Featured News

Featured News & Announcements

Read Featured News stories and stay up to date with the most recent information from ERMU. 

A utility worker trims a tree branch near power lines from a bucket lift on a clear, sunny day.
October 20, 2026
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.
By Tony Mauren • October 12, 2026
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.
By Tony Mauren • October 12, 2026
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.
Man in a cap smiles while working on blue pipes with a water tap in a utility room.
October 9, 2026
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 Elk River Municipal Utilities Water Quality Reports Minnesota Department of Health - PFAS Information Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
Solar panels in a field with wind turbines, under a blue sky.
October 9, 2026
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
Stacked wooden blocks with house, water, and electricity icons above the text ‘Who Owns What?
October 9, 2026
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
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