Update: RPU Says Customers can Resume Regular Electricity Use

Update: RPU says the emergency has been lifted and that customers can return to regular electricity use.

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) is encouraging its customers to reduce non-essential electricity use for the next 48 hours. 

See Also: Rochester Considers Adding Natural Gas Fee 

A news release issued by the utility provider Saturday evening says, “community-wide conservation during peak conditions helps reduce strain on the regional grid and can help prevent mandatory load shedding or outages.” 

Xcel Energy issued a similar request on Saturday.

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RPU Encourages Customers to Reduce Electrical Use

RPU is recommending customers, if possible, to avoid running large appliances, such as dishwashers, dryers and laundry machines, turn off unnecessary lights and electronics and to limit use of space heaters and other devices with large electronic loads. 

RPU says they are requesting voluntary electricity conservation at the behest of the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), which operates the regional electric grid that covers Rochester and much of the upper Midwest and parts of the south. 

Electricity Demand Runs High Amid Sub-Zero Temperatures and Major Winter Storm

MISO issued a “regional grid emergency alert” due to “high demand and reduced generation,” RPU says.  

The request for conservation comes as sub-zero temperatures continue blanketing Minnesota and surrounding states and as a winter storm pummels a majority of the southern states. 

“Reducing electricity use during this period helps support reliability across the region,” the RPU news release says. 

RPU says they will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed.