P.O. Box 430

Elk River, MN 55330-0430

and shall be endorsed: "Proposal for 4/0 Primary Electric Wire Bid".

BID BOND/ CERTIFIED CHECK

All bids must be submitted by the bidder on forms provided with the specifications and must be accompanied by a certified check/ surety bond from a company authorized to do business in the state of Minnesota made payable to Elk River Municipal Utilities, Elk River, Minnesota, in the amount of not less than five percent (5%) of the maximum bid, as a guarantee that if the bid is accepted, the bidder will comply and deliver in accordance with the specifications. Should any bidder whose bid has been accepted, fail to execute the contract and deliver satisfactory equipment / material it is understood and agreed that said check/ bond shall be forfeited as liquidated damages. Bids received after the time set for the opening of bids, will be returned to the bidder unopened. Certified checks/ bonds of the unsuccessful bidders will be returned immediately following the bid opening with the exception of the apparent low bidder and second apparent low bidder. These checks/ bonds will be held until the contract is executed and delivered to Elk River Municipal Utilities, at which time checks/ bonds will be returned.

LATE BIDS

Bids received after the time set for the opening of the bids will be returned to the bidder unopened.

REJECTION OF BIDS

The Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission reserves the right to reject any or all bids and waive all technicalities.

SPECIFICATIONS

Specifications are on file and may be inspected or obtained at the office of the Elk River Municipal Utilities, Elk River, Minnesota. There is no charge for specifications provided to prospective bidders.

ERMU 2026 4/0 Wire Bid Packet

Request for Bid - 1/0 Wire

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 20:00:15 GMT

PROJECT: 1/0 Wire Bid

Elk River Municipal Utilities, Elk River, Minnesota, will receive sealed bids until 2 :00 P.M. Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

PROPOSALS RECEIVED

Elk River Municipal Utilities, Elk River Minnesota, will receive sealed bids in duplicate until 2:00 p.m., Tuesday November 3, 2026, to furnish 68,750LF of 1/0 Primary Cable, as more fully described in the specifications. Bids will be opened and read at that time.

The Elk River Utilities Commission will consider and possibly award a contract at its next regular scheduled monthly meeting. Proposals should be addressed:

Mark Hanson, General Manager

Elk River Municipal Utilities

13069 Orono Parkway

P.O. Box 430

Elk River, MN 55330-0430

And shall be endorsed: “Proposal for 1/0 Primary Electric Wire Bid”

BID BOND/ CERTIFIED CHECK

LATE BIDS

Bids received after the time set for the opening of the bids will be returned to the bidder unopened.

REJECTION OF BIDS

Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission reserves the right to reject any or all bids and waive all technicalities.

SPECIFICATIONS

ERMU 2026 1/0 Wire Bid Packet

ERMU Ensures Safe Water with PFAS Testing

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 19:55:33 GMT

Elk River Municipal Utilities (ERMU) strives to provide quality and cost-effective utility services to its customers. As a part of that mission, ERMU routinely tests for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). ERMU has conducted PFAS testing in cooperation with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) in 2021 and 2025. We are pleased to report that all results showed no detection above MDH guidance levels.

Monitoring and Testing
Proactive testing protects the health of public water system customers and is the first step to reducing risk from PFAS exposure. As part of its mission, ERMU upholds standards with routine testing of our water quality to ensure services reflect the excellence, dependability, and expertise on which our customers rely.

The Minnesota Department of Health has been investigating the impacts of PFAS on groundwater since 2002 and conducts tests of community water systems. In 2021, the MDH began its Statewide PFAS Monitoring Project to evaluate whether PFAS levels across the state exceeded health guidelines. ERMU volunteered to participate in MDH’s 2021 PFAS testing. All sample results showed no detection above MDH guidance levels.

In 2025, the MDH conducted another round of statewide PFAS sampling. Once again, all ERMU sample results showed no detection above guidance levels. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, a person who drinks water that is at or below the guidance levels would experience little or no risk for health effects.

ERMU will continue to work with MDH to monitor and report PFAS levels in the system as we remain committed to the health and safety of our community. Contact us to learn more about PFAS or our high-quality water standards.

Additional Resources

MMPA Renewable Energy Portfolio

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 14:07:48 GMT

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

Utility Equipment: Who Owns What?

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 14:05:40 GMT

Have you ever wondered who owns what when it comes to your residential or commercial electric and water utility equipment? Knowing what is utility-owned vs. customer-owned is important for proper maintenance and repair. Simply click on the links below to learn more or contact ERMU’s customer service team at 763.441.2020 if you have additional questions.

Printable Residential Infrastructure Flyer

Printable Commercial Infrastructure Flyer

ERMU Named National Leader in Electric Reliability

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 14:02:12 GMT

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.