6.1.F ERMUSR 10-13-2020UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING
TO:FROM:
ERMU Commission Michelle Canterbury– Executive Administrative Manager
MEETING DATE: AGENDA ITEM NUMBER:
October 13, 20206.1f
SUBJECT:
Staff Update
ACTION REQUESTED:
None
DISCUSSION:
TheCurrent newsletter is the October bill insert. The fall edition focuses on topics such
as: an introduction to ERMU’s new general manager, the launch of the new website,
FAQ’s regarding theCold Weather Rule and COVID-19, energy assistanceagencies,
Public Power Week, and CustomerService Week.Attached is acopy of the newsletter.
Typically,when we publish our quarterly Current newsletter, we intentionally focus our
social media posts that month around topics that were covered in the newsletter. In
addition to the newsletter topics, other posts you may see in September and October
include: a successful blood drive hosted by ERMU’s Wellness Committee, types of
insulation for your home, National Drive Electric Week, and a series of posts and videos
highlighting Public Power Week and Customer Service Week. A notice will also be
posted regarding the October commission meeting date and change of meeting
location.
To highlight 2020 Public Power Week, our Communications Department produced three
outstanding videos that showcase the value and benefits of a community owned electric
utility. The first video provides a glimpse of the work that goes into providing high
quality and reliable electric service to the community. The second video points out the
dangers that lineworkers face each day on the job, and the safety training they receive
to help ensure that everyone goes home safely. And the final video focuses on ERMU’s
commitment to sustainable energy and contains footage from the installation of the
Minnesota Municipal Power Agencywind turbine at the Youth Athletic Complex. Below
are the video links for viewing.
The ERMU website overhaul initiative is in the final stages, keeping the Communications
Department very busy with reviewing the beta site in detail to determine any revisions
that need to be made before going live. Our tentative go-live date is scheduled for the
first week in November. Once the new site is up and running, staff will provide a
presentation and overview to the Commission.
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ATTACHMENTS:
Bill Insert – Current Newsletter Fall Edition
Video Link – Highway 10 Project
Video Link – Pole Top Rescue
Video Link – MMPA Wind Turbine Installation
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FALL 2020
THE CURRENT
ERMU Introduces
The Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
OUR
is pleased to announce the promotion of
MISSION
Theresa Slominski to General Manager.
To provide our customers
with safe, reliable, cost-
Ms. Slominski joined ERMU in 2004 as an
Accounts Payable & Payroll Specialist and
long-term electric and
has since been promoted to Finance &
water utility services.
2005, Administrations
To communicate and
Director in 2019, and now General Manager
educate our customers
in 2020. Theresa has a bachelor’s degree in
in the use of utility
services, programs,
policies and future plans.
“Theresa brings solid municipal utility
These products and
leadership experience and has the respect
services will be provided
of the Commission and her peers,” said Chair
in an environmentally
John Dietz. “The Commission has always felt
responsible manner.
strongly about promoting from within, and
church, and is a member of the Elk River Rotary Club. She is married and has two adult children.
OUR
When not working, Theresa enjoys spending time at the lake and attending hockey games.
VISION
Provide exceptional
services and value to
New Website Launching Soon
those we serve.
We can’t wait for customers to see the new ERMUMN.com! Over the last several months, we
have worked with a web design agency on carefully assessing the needs of our current website
to improve both usability and appearance. The goal was to make the new site work for you.
OUR
VALUES
The new site is also mobile responsive, so you
INTEGRITY
can get the full experience whether you access it
QUALITY
from your desktop, tablet, or phone.
COMMUNICATION
Communication is a core value for us at ERMU.
We look forward to improving communications
SAFETY
with those we serve.
COMPETITIVE
ERMUMN.COM | 763.441.2020 | 13069 ORONO PARKWAY | PO BOX 430 | ELK RIVER, MN 55330-0430
78
FALL 2020
THE CURRENT
ERMU FAQ: The Cold Weather Rule and COVID-19
The State of Minnesota established the Cold Weather Rule (CWR) to protect residential
19 pandemic,
PUBLIC POWER
Yes. Customers must make and keep a mutually
WEEK 2020
agreed upon payment plan with ERMU to
October 4-10 is nationally
avoid disconnection.
recognized as Public Power
Week, a time when ERMU likes
to help customers understand
what public power is and how it
Residential customers are eligible for CWR if
they meet the income guidelines and receive
some form of assistance.
As a municipal utility, we are
owned by those we serve and
governed by members of the
community. Every decision we
Individuals who meet income guidelines
make and action we take is
and already receive some form of assistance
directed by our mission, vision,
can complete and submit an Inability to Pay
and values.
Application, available on our website.
Be sure to follow us on social
media to see public power
in action!
Keeping open communication with ERMU
should circumstances change is the best way
to ensure a continuation of service.
can still contact ERMU to establish a mutually agreed upon payment plan.
We understand that many of our customers are facing a new set of challenges this year, so if
CUSTOMER SERVICE
WEEK 2020
Energy Assistance
highlights another crucial
There are several local organizations that may be able to support you
department at ERMU.
if you need energy assistance this winter season.
Each member of our service
888.765.5597
knowledgeable and thorough
support to the customers they
Sherburne County Emergency Assistance
763.765.4000
work with.
320.963.6500
We are looking forward to
sharing more about the great
Hennepin County Community Action
952.933.9639
work the Customer Service
Department does on
Salvation Army HeatShare
320.252.4552
social media.
763.441.1020
|
WE WELCOME YOUR QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS: ERMUMN.COM 763.441.2020
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