6.1.F ERMUSR 5-12-2020UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING
TO:FROM:
ERMU Commission Michelle Canterbury– Executive Administrative Manager
MEETING DATE: AGENDA ITEM NUMBER:
May 12, 2020 6.1f
SUBJECT:
Staff Update
ACTION REQUESTED:
None
DISCUSSION:
Minnesota MunicipalUtilities Association (MMUA) will be holding their Annual Summer
Conference August 24-26 at Cragun’s Resort in Brainerd, Minnesota. Although MMUA is
still working on program details, they suggest making our room reservationsnow. In the
event we are still dealingwith COVID-19and MMUA has to cancel their conference,
Cragun’s will refund the room deposits.
The Current newsletter is one of the May bill inserts. The spring edition focuses on:
ERMU’s COVID-19 Response Plan, an introduction to a few of the members of our
response team, energy assistance program updates, secure utility bill payment options,
the recycle coach app, 811 call before you dig, and 2019 electric and water statistics. A
promotional flyer on the AC Tune-Up Program will also go out with the May bills. This
program offers ERMU electric customers the opportunity to receive a $60 bill credit for
having their AC unit tuned up by a professional HVAC contractor. Attached are copies of
the bill inserts.
Typically, when we publish our quarterly Current newsletter, we intentionally focus our
social media posts that month around the topics that were covered in the newsletter.
Given the timing of events, we already highlighted the COVID-19 related topics on our
website and social media throughout the months of March and April. Our May social
media posts will focus around other relevant topics such as: Drinking Water Week, the
2019 Water Quality Report, and six things you can do to avoid coronavirus scams.
Additionally, with all the spring cleaning and yard projects going on right now, we will
include posts on 811 call before you dig, the recycle coach app, and the AC tune-up
rebate.
The ERMU website overhaul initiative continues to progress as planned. We have now
moved into stage 3 of the web development process which is the programming stage.
As Prime Advertising & Design works through the programming stage, which typically
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213
takes betweenfive to eight weeks, ERMUstaffwill be working concurrently on some of
the requiredcopy/content for the new site.
ATTACHMENTS:
Bill Insert – Current Newsletter Spring Edition
Bill Insert – AC Tune-Up Program
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214
SPRING 2020
THE CURRENT
ERMU’s COVID-19 Response Plan
Since March 16, Elk River Municipal Utilities has been operating in safe mode to minimize risks for our
OUR
employees and community. Many things have changed at ERMU over the past weeks as a result of the
MISSION
COVID-19 pandemic, but new practices and adapted processes have helped ensure that the important
To provide our customers
things remain unchanged. In order to continue to provide safe and reliable electric and water service,
with safe, reliable, cost-
ERMU will be implementing the following measures until further notice:
Our buildings are closed to the public. You can still
perform most account services through SmartHub, by
phone through our customer service call center which is
available 24 hours a day at 763.441.2020, or by emailing
educate our customers
us at customerservice@ermumn.com.
All essential services will continue. We understand that
access to the services we provide is critical to the safety
and comfort of our customers. For that reason, we have
services will be provided
voluntarily suspended disconnections for non-payment,
and we will establish payment arrangements with
Non-emergency or non-essential direct contact with customers is suspended. Having already
implemented working remotely and staggered schedules, we will be postponing in-person meetings
with customers that do not serve an emergency or essential need.
OUR
As your community owned electric and water utility, we are proud to do our part, providing safe and
VISION
reliable utility services. Thank you for this opportunity to serve you. For the most up-to-date information
on ERMU’s response plan, we encourage our customers to visit our website.
Meet a Few of the Members of Our Response Team
OUR
VALUES
INTEGRITY
QUALITY
One of the best tools we have As part of ERMU’s electric
COMMUNICATION
for reducing the spread of public, serving the community department, Matt knows that
COVID-19 is clean water for is the basis of ERMU’s mission. today, reliable electric service
SAFETY
practicing good hygiene. Mike Rachelle and the customer means supporting access to
COMPETITIVE
and our water department are developing information,
focused on maintaining this schedules to be safe and distance learning, and home
crucial system. available to customers. safety and necessities.
ERMUMN.COM | 763.441.2020 | 13069 ORONO PARKWAY | PO BOX 430 | ELK RIVER, MN 55330-0430
215
SPRING 2020
THE CURRENT
ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM UPDATES
The Minnesota Energy Assistance Program is adapting its program to make their services available
to the increasing number of people who have become economically vulnerable due to the COVID-19
pandemic. To meet the growing need, the program has extended its deadline to July 1 and the
$600 to $1,200. The Department
RECYCLE COACH APP
of Commerce encourages anyone newly unemployed, households with young children, people with
disabilities, veterans, and seniors to apply for energy assistance.
Processing an application can take anywhere from one to
six weeks, depending on the number of applications received.
individuals who think they may need and qualify for the
program should do so as soon as they are able.
Sherburne County residents receive energy assistance
programming through Tri-County Action Programs, available
provides accurate disposal
online at tricap.org or by phone at 1.888.765.5597.
of household items, with
Secure Utility Bill
Online – Make one-time or recurring payments on our website through SmartHub.
recyclecoach.com/#demo
By Phone – Make payments 24/7 through our automated payment line at 1.855.730.8706.
By Mail – Send your payment and stub to Elk River Municipal Utilities, P.O. Box 430, Elk River, MN 55330.
Drop Box – Located at 13069
Automatic Bill Payment – Draft payments automatically each month from a checking or savings
account. Visit our website for more information.
ERMU also encourages customers to be aware of the fact that some individuals may seek to take
CALL BEFORE YOU DIG
advantage of the confusion created by current happenings. Any call that threatens disconnection
“unless immediate payment is received” is a scam. If you receive a call from someone seeking payment
your payment information; all phone payments are conducted through an automated line. If you are
811 is
WATER
2019
DEPARTMENT
DEPARTMENT
ERMU
325,981,176 kWh Water Sales 658,636,000 gallons
STATISTICS
72 MW
4,425,000 gallons
Electric Meters 12,244
5,256
611 119
()
81%
|
WE WELCOME YOUR QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS: ERMUMN.COM 763.441.2020
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